Engine Swaps - Defender Parts Co.

Say hello to the only Land Rover Defender of its kind, painted in a bright shade of Verde Mantis lifted directly from Lamborghini’s palette.

This particular Defender spend the first 25 years of its life as a work vehicle in the UK before it was sent to E.C.D Automotive Design for a comprehensive overhaul. We have no idea how much the overhaul cost but it obviously wasn’t cheap.

E.C.D Automotive Design started its work by overhauling the Defender’s powertrain. Gone is the standard engine and in its place sits a GM-sourced 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated LT1 V8 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is good for 450 hp and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque and sends the off-roader to 60 mph (96 km/h) in a respectable six seconds. Complementing the new engine are strengthened axles, adjustable air ride suspension, Brembo brakes, and a Borla stainless steel exhaust.

As for the exterior, it doesn’t just have a Verde Mantis finish but has a matte version of the striking paint color. Contrasting the green is a black convertible roof. The tuner has also slotted on a set of Kahn wheels, a classic Land Rover grille, a front bumper with LED daytime running lights, and a new rear bumper. There is also a multi-point roll cage, swing away wheel carrier, and full-length side steps.

The interior has also been overhauled so the off-roader now has a 2+2+2 layout. Found in both the front and second rows are desirable heated Recaro Cross Sportster CS seats clad in white leather. The Defender also sports white leather across the dashboard, door panels, and transmission tunnel. Black rubber mats are also found throughout, as is a Nardi Challenge steering wheel, new gauges, a Sony infotainment system, Infinity Kappa speakers, and tech features such as Bluetooth, WiFi, reversing sensors, front and rear cameras, blindspot assistant, and wireless charging.