The classic Land
Rover Defender’s popularity in the second-hand market hasn’t gone by unnoticed
by some tuners who continually churn out new builds. One of them is East Coast
Defender (ECD) and their latest proposal is the so-called Project Neo.
Based on the
Defender 110, the Vulkan Grey Pearl 4×4 has been fitted with an exoskeleton,
rear window guards, steel bumpers, full-length side steps, underbody protection
and a winch. The fender flares, Kahn Mondial Retro wheels, 20-inch in size,
shod in 32-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires and a few other features round up
the changes made on the outside.
You’ll be even more
impressed when stepping foot in the cabin, which has received two pairs of
bucket seats, for the first and second rows, with heating and ventilation
functions, and two forward-facing jump seats in the load area. The stock
steering wheel has been replaced by a Momo unit, while there’s also a wireless
charging pad for compatible smartphones, a JL Audio premium sound system
complete with a subwoofer, reversing camera, custom gauges, rear air
conditioning vents, keyless entry and a Viper alarm. Most touchable surfaces
have been wrapped in black leather.
Pop the hood open
and you will find a 6.2-liter, LS3 V8 engine. The Corvette-sourced power unit
is rated at 565 hp and works in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic
transmission. Other technical upgrades are the suspension lift kit, with Fox
shocks and Old Man Emu springs, which have raised the ground clearance by 2
inches (5.1 cm), and a Borla exhaust system with double tailpipes.
