KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In a move catering to automotive traditionalists, ECD Automotive Design, renowned as the world's premier Land Rover and Jaguar restoration firm, has officially launched its new Heritage Product Line. Announced on January 13, 2026, this offering is a direct response to purists who cherish the original, unadulterated spirit of the iconic Land Rover Defender.
A Pure Return to Defender Roots
Priced from $159,995, the Heritage line is available in both Defender 90 and Defender 110 body styles. The company positions this launch not as a modernization, but as a faithful celebration of the vehicle's foundational design principles: simplicity, mechanical honesty, and rugged purpose.
"This line exists because not everyone wants modern excess," stated Scott Wallace, CEO of ECD Automotive Design. "The Heritage Product Line is about preserving the Defender’s original character—the sound, the feel, the rhythm of driving something honest. It’s a return to purpose versus a reinterpretation."
Mechanical Heart: Authenticity Under the Hood
At the core of every Heritage build is a meticulously rebuilt original TD5 diesel engine, delivering 122 horsepower. This powerplant is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a fully refurbished original transfer case, ensuring an authentic driving experience. The vehicles feature full-time four-wheel drive, rebuilt original axles, stock suspension, and OEM braking systems, engineered to drive precisely as their creators intended.
While mechanically refreshed for reliability, ECD ensures the vehicle's DNA remains intact. Updates include new OEM fuel systems, aluminum cooling with electronic fans, stainless steel exhausts, and brand-new Land Rover fuel tanks.
Classic Styling Meets Subtle Modernity
Visually, the Heritage line is a tribute to classic Land Rover aesthetics. Finished in traditional gloss colours, each vehicle rides on 16-inch Wolf heavy-duty steel wheels with Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain or Michelin Defender Road tires. The classic silhouette is completed with slimline bumpers, OEM hardware, classic grilles, and ECD black checker plates.
The interior reinforces a utility-first philosophy, featuring a classic TD5 dashboard, a Momo Prototipo steering wheel, black vinyl seating, and raptor-lined floors. Seating configurations honour original use cases: the Defender 110 offers a nine-seat layout, while the Defender 90 is configured for six.
Modern conveniences are integrated thoughtfully to avoid disrupting the analog experience. Standard features include under-dash air conditioning, Bluetooth audio via a Pioneer system, USB ports, LED lighting, remote central locking, and front power windows. For clients seeking a personalized touch, ECD offers upgrades like a Chelsea Truck Co. wide-body kit or a Kahn Crosshair Exhaust.
The launch of the Heritage Product Line signifies more than nostalgia; it represents a commitment to preserving tangible automotive heritage in an era of rapid technological change. These Defenders are built not to chase contemporary trends, but to steadfastly honour a enduring tradition.
