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Custom 1988 Land Rover Defender Is a ‘Vette at Heart, Embraces the Muscle Truck Life

Definitely not the type of ride you’d expect to find at the mall, it has had its pictures taken in the great outdoors, further emphasizing its go-anywhere nature. If you have to know, it is indeed offered for sale, and it is not affordable by any means. But more on that in a few moments, as first we have to hypothetically dip our fingers into the stuff that makes it great.

Born in 1988, as a Land Rover Defender 130, and fully restored, and upgraded by Osprey, it looks pretty much like a military vehicle converted for road use. It is finished in Corris Gray Metallic, with matching roof and wheel arches, and has satin black powder-coated exoskeleton. The latter part protects the body whenever the driver decides to take a shortcut through the woods, and keeps the occupants safe in case it goes belly up. The extra lights turn night into day at the push of a button.

Getting it out of sticky and/or slippery situations is a winch mounted at the front. The truck has powder-coated hinges, and rides on 20-inch wheels, signed by Kahn, shod in 275/60 all-terrain tires. The suspension came from the aftermarket world, with heavy-duty Terrafirma shocks, 2-inch lift kit, and Puma-spec front and rear axles. Stopping power is provided by the disc brakes, and instead of rocking the original power unit under that classic hood, it has received something else entirely.

According to the tuner behind this head-turning project, the 6.2-liter LS3 V8, otherwise sourced from a Chevrolet Corvette, and hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, makes over 435 horsepower, and more than 445 pound-feet (603 Nm) of torque. Everything is obviously channeled to the four-wheel drive system. This Defender also features a heavy-duty transfer case with center locking differential, and many more goodies that help improve its credentials once it leaves the tarmac.

Taking a look inside reveals lots of leather, with diamond stitching, wrapped around the seats, and door cards, and Alcantara headlining. Hosting two aluminum cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and two USB ports, the center console is custom, and wrapped in leather. Heated front seats, aftermarket infotainment system linked to a premium audio signed by Rockford Fosgate, Bluetooth, DVD playback, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, reversing camera, and more are included too. It also has air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and remote engine start. Heavy-duty rubber floor mats protect the Raptor-lined interior.

In addition to the aforementioned gear, this spectacular (for anyone who’s into off-roading) build sports many other upgrades, most of which have been mentioned by the vendor in the ad. Speaking of it, you can find the link here, but don’t click on it yet, as we still have to tell you how much it costs. So, think you can guess the number? Unless you said almost $200,000, or $199,950 to be more precise, you were wrong, because that is the asking price of this heavily-modified Defender 130 Pickup.

Sure, for much less than that, one could get something much more modern, and luxurious, that could still take you off the beaten path every now and then with minimal modifications (ahem, G-Wagen, ahem). Nonetheless, in order to turn it into a veritable off-roading brute that is capable of taking on almost everything Mother Nature could throw at it, the owner would have to spend more Benjamins. How much would you be willing to blow on this Defender, if you were in the market for such a machine?

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Article Credit: Cristian Gnaticov
Full Articles:https://www.autoevolution.com/news/custom-1988-land-rover-defender-is-a-vette-at-heart-embraces-the-muscle-truck-life-192604.html#





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The Land Rover Defender

If you’re a car enthusiast, then you know about the Land Rover Defender 90, 110, and 130. These cars were produced from 1983 to 2016 and had a loyal following all over the world. They were known for their durability and off-road capabilities, and many people consider them to be some of the best off-road vehicles ever made.

The Land Rover Defender is a British four-wheel drive off-road vehicle developed in the 1980s from the original Land Rover Series.

The Land Rover Defender was originally conceived as a simple, rugged workhorse that could tackle any terrain. But over time, it has become much more than that. It has become an icon of British engineering and a beloved vehicle all over the world.

The Land Rover Defender is truly one of a kind, and its history is just as unique as the vehicle itself. These vehicles were known for their unrivaled off-road capability and soon became a staple of British culture. Land Rover Defenders can be seen in all corners of the world, from the African savannah to the streets of London.

Their ruggedness had earned them a reputation as being virtually indestructible, and they quickly became a favorite of farmers, explorers, and anyone who needed a reliable and tough vehicle.

The Defender Series


The Land Rover Defender 110 was the first model that was produced. It was a three-door SUV that had a wheelbase of 93 inches. The Defender 110 was the next model that was produced. It was a five-door SUV with a wheelbase of 110 inches The Defender 130 was the last model that was produced. It was a seven-door SUV with a wheelbase of 127 inches, thus originally named the Defender 127.

