Defender

Make
Land Rover
Segment
SUV

There's an all-new Land Rover Defender due for imminent arrival, but you can't match the allure of the original - an off-roader that defined the class, conquered the Darien Gap and provided transport for militaries all across the world. The original has developed a cult following, and the tuner culture that has been established around it continues to grow, despite production having ended in 2016. You can get everything from a rugged off-roader to a city-slicker spec depending on who you approach to do the work, but now E.C.D. Automotive Design has brought us the most luxurious, most robust Defender yet. Meet Project Rowdy, the British Racing Green Defender 110 with a Corvette engine under the hood and a place for your shotgun in the picnic tray.

Built in Kissimmee, Florida, the Defender 110 that has been transformed into Project Rowdy benefits from a range of luxurious updates, as well as a handful of mechanical ones, to vastly improve performance both on and off-road. Under the hood lies a 6.2-liter LS3 engine from a C6-generation Chevrolet Corvette, paired to a six-speed manual transmission - a combination we've driven before and absolutely loved.

In standard guise, it produces 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, which itself would be something mighty in the Defender's body. Aiding stopping and handling, a set of Brembo brakes has been equipped all around, while an ECD Air Ride suspension system aids comfort on-road and ability off-road. In aid of the latter, the front bumper is an ECD Winch Bumper equipped with a Warn winch and LED daytime running lights, while a full external roll cage means Project Rowdy is ready to rough it in any terrain.

Conversely, the interior is ultra-luxurious, with Recaro Orthoped seats upholstered in Hand Tipped leather for a sense of opulence and comfort. It's been equipped with all the modern conveniences imaginable, including wireless device charging stations in both the front and rear of the cabin through an ECD extended center console, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, a front-facing camera to help with parking, heated blind spot mirrors, and refrigerated cupholders.

But the most unique aspect of Project Rowdy is the Thewlis Gregson Picnic Drawer built into the cargo area. It boasts cut-outs for all the wealthy picnic essentials like silverware, mugs, and cutlery, but it comes with a set of wine glasses and a space dedicated to housing your shotgun.