ECD Automotive Design certainly knows its way around a vintage Land Rover Defender, but it appears the company is expanding its horizons by turning its attention to the Range Rover Classic. This 1995 model is amusingly called "Project Gibbles" and packs a punch with a GM LT1 V8 under the hood that will excel at powering this behemoth around town and on the freeway.
ECD's business has boomed ever since it opened its doors in 2013. Due to the increase in orders and sales, the company moved into a new, much larger production facility in Kissimmee, Florida, last year. Defenders are its bread and butter, but the company has started flirting with new models like the Tesla-powered Jaguar E-Type.
The company says this build was inspired by vintage Porsche restorations, aiming to preserve the car's classic British grandeur while imbuing it with modern-day amenities and technology.
"The team looks at every detail from the 1990s base model - which is not far from the original design released back in the 70s - and customizes every gauge needle, stitch pattern, and tailpipe to transform this offroading beauty into a modern daily driver," said Chief Experience Officer and Co-Founder Tom Humble.
Power wasn't mentioned, but Chevy's website states the LT1 crate engine produces 460 hp and 456 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for all your driving and towing needs. An eight-speed automatic sends the power to a four-wheel-drive system, while the car announces its arrival via a single stainless-steel Borla sport exhaust.
The car sits on ECD's Air Ride suspension, too. It's probably not current Range Rover comfortable, but likely well sorted.
Starting on the outside, the one-of-a-kind commissioned vehicle now sits on some beautiful 20-inch Kahn Mondial Retro wheels in Liquid Silver. Silver accents are found on the matching door handles, which perfectly pair with the SUV's dark, bluish paint: Mariana Black. The exterior is then finished with Bentley Brooklands-inspired wrap-around and modern headlights.
On the inside, it's wonderfully classic and simple. The seats are clad in rich tan leather with hand-sewn black piping on the edges. The tan and black colorway extends throughout the interior to almost everywhere you look. Leather and dark wood trim finish things out by wrapping around the dashboard.
A new Sony touchscreen is now prominently featured on the center stack above the early '90s gauges and clock and will make driving around much easier with an integrated backup camera. The car features a few nice new things like a wireless phone charger, four USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a new sound system.
Remarkably modern, but using things like the OEM steering wheel creates a beautiful contrast to all the new tech.