Osprey’s Latest Land Rover Defender Soft Top LS3 V8 Is Fit For Weekend Adventures

Sure, the new Land Rover Defender may be loaded with features and advanced technologies but it doesn’t have quite the small ‘cool factor’ as an older model. This particular Defender recently restored and modified by Osprey Custom Cars is especially desirable.

Osprey left no stone unturned when creating this Defender and started off by stripping down the off-roader and fitting a new galvanized chassis. The standard engine was then removed and replaced with a Corvette LS3 V8 coupled to a 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission. Drive is sent through a heavy-duty LT230 transfer case with a center differential lock and powering all four wheels. The engine delivers 435 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for a classic Defender like this.

Beyond the engine, Osprey has also fitted heavy-duty front and rear axles alongside Terrafirma Pro Sport shocks, Terrafirma shocks, Terrafirma caster-corrected front and cranked rear radius arms, a Terrafirma steering damper, and new track rod, and drag link. There is also a Griffin aluminum radiator, stainless steel oil cooler, fuel, and brake lines, and 16-inch matte black wheels wrapped in 285/75 Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT all-terrain tires.

Extensive work has also been done to the exterior of the vehicle. This includes the fitment of re-painted panels finished in Santorini Black, a new wire mesh grill, gloss black light surrounds, and black side intake vents with a gray mesh wire insert.

Various interior upgrades complete the build. These include a new dashboard with a double-DIN infotainment display with Bluetooth and wireless Apply CarPlay and Android Auto. The Defender also has navigation, an eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system, remote start, and new leather seats.

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