While the new Land Rover Defender is loaded with advanced technology that promises to make off-roading easier than ever before, this 1993 Defender recently restored and modified by Osprey Custom Cars is something else entirely.
The company, based out of Wilmington, North Carolina, started work on this Defender by removing all of the body panels and restoring the chassis. Osprey then overhauled the suspension system with new shocks and springs from Terra Firma as well as a new steering stabilizer along with a new heavy-duty track rod and drag link, as well as heavy-duty front and rear axles.
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Then we come to the engine. Gone is the original powertrain and in its place sits a 6.2-liter Corvette LS3 V8 rated at 525 hp and 486 lb-ft (659 Nm) of torque and paired with an automatic transmission. Heavy-duty driveshafts and a custom transfer case are also present. Osprey has also upgraded the brakes with larger calipers and vented discs while also installing 19-inch Kahn wheels.
Inside, the off-roader features heated front seats, an Alcantara headliner and heavy-duty rubber floor mats. There are also power windows, keyless entry and a double-din stereo with DVD, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, navigation, and a reversing camera. Osprey has also fitted a 10-speaker JL audio system.
From the outside, the Defender looks absolutely gorgeous. Located up front is a heavy-duty winch while a host of gloss black parts beautifully contrast the white paint. Other key exterior features include a snorkel and an LED light bar on the roof.
Oh, it’ll cost you
The bad news? As often is the case with these kinds of creations, be prepared for a sticker shock as Osprey’s classic Defender is priced at $189,000. If you can live without the classic looks, that kind of dough can get you anywhere from nearly four brand new base, 296hp four-cylinder 2020 Land Rover Defenders at $49,900 a pop, or two nicely equipped Defender 110 X editions with the 395hp 6-cylinder engine from $80,900 a piece.