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Classic 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 Transformed Into Latest Osprey Engineered Luxury Vehicle

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Osprey Custom Cars has wowed us in the past with some of their wild custom creations. We have seen Osprey engineers work their magic on classic Toyota FJ Cruisers and Ford Broncos, but the firm has a special knack for spicing up classic Land Rover Defender models. We have covered some of their other creations in the past, and Osprey has returned to their comfort zone with yet another awe aspiring Defender based transformation.

 

This time, Osprey engineers chose a bone stock 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 and embarked on a ground up custom restoration to make it better than ever. It all starts with the paint, with Osprey artisans choosing a very attractive shade of tan paint. Along with the new paint, the rest of the vintage Defender was taken apart all the way down to the frame. Once the frame was exposed, it was subsequently galvanized and treated to a powder coating regime to help enhance protection from corrosion and rust. The bulkhead itself was replaced with a modern PUMA style unit that features better air vents to help improve the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

The suspension system was heavily revamped, and comes equipped with a two inch lift terra firma springs and shocks at all four corners, a terra firma sourced steering stabilizer, and a terra firma heavy duty track rod. Osprey promises that more upgrades lurk beneath the surface, and they all do their part in transforming the Land Rover into a serious off-road machine. A key part of the transformation is the removal of the old British Leyland era performance hardware, and replacing it with a GM sourced LS3 V8 engine that produces 465 horsepower, and is mated to a six speed automatic transmission. Rounding out the list of changes is a custom dual flow Magnaflow exhaust system that gives the Defender a solid soundtrack when busting through tough trails. 

The interior of the Land Rover has also been heavily upgraded with Osprey designers equipping the rig with seven custom leather seats. The two front ones are heated, but all of the seats were designed to provide occupants with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Thick rubber floor mats help provide copious amounts of all weather protection, while the dash and door panels are covered in creamy leather with red contrast stitching that carefully matches the seats and the center console. The door panels feature aluminum door pulls, and all weather driving is aided by the heated front windshield. 

Osprey also usually adds a degree of modernism to their designs, and it is no different here, with this Defender offering equipment that you would never see Land Rover ever offer during the period. The ancient stereo system has been replaced with a modern Kenwood infotainment system that features a built in DVD player as well as Bluetooth for wireless calling capability and even navigation. Annoyingly, Android Auto is not part of the menu here, but Apple CarPlay comes along for the ride. Several charging ports have been scattered throughout the cabin, while a 10-speaker audio system promises to bring the noise for picky audiophiles.

 

As expected from a unique offering like this, there is a price to pay for all of this capability, technology, and refinement with Osprey charging $189,950 for the privilege of owning this particular custom. That’s a lot of change to pay for a modified classic, but with the Defender still maintaining a unique following in the SUV ranks, the lucky few that can own one of these beasts would have the opportunity to experience what the Defender beings to the table when upgraded to modern design and technology standards.  

 

 

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