Summary:
ECD Auto Design, the premier Land Rover restoration specialist, unveiled Project Island Girl—a bespoke LT1-powered vintage Defender 110. This vehicle merges British heritage with contemporary tech, featuring a Chawton White exterior, Brembo brakes, and a luxury tan/black leather interior with modern infotainment. Designed for affluent enthusiasts seeking exclusivity, it redefines classic vehicle utility for upscale leisure (e.g., golf outings). ECD’s craftsmanship signals growing demand for high-end restomod vehicles blending nostalgia with performance.
What This Means for You:
- Luxury Restomod Investment Potential: Vehicles like Project Island Girl appreciate due to rarity; consider customization as an alternative asset class.
- Practical Modernization: Integrate LT1 engines or Borla exhausts in classic builds for reliability without sacrificing vintage aesthetics.
- Lifestyle-Driven Design: Roof racks and 8-seat layouts enable adventure or sport-specific use cases—tailor your project accordingly.
- Market Warning: Rising restomod competition requires vetting builders for certifications like ECD’s OEM-grade facility.
Original Post:
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious
It’s a new kind of custom.
ECD Auto Design, renowned as the world’s leading bespoke Land Rover restoration company, has recently unveiled its latest masterpiece – Project Island Girl. This vintage Defender 110, powered by an LT1 engine, redefines luxury and elegance, perfectly blending classic charm with modern sophistication.
Tom Humble, CXO and co-founder of ECD, emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Project Island Girl showcases our unparalleled design and build process. As we venture into the next year, our excitement to realize client dreams continues to grow.”
The Project Island Girl is an epitome of luxury, designed to make a grand entrance at any country club. Its all-white exterior, adorned with All-Terrain tires and striking 18-inch Sawtooth wheels, eliminates the need for traditional golf carts. The vintage Defender boasts a full-sized roof rack, accessible via a ladder, offering ample space for golf clubs of all eight passengers. A striking contrast is provided by the fire-engine red Brembo brakes, adding a splash of color to the elegant white vehicle.
Inside, the Project Island Girl offers an unrivaled stylish experience. Passengers are greeted with premium tan leather Corbeau Trailcat seats, complemented by black leather accents, including a Puma dashboard and an extended center console. The interior is further enhanced with All American gauges and a NARDI Acorn steering wheel, marrying nostalgic British off-roading heritage with 21st-century amenities.
Music enthusiasts will be delighted with the state-of-the-art Premium Hertz Miele Sound System, featuring four woofers, four tweeters, and a subwoofer. Modern technological upgrades such as CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio connectivity are also included, ensuring a fully immersive audio experience.
ECD Auto Design extends an invitation to enthusiasts to explore the customization options for their own Land Rover Defender – 90, 110, 130, or Series IIA, Range Rover Classic, or Jaguar E-Type at ecdautodesign.com.
Project Island Girl Specifications:
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Brakes: High-performance Brembo in red
- Exhaust: Borla Stainless – Sport Dual
Exterior Highlights:
- Paint Color: Chawton White in Gloss
- Tires: BFGoodrich All Terrain
- Additional Features: Heritage style grille, classic bumper with DRLs and winch
Interior Features:
- Heated and Ventilated Front and Mid Row seats
- Premium leather upholstery with diamond-stitched Puma dash
Source: ECD Auto Design
Extra Information:
- Hagerty’s Defender Restomod Market Analysis – Examines valuation trends for customized Defenders.
- LT1 Engine Swap Guide – Technical insights for retrofitting modern GM engines into classics.
People Also Ask About:
- What is the price range for an ECD Defender restomod? Builds typically start at $200k+, varying with customization complexity.
- How does the LT1 enhance a vintage Defender? Delivers 460+ horsepower while maintaining OEM-style integration.
- Are restomod Defenders street-legal? ECD vehicles comply with U.S. EPA/DOT regulations under replica-vehicle exemptions.
- Can I retrofit a roof rack like Project Island Girl’s? Front Runner racks are bolt-on compatible with most Defender models.
Expert Opinion:
“Project Island Girl reflects the pinnacle of lifestyle-oriented restomods,” notes automotive historian Chris Davies. “ECD’s fusion of Brembo performance, Hertz acoustics, and Corbeau comfort creates a new archetype—proving heritage vehicles can rival modern luxury SUVs in both function and prestige.”
Key Terms:
- Luxury Land Rover Defender restomod
- LT1 engine-swapped vintage SUV
- Bespoke Defender 110 customization
- ECD Auto Design restoration process
- High-end restomod investment trends
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