ECD Automotive Design, the world's largest Land Rover and Jaguar restoration company, has unveiled its latest custom creation: a completely overhauled Defender 110 that pays homage to the legendary Camel Trophy vehicles that dominated off-road adventures in decades past.
From Worn Workhorse to Expedition Masterpiece
The Kissimmee-based luxury vehicle specialist announced on November 20, 2025 the completion of Project Camel Trophy, a comprehensive ground-up restoration of a client-owned Defender 110. What arrived at their facility as a well-used, decades-old truck has been meticulously rebuilt and modernized into an expedition-ready icon that captures the spirit of the original Camel Trophy era while incorporating contemporary performance and luxury.
According to Scott Wallace, CEO and Co-Founder of ECD, this project represents exactly what the company was meant to accomplish. "Restoring a client's own Defender is always a special project," Wallace stated. "With Project Camel Trophy, we had the opportunity to take a beloved original vehicle and breathe new life into it, honoring its history while rebuilding it to a standard that makes it better than new."
Exterior Transformation Honors Heritage
The restored Defender now features a striking Land Rover Sandglow Gloss finish, immediately recognizable as a tribute to one of the most iconic color schemes in off-road automotive history. The exterior transformation includes a Narvik Black roof, matching accents, body-colored Wolf Steel wheels, and BFG All-Terrain tires that give the classic silhouette an unmistakable, heritage-rich presence.
Completing the rugged transformation are several expedition-ready components including a full external 6-point roll cage, Safety Devices expedition rack, Warn heavy-duty winch, and HELLA 7-inch driving lights. These additions ensure the vehicle is prepared for whatever adventures its owner might undertake.
Modern Power Meets Classic Design
Beneath the vintage-inspired exterior lies thoroughly modern mechanical components. ECD engineers replaced the original powertrain with a GM LS3 V8 engine paired with a 6L80E automatic transmission. This powerful combination is supported by upgraded 24-spline heavy-duty axles and ALCON high-performance brakes.
Every mechanical element has been renewed or upgraded, from the custom ECD fuel tank to the single-side outlet exhaust system. The comprehensive mechanical overhaul delivers reliability, performance, and drivability that far exceed the vehicle's original specifications while maintaining the Defender's iconic character.
Luxury Interior with Rugged Authenticity
Inside the cabin, ECD has transformed the once-simple interior into a handcrafted space that blends luxury with rugged authenticity. Scheel-Mann Traveler seats in both front and middle rows are wrapped in Nappa Schwarz and Kastanienbraun leather with cream piping and vertical diamond stitching, providing exceptional comfort while elevating refinement.
The vehicle maintains its utilitarian roots with four inward-facing jump seats in the cargo area, paying homage to traditional Defender utility. Additional interior upgrades include a leather-wrapped Puma dash, brown leather center console, premium billet metal hardware, black Nappa leather headliner, and ambient LED courtesy lighting.
Contemporary Technology for Modern Adventures
ECD ensured this restored classic feels perfectly at home in the modern world by incorporating numerous technological enhancements. The cabin now features a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear air conditioning, USB charging ports front and rear, a backup camera, remote start capability, and automatic headlights.
These modern conveniences complement the vehicle's expedition-ready capabilities, creating a unique blend of vintage appeal and contemporary functionality that makes Project Camel Trophy both a tribute to automotive history and a thoroughly modern overlanding vehicle.
ECD Automotive Design has established itself as the global leader in luxury vehicle restorations, specializing in bespoke Defenders, Range Rovers, Jaguar E-Types, Ford Mustangs, and Toyota FJs. Project Camel Trophy represents their latest achievement in transforming classic vehicles into modern masterpieces that honor their heritage while exceeding original performance and luxury standards.
