Reimagining a classic Landy—whether that means more power, more luxury or even an EV conversion—has become a cottage industry all its own, with restomod outfits operating around the globe and seemingly more popping up every day. Thinking of one for yourself but don’t know where to start? Here, a guide to the names you need to know.
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Twisted North America
Image Credit: Courtesy of Twisted North America Known For: High-performance V-8 and electric-powered Defender rebuilds
Model Name: NA-V8 110
Price: $330,000
Donor Vehicle: Defender 110 (for registration)
Engine: 6.2-liter GM LT1 V-8
Power: 525 hp
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Notable Features: A 22-year-old mainstay in the UK, Twisted has expanded stateside and features a design center in Austin, Tex., and a production facility in Elizabeth, N.J. Its 90, 110 and 130 models are constructed and tuned using proprietary technology that involves hundreds of hours of testing, which is why these hot-rodded trucks drive remarkably well for their bulk. EV aficionados will find even more poke in Twisted’s electrified models, which produce up to 900 hp and run upwards of $370,000.
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Coolnvintage
Image Credit: Courtesy of Coolnvintage Known For: Aesthetically authentic reinterpretations of Land Rover Series trucks
Model Name: Build 115
Price: $120,000
Donor Vehicle: 1979 Series 3
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
Power: 100 hp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Notable Features: Coolnvintage, out of Lisbon, Portugal, honors the minimalist design of early Land Rovers while incorporating subtle, high-quality details such as leather dashboards and Marshall sound systems. Despite the niceties, these tony trucks are stout enough to handle serious overlanding when called upon thanks to reinforced suspensions, upgraded disc brakes and heavy-duty gearboxes.
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Everrati Automotive Ltd.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Everrati Automotive Ltd. Known For: Electrifying iconic models including the Ford GT40 and Porsche 911
Model Name: Electric Land Rover Series IIA by Everrati
Price: From $200,000
Donor Vehicle: Series IIA
Engine: Engiro electric motor
Power: 150 hp
Transmission: Direct drive with high/low range
Notable Features: Everrati’s modern take on the Series IIA starts like any other, beginning with a fully restored and galvanized chassis followed by the addition of power steering and air-conditioning. But the restoration house, set in the English town of Bicester, rounds out the build with an electric drivetrain fed by a 60 kwh battery that can produce up to 150 miles of range, while standard CCS fast charging can boost the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in 40 minutes.
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Himalaya
Image Credit: Tim Miller/Courtesy of Himalaya Known For: Dynamically enhanced takes on classic Defenders
Model Name: El Diablo
Price: $350,000
Donor Vehicle: Defender 130
Engine: Supercharged Chevy LT4 6.2-liter V-8
Power: 650 hp
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Notable Features: Based in Hollywood, S.C., Himalaya cut its teeth creating custom Defenders but has recently branched out into earlier-series trucks upgraded with modern suspensions and beefier drivetrains. Its high-powered offerings are available in three build levels, all of which combine punchier performance with modern amenities. In the El Diablo, these include heated seats, a touchscreen display, a backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity.
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E.C.D. Automotive Design
Image Credit: Courtesy of E.C.D. Automotive Design Known For: Unique Land Rovers built to client spec
Model Name: Project Britton
Price: $289,000
Donor Vehicle: Defender 110
Engine: Tesla direct drivetrain
Power: 100 kwh battery pack plus 450 hp motor
Transmission: Direct drive
Notable Features: Located in Kissimmee, Fla., E.C.D. Automotive Design made its name building custom Defenders and Range Rover Classics before adding battery-powered projects in 2021. Its Defender 110 EV combines a Tesla power train with air suspension and brakes, perfect for city drivers seeking a plush alternative to mainstream SUVs.
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Arkonik Ltd.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Arkonik Known For: Period-correct Defender restorations
Model Name: Arkonik Ltd.
Price: $210,000
Donor Vehicle: Defender 110
Engine: 3.5-liter V-8
Power: 180 hp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Notable Features: A veteran Defender-restoration outfit with 16 years of experience, Arkonik claims over 400 examples delivered globally from its headquarters in Mells, roughly a two-hour drive from London. Long associated with faithful reproductions using stock Land Rover engines, Arkonik has recently added powerful Chevy small-block LS V-8 engines to its repertoire.
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Osprey Custom Cars
Image Credit: Kelly Edwards/Courtesy of Osprey Custom Cars Known For: One-off Defenders, as well as Ford Broncos and Toyota FJ models
Model Name: Defender 90
Price: $169,950
Donor Vehicle: Defender 90
Engine: Chevy LS3 6.2-liter V-8 POWER: 430 hp
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Notable Features: Founded in 2009, Osprey is known for both Defender restorations and replica constructions. One-of-a-kind builds have incorporated everything from antique flooring and artisanal inlays to custom-engraved exteriors; founder Aaron Richardet has even overseen the installation of secret firearm safes with biometric scanners.
