This bold 1987 Land Rover Defender restomod blends rugged old-school vibes with modern luxury—cooler than most brand-new SUVs today!


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If the modern Land Rover Defender feels too high-tech or polished for your taste, this beautifully restored 1987 Defender 110 might just steal your heart. Crafted by Legacy Overland, this build brings rugged nostalgia back to life—without sacrificing modern comfort.

While today's Defender offers luxury and off-road performance, it lacks the raw, mechanical character that older models were loved for. That’s exactly what this restomod revives.

1987 Land Rover Defender Restomod Rebuilt from Scratch

This particular 1987 Defender arrived at Legacy Overland’s workshop as a rust-covered relic. But what rolled out is a masterpiece.

  • ✅ Completely rebuilt chassis

  • ✅ Brand-new body panels

  • ✅ Finished in Mooreland Gray Blue metallic

  • ✅ Fitted with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires on 18-inch alloy wheels

The result? A classic that’s just as striking as anything you’ll see in a modern showroom—if not more so.

Defender 110 Engine and Mechanical Upgrades

Under the hood, the original Land Rover 300 TDI diesel engine has been fully rebuilt, along with the ZF four-speed automatic transmission. The differentials, brakes, and suspension have all been updated, ensuring both reliability and capability.

This rebuild keeps the raw driving experience intact while delivering the ruggedness needed for off-road adventures.

Modern Comfort in This Classic Defender

Step inside and it’s clear this isn’t your typical old-school Defender.

  • 🔥 Heated leather seats (front and rear)

  • 🖤 Black leather-wrapped dash, console & door panels

  • 🎶 Upgraded audio with a Sony double-DIN system featuring Apple CarPlay

  • 🛞 Custom steering wheel with bright red gauges

It's a blend of utility and comfort that feels just right—not too vintage, not too high-tech.

Defender Restomod Built for Real Off-Roading

Today’s 4x4s come loaded with electronic aids that do most of the work for you. But part of the joy of off-roading is mastering the terrain with your own skills—controlling throttle, brakes, and steering on your own terms.

This Defender rebuild keeps that spirit alive while giving you enough comfort to enjoy every journey, whether it’s a muddy trail or a sunset cruise.

Land Rover Defender Specifications 

Feature

Details

Model Year

1987

Engine

Rebuilt 300 TDI Diesel

Transmission

ZF 4-Speed Automatic

Exterior Color

Mooreland Gray Blue

Wheels

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Tires

BF Goodrich All-Terrain

Interior

Heated Leather (Front & Rear)

Infotainment

Sony Double-DIN w/ Apple CarPlay

Suspension

Upgraded Modern Components

Braking System

Modern Disc Brakes

Conclusion

If you're torn between buying a brand-new Defender or something with soul, this 1987 restomod might just be the better option. It offers the best of both worlds—old-school looks with modern reliability.

With rising interest in restored classic SUVs, this build shows that sometimes, going back in time is the best way forward. 🔄

FAQ

A restomod is a classic vehicle restored with modern upgrades. In this case, a 1987 Land Rover Defender was rebuilt from the ground up by Legacy Overland with updated mechanics and luxury features.

The rebuild was completed by Legacy Overland, a renowned company specializing in restoring and customizing vintage 4x4 vehicles.

This classic Defender runs on a rebuilt 300 TDI diesel engine, paired with a ZF 4-speed automatic transmission, offering both power and reliability.

The Defender features a completely new chassis, brand-new body panels, and a stunning Mooreland Gray Blue metallic finish, giving it a fresh yet classic look.

Absolutely! It’s been rebuilt for real off-road use with upgraded suspension, modern disc brakes, and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires for maximum traction and durability.

Yes, the interior is upgraded with heated leather seats, a Sony infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and a custom steering wheel with red gauges—blending old-school charm with comfort.

The new Defender focuses on luxury and tech, while this restomod preserves the mechanical simplicity and rugged charm of the original, with just enough modern updates to enhance the driving experience.

It combines classic design, mechanical purity, and modern convenience—making it a dream ride for purists and adventurers alike.

If you love classic SUVs and hands-on driving, this restomod may appeal more than the tech-heavy new Defender. It's all about personality, not just performance.

Yes, thanks to its modern upgrades, improved reliability, and enhanced comfort features, it’s suitable for both off-road adventures and daily commutes.

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