Some cars are time machines. You open the door, inhale that “old truck” perfume (part leather, part adventure, part
somebody definitely spilled coffee here in 1996), and suddenly you’re mentally wearing a waxed jacket and
arguing about winches.
E.C.D. Automotive Design (often shortened to ECD) has built a reputation around taking iconic classicsespecially
the Land Rover Defenderand rebuilding them into one-off, modernized “restomods” that keep the soul but lose a lot of
the daily-driver headaches. If you’ve ever wanted a Defender that feels like a legend but behaves like something you
can actually drive to dinner without packing a tool roll and a prayer, this is the lane ECD lives in.
What is E.C.D. Automotive Design?
ECD is a Florida-based custom builder known for ground-up restorations and bespoke builds. The company originally
operated under the name East Coast Defender before rebranding to E.C.D. Automotive Designsignaling a broader focus
than Defenders alone. Today, the brand’s orbit includes Defender builds (90/110/130 styles), Range Rover classics,
and even show-stopping reimaginings like Jaguar E-Type restomods and, more recently, a move into classic American
muscle with Mustang-based projects.
The big idea is simple: start with a beloved classic shape, then rebuild and re-engineer it so it can handle modern
expectationspower, comfort, braking, reliability, infotainment, and “my spouse refuses to ride in something without
air conditioning” reality.
Why the Defender is basically a blank canvas on wheels
The original Defender silhouette is instantly recognizable: upright stance, flat panels, exposed utilitarian charm.
It’s also famously… honest. Honest steering. Honest wind noise. Honest “yes, that is a rattle, and no, we will not
be taking questions.”
That honesty is why the Defender works so well as a restomod platform. You can preserve the character while upgrading
the parts that make modern drivers quietly Google “how much does towing cost per mile.” Done right, a restomod
Defender can feel like the Defender you rememberonly with the confidence of modern hardware underneath.
ECD’s build philosophy: restore the icon, modernize the experience
ECD positions its builds as more than cosmetic refreshes. The goal is a comprehensive rebuild that blends classic
styling with updated systemspowertrains, braking, suspension, electrical, and interior comfortdepending on the
client’s vision.
1) It starts with a donor (and a plan)
Most builds begin with a donor vehicle or a sourced shell/chassis, then move into a structured process. Think less
“weekend wrenching” and more “full-scale, staged craftsmanship.” This matters because the best-looking restomod in
the world still isn’t fun if it drives like a shopping cart with feelings.
2) Chassis, corrosion, and the unglamorous stuff that actually matters
A proper rebuild means confronting the reality that old trucks have lived full lives: moisture, salt, sun, and time.
Addressing corrosion, structural integrity, and fitment is the difference between a showpiece and something you can
depend on.
This is also where quality becomes visible in the details: panel alignment, clean body gaps, paint finish, and
hardware that doesn’t feel like it was sourced from a drawer labeled “misc.”
3) Powertrain choices: from V8 thunder to electric torque
ECD builds span a wide spectrumfrom traditional internal-combustion setups (including V8 options) to electrified
projects. The point isn’t to push one “right” configuration; it’s to match the drivetrain to how the owner will use
the vehicle.
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Modern V8 swaps can transform a Defender’s personalityespecially for owners who want effortless
highway merges, towing confidence, or just the joy of hearing an engine that sounds like it eats spreadsheets for
breakfast. -
Diesel-forward, heritage-style builds cater to drivers who want something closer to the original
Defender feelmore analog, more classic, more “this belongs on a trail map.” -
Electric conversions offer immediate torque, quiet cruising, and a uniquely modern take on an old
shapean “EV in a vintage jacket” vibe that’s either your dream or your villain origin story, depending on how
you feel about tradition.
4) Brakes, suspension, and steering: the adult decisions
Here’s the unsexy truth: the most meaningful upgrades aren’t always the ones your friends notice in the driveway.
Suspension tuning, steering feel, and braking confidence decide whether a restomod feels premium or merely expensive.
Many ECD builds lean into upgraded components (often including modern braking packages and suspension solutions).
The goal is a truck that can cruise, stop, and behave like something designed after people invented decent highways.
