- This restomod Defender ditches the original engine for a powerful 6.2L naturally-aspirated Corvette LS3 V8.
- Osprey has bolstered the suspension and chassis with upgraded components like Terrafirma shocks.
- The interior receives a luxurious makeover with new leather seats and a 7-inch infotainment display.
The classic Land Rover Defender has emerged as a hugely popular vehicle for restomodders and of those companies focused on bringing it into the modern world, few are more experienced than Osprey Custom Cars from North Carolina.
In recent years, the company has overhauled dozens of Defenders and its latest is one of its nicest to date. This Defender is a 5-door, 110 variant that’s had its original engine removed and replaced with a 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated Corvette LS3 V8. The V8 is good for over 430 hp and 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) of torque and works alongside a 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission with an LT230 transfer case and a locking center differential.
Read: This Is What Happens When You Cross A Land Rover Defender Body With The Chassis Of A Jeep
The Defender has never been a vehicle that’s about straight-line performance so Osprey has made modifications to the suspension and chassis to make it even more capable while off-roading.
Key changes include new Terrafirma shocks and springs, heavy-duty front and rear axles, aftermarket front and rear radius arms, new track rods and drag links, a revised steering damper, and an aluminum front skid plate. A set of 18-inch Icon7 wheels have also been installed and wrapped in 275/70 R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.
Making this Land Rover stand out from the pack is a lovely shade of Epsom Green Metallic. It also has a new front grille with satin silver inserts, black light surrounds, LED puddle lamps, and black anodized aluminum door handles. It’s easy to modify a classic Defender too much and make it look gaudy but Osprey hasn’t done that.
No restomodded Defender would be complete without a new interior. Osprey has fitted new sports seats up front clad in Saddle Tan leather. There is also a 60/40 split second row and four side-facing seats in the rear. It has also installed a new 7-inch infotainment display, added billet aluminum door pulls and handles, and added leather across the dash and door cards.
As for how much it’ll cost you, with a starting price of $249,950, the delivery mileage model isn’t for the faint of wallet.
