Thanks to its rugged build quality and fairly timeless appearance, the classic Land Rover Defender has become an increasingly popular platform for off-road-focused restomod projects. However, rather than delivering a standard classic Defender-based restomod, the New England-based team at Blackbridge Motors has opted to take things one step further, largely reengineering the vehicle from the ground up in order to deliver a modern-day custom that’s more in line with your average production vehicle than one-off project.
Known as the Mark X, Blackbridge Motors’ latest model is constructed around an all-new award-winning frame design born out of a collaboration between Blackbridge and chassis specialist Roadster Shop. Benefitting from the use of enhanced suspension geometry, laser-cut rails, and a slew of state-of-the-art components, this new frame — christened the Defender 90 RS4 — features a multi-inch lift kit and FOX Factory shocks. Under a custom hood now lies a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 that’s been bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This modern GM Performance V8 now cranks out a very respectable 465 horsepower, too. Further modernizing the Land Rover’s performance are Wilwood brakes at all four corners.
On the outside, the Defender has also been heavily modified. Fortified via an external exo-skeleton-style roll-cage that’s been capped off with an integrated roof rack, the Mark X now sports a set of custom steel bumpers fore and aft — the former of which has also been fitted with an integrated WARN winch. The entire build also rides on a set of aftermarket wheels shod in beefy all-terrain tires. In order to open up space for the Mark X’s larger wheels and tires and increased suspension travel, Blackbridge has also bestowed it with fender flares all around. What’s more, the interior of the Defender has also been completely gutted before being built back up with one-off leather seats with woven inserts, and matching custom leather door panels and trim. The Mark X is also helmed via a vintage-style triple split-spoke, woodgrain steering wheel and a custom-machined alloy shift knob.
The Blackbridge Motors Mark X Land Rover Defender 110 Restomod build range is available for order now, with pricing starting at $289,950.