All three models have a four-wheel drive and a manual transmission. They were all powered by gasoline engines, but diesel engines were also available on some models.

Some noticeable upgrades distinguished the newer Defender 90 and Defender 110 models from the older Series III. The most important of them all is the coil springs upgrade which made it possible for the new models to tackle even rougher terrain. A four-wheel drive with a more powerful engine was also one of the necessary upgrades. The interior had also received a more modernized look.

These two models would form the basis of the Defender lineup for the next decade.

The 110


The Land Rover Defender 110 is a classic car that was manufactured by Land Rover from 1983 until 1997. It was a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts and farmers, and it became known for its durability and reliability.

The Land Rover Defender 110 is a classic car that is still sought after by collectors and drivers who appreciate its unique style and capabilities. If you’re lucky enough to find one for sale, be prepared to pay a premium!

The Defender 90


The Land Rover Defender 90 is a compact off-roader that was introduced in early 1984. It is based on Defender 110, which was first launched a year prior. The Defender 90 is one of the most popular models in the Land Rover range and has been produced in a number of different versions over the years.

The 1984 Defender 90 featured a 2.5-liter diesel engine that produced 68 HP.

The Defender 90 is available in a number of different body styles, including a three-door short-wheelbase version, a five-door long-wheelbase version, and a four-door station wagon. A number of special editions have been produced over the years, including the Heritage Edition, which was launched in 2012 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Land Rover Series.

Even though the Defender series was and still is beloved by the off-road crowd, it was originally marketed as a family vehicle. These older models are still sought after by collectors and drivers who appreciate their unique style and capabilities.

The Defender 130


In 1983 Land Rover introduced another wheelbase to their lineup: the 127-inch wheelbase. Land Rover unveiled the Defender 130, originally named the 110 cab-crew, a stretched version of the Defender 110 with an extra row of seats.

This model was meant to take over the work, which the 110 just couldn’t handle. It was meant to be used by utility companies and the military. The 130 at first suffered from a lack of power due to the smaller sized engines; however, since 1990, it is only available with the two highest power Land Rover engines, the 134 hp (100 kW) 3.5-litre V8 petrol and the 85 hp (63 kW) 2.5-liter turbo diesel.

Conclusion


Throughout the years, the Land Rover Defender has undergone many changes. But one thing has remained constant: its ability to tackle any terrain. The Land Rover Defender is as iconic as it is popular, with a long and rich history that has made it beloved by many.




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Move Over, Everyone, It’s Time for the LR Defender V8 and RR Sport SVR to Go Drag Racing

Here’s a question that not many petrolheads will ask: which one is quicker in a straight-line sprint between the Land Rover Defender V8 and its more luxurious cousin, the Range Rover Sport SVR?

Bet you haven’t thought about it, and if we are wrong, then you have come to the right place, as you are about to see the two fast SUVs engage in a couple of direct fights, in the hands of Sam CarLegion on YouTube. The video was uploaded a day ago, so the family feud likely took place recently.

Which one holds the upper ground in terms of power and straight-line performance? Well, the balance slightly tilts in favor of the Range Rover Sport SVR, which is more powerful, and a bit more agile to 62 mph (100 kph). In fact, hitting that mark takes 4.5 seconds, almost a second faster than the more rugged model.

Both of them pack the same engine, which is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, in case you forgot. In the Defender V8, it pumps out 511 brake horsepower and 461 pound-feet (625 Nm) of torque, and in the SVR, it develops 567 bhp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). The two punchy SUVs use an eight-speed automatic transmission and have four-wheel drive, for faster takeoffs and enhanced traction when needed. Flat-out, the SVR can do up to 174 mph (280 kph), whereas the Defender will run out of breath at 149 mph (240 kph).

Having seen what the official spec sheets say, do you actually think the Defender V8 has what it takes in order to beat the Range Rover Sport SVR in a straight line? The video that you are about to watch answers this question, as the guys behind it have subjected the two high-riders to a couple of races, both from a standing and a rolling start. That said, you know the drill.

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Article Credit: Cristian Gnaticov
Full Articles: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/move-over-everyone-it-s-time-for-the-lr-defender-v8-and-rr-sport-svr-to-go-drag-racing-191137.html#




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The Defender 130: Land Rover’s New Adventure-Ready People Hauler

Land Rover revitalized the storied Defender marque in 2020, and these new and capable vehicles have been met with largely rave reviews and acclaim from the automotive industry. The Defender 90 featured retro-inspired looks and a compact size with only three doors, while the 110 has filled the role of the traditional, full-sized SUV in the lineup. From the streets to the outback, the new offerings have quickly shown that they are worthy of carrying the legendary Defender name.

