ECD Automotive Design is known to make one-off restorations of Land Rovers but with a modern twist. Its latest project dubbed the Project Fortuna, involves a 1972 Land Rover Series III - one of the forefathers of the Defender - marrying modern luxury and performance in an old-school package. The owner is a returning client of ECD, with the original vehicle transported all the way from Costa Rica.
On the outside, this customized Series III has been reborn with a Tuscan Blue Range Rover finish, complemented by a cream roof and wheels that revive its classic charm. The original roof rack and ladder from the '70s have been refurbished by ECD's craftsmen, while the iconic swing-away tire carrier at the back retains the base vehicle's character.
Project Fortuna features a manual "Eight Ball" shifter in true homage to the original design. Based on the client's requests, the eye-catching exterior is mirrored in the custom Raptor lined flooring, color-matched to the Tuscan Blue shade. The front bench seating and four jump seats at the back are wrapped in tan leather. The cabin comes alive with a top-spec Sony Premium stereo system and a Kenwood subwoofer. There are USB ports, as well, along with Bluetooth capability.
While some ECD restorations involve electric powertrain transplants, Project Fortuna comes with an LS3 engine under its hood. The V8 mill came from a Chevrolet Corvette C6, making 430 horsepower in this application. The axles and suspension are kept stock, but the rubber has been upgraded to a set of BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires that wrap the Cornish Cream rims.
Other improvements on this one-of-one build include Land Rover disc brakes and a Borla sport single-pipe exhaust with a Flowmaster muffler.
ECD Auto Design didn't disclose the overall cost for Project Fortuna. A similar project from a few years back was priced at $180,000, so we're not expecting anything below that price range. The client took delivery of the vehicle in a new home in Florida, which comes with old-fashioned brick roads - a perfect setting for this vintage-looking Land Rover.