Taking the old Defender to a whole new level

Those who love Land Rover’s storied off-road SUV are in luck: The company has stepped up its game, reviving the Defender and giving it some much-needed on-road abilities. The result is a tough, capable machine that also looks good on the road, and is more than up to the task of taking on the wildest countryside you can find.

A new custom land rover defenders isn’t cheap, though. Even the base model comes with a long list of standard features, including active safety tech, a rearview camera and dual-zone climate control. Then there are the available off-road packs that add extra off-road capability, like an electronic active differential and all-terrain tires.

The custom car world is full of Land Rover Defender lovers, and there are plenty of companies that build the perfect Landie from scratch. Some are more renowned than others, but one of the longest-running resto shops is Osprey Custom Cars in North Carolina.

Unleashing Your Creativity: A Guide to Customizing Your Own Land Rover Defender

Osprey starts with a customer’s old Land Rover Series or Defender models, or other existing Land Rover Defenders, and then tear them down to the frame and rebuild them into their ideal vehicle. They can do all kinds of interior and exterior upgrades, as well as swapping out the engine.

ECO turns your classic Defender into an absolute one-of-a-kind beauty that demands to be driven, from redesigned interiors to a modern drivetrain.

For those who love the Defender but not the price tag, Osprey has an affordable option: The Defender 90. Starting at $140,000 for a basic soft-top short wheelbase Defender, this is a surprisingly beautiful truck. It has all the functionality you need for a comfortable family trip, but it still feels authentic and rugged.