Now, Land Rover has announced that their new family of Defenders is getting just a bit bigger, with the introduction of the new Defender 130.

On The Inside

The largest member of the Defender family, the 130 keeps the familiar aesthetics of the 90 and the 110, but now offers seating for up to eight via a third row of seats. This extra capacity comes without a change in wheelbase from its smaller siblings; while the Defender 130 is well over a foot longer than the 110, they simply stretched the body and extended the rear overhang to maximize interior space for both passengers and cargo. Third-row seats don’t always have the best reputation for comfort, but Land Rover has gone out of their way to ensure a plush experience for those in the very back. Standard equipment includes USB charging ports and cup holders, and the large seats feature armrests as well. With the third row folded down, you have a spacious 77.5 cubic feet of storage available for your bags, groceries, and camping supplies.

Of course, there’s plenty more to talk about than just the third row. Land Rover has put quite a bit of energy into making the interior of the new Defender as sumptuous as it can. Prospective buyers can choose from a wide array of high-quality leathers which are accented throughout the cabin by rich wood veneers and chrome trim. The center console also sports a curved 11.4” touch screen for easy navigation as standard. Look up and you’ll find a panoramic sunroof on every vehicle, as well as multi-zone climate control.

The Defender has radically changed from its humble and utilitarian origins many decades ago, and the new Defender 130 now gives eight people a chance to see the world from a new lap of luxury.

Under the Hood

There’s just a tiny bit of bad news for those planning to make use of the 8,200-pound towing capacity of the new Defender 130 – there’s no V8 available. Given the tremendous size of the vehicle, especially when loaded down with eight passengers, their luggage, and maybe a pair of jet skis, giving customers the option of a higher-output V8 would have made a fair bit of sense. That said, V8s are largely falling by the wayside in this era of fuel economy standards, turbochargers, and stellar 8-speed-and-up transmissions. The Defender 130 will be powered by two “mild hybrid” six-cylinder options. The best choice for most commuters will probably be the P300 motor, which has start-stop capabilities, and also some basic energy harvesting abilities on deceleration with 296 horsepower and 347 lb-ft. of torque. The other inline six on offer, the P400, is more powerful and makes 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. Both are turbocharged and displace 3.0 liters. The eight-speed transmission behind either of these will help make up for the absence of the V8, and the Defender 130 will likely be a great highway cruiser as well. Official fuel economy statistics aren’t out as of press time, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see highway MPGs in the mid-20s if Land Rover did a good job with the gearing.

The Defender 130 still looks to be a decent performer off-road despite its somewhat bloated appearance. The large rear overhang has been subtly carved away to maintain a 28.5 degree departure angle, down from the 40 degrees that the 110 and 90 boast. Although the loss of departure angle is a little disappointing for serious off-roaders, it’s highly unlikely that most of these trucks will ever see any extreme rock crawling. Still, with the standard air suspension and extra ground clearance over its more svelte, city-dwelling competitors, the Defender 130 should make a great mild overlander, perfect for a weekend cruising down Pismo Beach or hitting some gravel roads on the way to a favorite family camping spot.

Odds & Ends

There’s a few other sundry things that those looking into the new 130 might want to take note of, and a few things that also might get lost in some of the commotion around the more exciting features. A new color, Sedona Red, will make its way solely to this model. If that’s not exclusive enough for you, you might want to take a look at a First Edition; this “carefully curated” model will be available in three different colors and with a wide variety of options. LED headlights come standard on all trim levels, as well.

We all love our quirks and features, and here’s one of the coolest – the Defender 130 will also feature “Cabin Air Purification Plus” technology. Events of the past several years aside, this should be a great quality-of-life improvement for anyone who plans on spending a lot of time in their new Defender – sitting in traffic on the Beltway, or driving through a flash dust storm out West.

Concluding Thoughts

While they have always been incredibly capable vehicles, Land Rovers (and especially old ones) did have a reputation among enthusiasts for being a little… finicky. Over the past few years, Land Rover seems to have made it a priority to improve their build quality and reliability across their lineup, and the Defender 130 looks like the high point of those efforts so far. It offers the luxury touches and fit-and-finish that buyers spending $68,000 on a new vehicle will want, along with enough off-road capability to make it adventure ready for nearly every type of terrain. The new Land Rover Defender 130 checks a lot of boxes and is definitely near the top of the heap for those looking for a do-everything people hauler.




