- 01Complete
Interior Refinement
- 02In progress
Exterior Restoration
- 03Pending
Engine & Mechanical
- 04Pending
Complete & Delivery
The Project Story
This Defender 110 was acquired from a farm in the Kwa-Zulu Natal midlands, where it served faithfully for decades. Despite its cosmetic wear, the chassis remained solid, a testament to South Africa's dry climate and the kind of rust-free foundation that makes a proper Defender restoration possible rather than prohibitively expensive. Our vision is to transform it into the ultimate modern-classic tourer, retaining its utilitarian roots while adding layers of comfort and reliability for long-distance travel. Once completed, this restored Land Rover Defender 110 will be available for sale, imported directly to the USA with full documentation and registration support.
Restoration Scope
The restoration is split into phases. Phase 1 (Interior) is complete, featuring a total cabin refresh. Future phases will address the exterior bodywork and mechanical systems, including a TD5 engine overhaul and suspension upgrades.
Refinements
As it arrived
When this Defender arrived at our workshop, it bore the honest scars of decades of farm use in the KZN midlands. The original grey cloth seats were deeply worn and sun-faded, with the driver's bolster split to the foam. The dashboard had developed several cracks from UV exposure, and the headlining had completely detached, hanging loosely from the roof.
The interior has been completely reimagined with a focus on luxury and durability. Carpetry: We installed a premium, heavy-duty loop pile carpet in a custom charcoal shade, bound in leather. This is underlaid with Dynamat sound deadening to significantly reduce road noise and heat transfer. Upholstery: The seats have been stripped and rebuilt with high-density foam for support.
With the body separated from the chassis, each panel was assessed individually. The front wings were stripped back to bare aluminium, with pitting treated and the surfaces prepared for paint. The rear tub required the most attention, the lower seams were cut out, new steel sections were fabricated and welded in, and the entire tub was seam-sealed to prevent future water ingress.
Notes will be published as this phase begins.