5) Interior: where “utility” meets “I’d like to enjoy my spine”
If the exterior is about heritage, the cabin is about livability. ECD’s interior approach typically offers a deep
menu of choicesseating layouts, upholstery materials, trim, gauges, audio, and modern conveniences that make a
classic feel less like a dare.
This is where the bespoke nature really shows. A build can lean rugged and minimal, or it can go full luxury with
premium leather, custom stitching, upgraded sound, and modern screenswithout turning the cabin into a gadget store.
Product lines and the “choose your own adventure” menu
Custom Defenders (D90 / D110 / D130 style builds)
The headline act is still the Defender. ECD’s Defender work ranges from classic-inspired builds to aggressively
modernized commissions. You’ll see everything from subtle heritage palettes and period-correct touches to wild
spec sheets that read like a wish list someone wrote after drinking espresso and watching off-road videos for five
hours straight.
Example-style builds often include distinct “projects” that highlight different philosophiessome stealthy and
modern, others bright and coastal, others intentionally old-school.
Heritage / Classic-forward builds
Not every buyer wants a Defender that can out-drag a sports sedan. Some want the Defender experience as it was meant
to bejust executed with more rigor, better finishing, and thoughtful restoration.
ECD has highlighted product lines aimed at authenticity: builds that emphasize original-style drivetrains and classic
feel, with optional upgrades that don’t erase the vehicle’s character. It’s the difference between “modern hot-rod
Defender” and “Defender, but make it carefully restored and consistently tight.”
Electric Defender builds
ECD’s EV approach has attracted attention because it flips the classic experience: the Defender shape remains
unapologetically boxy and iconic, while the driving feel becomes instant-torque smooth. For many owners, the appeal
is “classic look, modern daily driver,” especially if the vehicle will spend a lot of time in town or on short,
frequent trips.
Pricing for electric builds can sit in a premium bracket, reflecting both the complexity of the conversion and the
level of bespoke craftsmanship involved.
Range Rover classics and other British icons
While Defenders are the brand’s signature, ECD’s broader identity is custom restoration and modernization of classic
SUVsoften with luxury-grade interiors and performance-forward choices. If you want the vibe of a classic Range Rover
but prefer your daily drive to involve fewer “character-building moments,” this category is part of the appeal.
Jaguar E-Type restomods
Moving from rugged utility to one of the most iconic sports-car shapes ever made is a bold shiftyet it makes sense
in restomod culture. The Jaguar E-Type has timeless design, and many buyers want that look with modern drivability.
ECD has been covered for E-Type programs that include gasoline and electric directions, as well as high-profile builds
that blend classic styling cues with updated mechanicals and comfort.
Mustang restomod expansion
The restomod world loves a strong platform with abundant parts support, and the first-generation Mustang fits that
description perfectly. ECD’s move into Mustangs signals a willingness to apply its “bespoke build” model beyond
British iconswhile still leaning on partners and proven components for the engineering heavy lifting.
The design process: how a one-off build becomes real
What sets ECD apart in the luxury-restoration conversation is how much emphasis it places on the design journey.
Clients typically spec a build through an immersive processchoosing body style, drivetrain direction, color, wheels,
seating configuration, materials, and finishes.
In practice, that means you’re not just “buying a Defender.” You’re making hundreds of small decisions that add up to
a vehicle that reflects your taste. If you’ve ever spent 40 minutes choosing a paint color for a living room wall,
congratulations: you’re emotionally prepared.
Let’s talk money (without pretending this is normal)
ECD-style builds sit in a high-end bracket for a reason: labor, parts quality, customization, and the sheer number of
steps required to rebuild and re-engineer a classic to modern expectations. Depending on configuration, pricing can
range widelyespecially when you add EV systems, premium interiors, and performance-oriented hardware.
Some published starting figures for specific lines (like classic-forward offerings or premium EV builds) illustrate
how the company separates “heritage feel” from “full modern reengineering.” The practical takeaway: the more bespoke
and technically complex the build, the more the price climbs.
What to ask before commissioning an ECD-style build
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What’s the mission? Daily driver, weekend cruiser, beach rig, trail vehicle, showpieceeach one
needs different choices. - What’s the “must-keep” list? Some owners want original vibes; others want modern comfort above all.
