The originals definitely would have.

Gone are the days when SUVs and off-road vehicles were considered second-class vehicles, only fit for farm work. Today, some of the world’s most prestigious auto manufacturers offer SUVs that are not only capable off-roaders, but also more comfortable than a five-star hotel. The Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan are a couple extreme examples. But for some, the rough-and-ready attitude of old-school SUVs is more appealing.

The folks at E.C.D. Automotive have always asked, ‘Why not both?’ The British company prides itself on reviving old Land Rovers, and it’s latest two cars, named ‘Project Blue Tide’ and ‘Project C2’ are an excellent showcase of what the classic Land Rover Defender can become with a bit of love and attention.

These two summer-ready Defender 110s feature soft-tops and are the perfect getaway vehicles for outdoor lovers and adventurers. Co-founder of E.C.D. Tom Humble explains the differences between the two projects: “Although both share the same base model and similar blue exteriors, these D110s represent wildly different approaches to the custom build process. Project C2 features a more classic restoration, keeping true to the traditional style while Project Blue Tide takes on a more ornate and modernized focus.”

Project C2 retains most of its stock parts, including the original TDI diesel engine and four-speed auto transmission, suspension setup, brakes and gauges. Project C2 is painted in Marine Blue and rolls on 16-inch WOLF steel wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. The interior features Avion Caramel Garrett leather seats and features JL Audio speakers and subwoofers, a Sony stereo with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth streaming and even blind-spot assistance.

Project Blue on the other hand features an LT4 V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a set of 18-inch Sawtooth silver wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. Project Blue Tide rolls on a set of E.C.D. Air Ride shocks.

The exterior features four Hella 500 series driving lights, a multi-point roll cage and NAS style roof rack. The interior has teak wood flooring with blue-tinted caulking, a custom Momo steering wheel, selected matte distressed leather upholstery, and tech gadgets such as a wireless phone charger, and Infinity Kappa speakers.

This is where old-school brawn meets luxury, and we’re all for it.

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^{Article Credit: Michael Butler
Full Article: https://carbuzz.com/news/these-restomod-land-rover-defenders-epitomize-old-school-cool}