Menswear designer Todd Snyder has partnered with Montana-based Balmoral Defender to create his first automotive design — a restomod built on a 1998 Land Rover Defender 90. The Edition One City Black marks the inaugural release in what the two companies are calling the Rugged Gentleman Collection, with just 10 units planned for production. It’s a natural extension for Snyder, who’s long cited the classic Defender as a recurring reference point when designing his seasonal collections.
Cross-Continental Craftsmanship
This particular build started as a left-hand-drive 1998 Defender 90 first registered in Madrid, sourced specifically from Spain’s dry climate where rust has a harder time doing its corrosive work. From there, the donor vehicle traveled to England’s Cotswolds for a complete body-off restoration and chassis re-engineering by second-generation Land Rover specialists. Interior work happened in an automotive atelier in Seville, where craftsmen wrapped everything in LeatMeSpecial Italian leather (one of the highest-grade automotive leathers available). Finally, the powertrain swap took place stateside, where Balmoral’s mechanics shoehorned in a 6.2-liter Chevrolet LT1 small-block V8 producing 455hp.
Where some restomods go overboard with carbon fiber and digital gauges, the Edition One keeps its analog soul intact. The 10-speed automatic transmission hides behind a retro manual shift knob. Factory-style A/C vents remain untouched. Even the suspension uses original-spec springs and shocks to preserve that classic Defender ride quality, bouncy though it may be. The only giveaway that this isn’t bone-stock are details like the Alcon brake upgrade and modern power steering — both sensible additions that don’t compromise the truck’s character.
Tailored Details
The exterior gets finished in what Snyder calls “City Black” — technically a Niagara Gray micro-metallic that shifts between charcoal and navy depending on light conditions. It’s paired with a Sonnenland Dark Beige mohair soft top and rides on chunky BFGoodrich all-terrain rubber. Inside, the semi-quilted leather seats feature honeycomb stitching with matching Niagara Gray piping, all hand-finished.
Spec Sheet
Base Vehicle: 1998 Land Rover Defender 90 (Euro-spec, originally registered in Madrid)
Engine: 6.2L Chevrolet LT1 V8
Power: 455 hp
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Exterior: Niagara Gray micro-metallic with Sonnenland Dark Beige mohair soft top
Interior: LeatMeSpecial Italian leather with honeycomb quilting
Brakes: Alcon upgrade
Limited Edition: 10 units (Edition One, part of Rugged Gentleman Collection)
Price: Starting at $305,000
Pricing & Availability
Only 10 examples of the City Black will be built as part of the Rugged Gentleman Collection’s first release, with two additional editions planned for later in 2026. Orders are being taken now through Balmoral Defender on a made-to-order basis, with pricing starting at $305,000.
Recap
Todd Snyder x Balmoral Defender Restomod
Designer Todd Snyder teamed up with Balmoral Defender to build a limited run of 10 restomod Land Rover Defenders, swapping in a 455-hp Chevy V8 while keeping the classic truck’s analog character intact. At $305,000, the Edition One City Black blends Snyder’s tailoring sensibility with a cross-continental restoration process spanning Spain, England, and the U.S.