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The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130

Land Rover has long been one of the most capable and respected manufacturers of off-road and overland transportation. The new 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 is no exception to this and solidly carries on the tradition of being an elegant yet rugged all-terrain solution. We’re going to take a look at what the

Beautiful Inside & Out

The 2023 Defender 130 is set to be as beautiful as it is functional. There are gorgeous interior aesthetic options, along with the latest tech upgrades. The 11.4” Pivi Pro touchscreen includes full integration with the GPS platform “what3words,” which helps to provide the most precise navigation and positioning data possible by giving the driver accurate navigation down to a specific 3m2 square anywhere on the planet. There’s also a customizable three-panel dashboard that can be tailored to the driver’s needs and preferences.

The exterior has been lengthened by more than 13 inches and now has the ability to provide full 2+3+3 adult seating. To enhance the all-terrain functionality, the body has considerable approach and departure angles. The significant cargo area inside is only enhanced with the addition of standard roof rails, and the 20-inch alloy wheels give the whole rig substantial ground clearance.

Mods & Upgrades To Consider Before You Leave The Pavement

If you’re a Land Rover fan, you’ve probably already read about all the bells and whistles that are going to come with the new Defender 130, but there is so much more you can do to customize your ride than the packages that the factory can install.

Skid Plates

Skid plates are one of the essential mods to consider for your Land Rover Defender 130. They are armored plates that protect the various portions of your undercarriage that are susceptible to damage from debris or scraping on approach or departure.

While the 2023 Defender does come with skid plates, aftermarket plates are going to be more robust and made from thicker plating to give you better protection. If you order one of the exterior upgrade packages, the factory plates will also be chrome, which, while they are attractive, aren’t highly functional.

Bumper & Brush Bars

Heavy-duty bumpers and brush bars are some of the best protection you can get for going through rough terrain where brush or small trees may be rubbing on your new Defender. They will help push the vegetation, scrub, and brush out of the way, as well as give you increased strength and functionality.

While your bars will help protect your Land Rover, they’ll also be a crucial point of attachment for other aftermarket upgrades. Your bars will be a great place to put auxiliary lighting, as well as a place to mount a winch to help with self-recovery if you get stuck on your adventures.

Auxiliary Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest and most overlooked mods or upgrades you can do to your all-terrain rig. They’ll help you accurately navigate the trail so that you can more effectively traverse the terrain while avoiding potential hazards. They can help you determine the height of rocks you may need to crawl and help you figure out if you’ll need to hit that next hole or miss it to avoid rubbing or high-centering.

A Winch

If you ever plan to go wheeling off-road in either mud, sand, or significantly rocky terrain while alone, a winch is a must-have mod. A properly-installed winch will allow you to perform self-recovery and pull yourself out of just about any sticky situation.

Be sure your winch is rated for the full weight of your vehicle, as well as the added weight of all equipment, mods, and passengers it contains, and a generous percentage beyond that. Other things you’ll need with a winch are going to be a winch line, which can be steel or synthetic, and a fairlead. You may also want to upgrade your alternator or install a second battery to keep that winch fed while it gets you out of the muck.

More Juice

A second battery is always a great idea on any off-road or all-terrain vehicle. Not only will you probably have a winch that will tax your electrical system, but if you have additional auxiliary LED lighting like flood lights or spotlights, those will also need some substantial juice to stay operational.

A single battery may be enough, but you may find that running several accessories may cause your system to struggle to keep up. It can also be a lifesaver if you kill your primary battery while the Defender is off and you need to start up, giving you a way to get home when you may otherwise need a jump.

Spare Tire Rack

All-terrain adventures often involve traversing rocks, and those rocks can be deceptively sharp. Having your full-size spare on a rack can keep you able to swap out tires in the event of a puncture that can’t be patched on the trail. The rack itself will help keep that spare out of the way of trail rubbing, so it’ll be safe until you need it.

Snorkel Kit


For those that really want to give their Defender a chance for unbelievable adventures, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a snorkel kit installed. A snorkel will make sure that if you need to cross a creek or shallow river, your engine’s air intake is well above the waterline.

Even if you don’t plan on having to cross significant water, you may be on an outing and have a flash flood that cuts you off from your route, and that snorkel can be the difference between getting stuck and getting home.

Air Down & Rev Up


Now that we’ve covered what you can do with your 2023 Land Rover Defender 130, you should be ready to spend a little time wrenching on it before you really tackle some terrain. With that in mind, it’s time to get geared for the trail. Air down a little, then rev up and hit the road to put your new Defender through its paces.

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