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Documentation and transparency: Build photos, parts lists, and clear process milestones matter in
a project of this scale. -
Service and support: Ask how maintenance works, where the vehicle can be serviced, and what’s
unique about your configuration. -
Compliance considerations: If you’re doing EV or heavy drivetrain changes, understand what that
means for registration, inspections, and practical ownership in your state.
Who ECD is perfect for (and who should back away slowly)
ECD is a strong fit if you want the aesthetic and story of a classic, but you also want modern usability: confident
braking, reliable power, comfortable seating, and a cabin you can spend real time in.
On the other hand, if you’re a purist who wants factory-correct originality above all else, a restomodany restomod
may not be your happy place. There’s no shame in loving stock classics. It just means your dream is parked in a
different garage.
Conclusion: a classic icon, rebuilt for real life
E.C.D. Automotive Design sits at the intersection of nostalgia and modern expectations. Its work appeals to buyers
who want something rare, personal, and exceptionally finishedwhether that’s a thunderous V8 Defender, a classic-feel
heritage build, or an electric reinterpretation that quietly resets what a “classic 4x4” can be.
The best way to think about ECD isn’t “restoration shop” or “tuner.” It’s closer to a bespoke builder: a place where
a classic platform becomes a tailored productequal parts craftsmanship, design, and engineering choices made around
how you actually live.
Owner Experiences: What the ECD Journey Feels Like
If you ask owners what stands out most about commissioning an ECD build, it’s rarely just one thing. It’s the
sequencethe way the project becomes a story you participate in, not just a vehicle you receive. The journey
often starts with a deceptively simple question: “What kind of Defender do you want?” That’s like asking someone,
“What kind of sandwich do you want?” when the menu includes 200 breads, 80 sauces, and the option to replace the
entire kitchen with a pizza oven.
The design phase tends to feel like a high-end studio session. People describe choosing paint colors the way others
describe picking a wedding venue: excited, slightly overwhelmed, and suddenly very opinionated about shades that used
to look identical. Leather samples become emotional objects. Stitch patterns get debated. Wheel designs turn into
personality tests. It’s not unusual for someone to start thinking they’re “low maintenance” and end up
passionately arguing for a particular texture of matte finish because it “feels more honest.”
Then comes the waiting gameoften the hardest part for anyone who has ever clicked “Add to Cart.” Owners frequently
talk about build updates as miniature holidays. Photos of a rolling chassis, paint in progress, interior work coming
togethereach milestone makes the vehicle feel more real. The most interesting detail is how the anticipation shifts
over time. Early on, you’re obsessed with the big decisions: engine direction, seating layout, the overall look. As
the build progresses, attention drifts to the “small” things that aren’t actually small: door feel, switchgear,
alignment, the way the interior lighting hits at night, or whether your sound system makes you grin before you even
pull out of the driveway.
The first drive experience is usually described in contrasts. From the outside, it still looks like a classic. You
sit up high, you see the upright glass, you catch that unmistakable profile in reflections. But the way it moves can
feel unexpectedly modernmore stable, more confident, more composed. Owners often mention that the vehicle feels
“tight” in a way old trucks rarely do. Not sterilejust deliberate. The steering and brakes don’t feel like they’re
negotiating with you. Acceleration doesn’t require a deep conversation with the throttle. And if it’s an EV build,
the instant torque can feel like you’ve discovered a cheat code for merging.
Everyday usability is where the experience really pays off. Owners who actually drive their vehiclesschool drop-offs,
weekend errands, casual nights outtend to love the weirdness of rolling up in a classic shape that behaves like a
modern machine. People wave. Strangers ask questions. Friends suddenly want to “grab coffee” suspiciously often. The
vehicle becomes a social object, not just transportation. That can be delightfulunless you’re late, because a
Defender attracts conversation the way a puppy attracts toddlers.
There’s also a less glamorous but very real ownership experience: the pride of having something built to your taste.
It’s not a mass-produced trim level; it’s a spec that reflects you. That’s why many owners describe their ECD build
as “the one I’m keeping.” Not because it’s the fastest or most practical vehicle they’ll ever own, but because it’s a
rare blend of identity, craftsmanship, and genuine usability. It’s a classic with a futureone you can actually live
with, not just admire.