Nostalgic 4×4 trucks like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler have never been more sought after or prized.
In fact, they’re becoming a craze among vintage land rover enthusiasts who want to bring their beloved vehicles into the 21st century. As a result, many of these vehicles are being reborn into something much nicer than their original design.
The oldest and most coveted of these is the Land Rover Defender. The boxy off-roader, which dates to 1948, is a symbol of freedom and independence. Its fanatical following has made them some of the most expensive and exclusive vehicles on the market, with even high-mileage models fetching prices that could easily buy newer cars.
Bringing the Best of Both Worlds: The Art of Land Rover Restomod
These cars aren’t just good-looking classics, they’re also incredibly functional off roaders and great for everyday use. They’re perfect for navigating the rugged terrain of the wilds, tackling mountain trails or traversing rough roads without having to compromise on comfort or reliability.
They’re also fantastic for hauling gear and making a statement when you drive by. So it’s no wonder that these old-school rigs are becoming more and more popular with modern drivers, too.
That’s why I was curious to see how a classic Defender would fare with a new powertrain. To turn this clunker into something a bit more stylish, I drove one of the company’s “Project Britton” conversions, a 1991 Defender that was transformed into a speedy tech avenger with a Tesla Model S P100D electric drive unit.