Is a bespoke, classic Land Rover 110 worth $265,000?

This Land Rover 110 is not your usual classic off-roader; it's part of a portfolio of vehicles produced by ECD Auto Design, based in Kissimmee, FL. Known as “Project Night Prowler D110,” it’s an example of what a bespoke Defender can be. In less than a year, this project went from a bare frame to an all-new vehicle that's made-to-order. 

What is the price for being unique?

Imagine you get to customize a classic build that can make beloved vehicles like a G-Wagon feel as ubiquitous as a Camry in Beverly Hills, CA. That's the premise of what ECD Auto Design can build.

The D110 I drove was based on a ‘93 Land Rover 110. Every nut and bolt was new and everything (within reason) was modernized. In short, despite the classic nature of the original Land Rover, you’re essentially driving a new car that comes from a rather large factory with a warranty.

Buyers can customize nearly every detail—choosing from an extensive palette of colors, fabrics, electronics, and more—ensuring each build is truly one of a kind. For this particular model, they went with an 8-passenger SUV, powered by a Corvette engine and boasting impressive off-road capabilities.

All of this is contained in a sinister-looking livery, and it turns a lot of heads. I took this very model to a massive car show held by Galpin Ford in Southern California just to see the interest, and it was far more popular than expected.

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After the show and a rather rackety bombing through the streets of Hollywood, I buzzed through Beverly Hills and answered a lot of questions at every corner, such as “How much,” and “Is it fun to drive?”

At $264,000+, it better be fun to drive, and thankfully it is. The company can build far less expensive vehicles, so this example isn't their status quo. It’s just that in this case, there’s a lot going on.

The involved process of building a $250,000+ SUV

Here’s how it typically works: when collaborating with ECD Auto Design, you build your vehicle from the ground up.

Despite a recent expansion into other marques, Land Rover-based builds remain their bread and butter and the thing they’re best known for. You can start with Land Rover 90, 110, or 130 platforms, but they also work on Range Rover models. Once you choose your preferred platform, the process begins.

Every step is personalized, so it's up to you to pick the frame, powertrain, suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, interior, and electronics.

ECD also offers production-based vehicles that are highly exclusive and built to a consistent standard. These limited-production models often feature unique themes and come with a set price, offering a curated lineup for those looking for something special.

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If you have money to burn and you want an unusual spec like a rare and expensive type of leather, they’ll make it happen. It’s all about the buckaroos and they will find a way to please even the most discerning of customers.

The ECD Auto Design production facility is ready to tackle any project

Based in Kissimmee, FL, the ECD facility is over 100,000 square feet and employs the use of different bays with hundreds of committed artisans for each stage of the build. 

Once a donor vehicle arrives, any usable parts will be completely remanufactured while the frame is stripped, resurfaced, galvanized, and prepped for a new build.

The process involves roughly 22 steps, 600 tasks, and around 2,200 man-hours per vehicle. Those who wish to watch their creation being built can follow the entire process online, watching the live production line in action.

Build times vary based on the specific bespoke nature of each project, but six months tends to be the average based on a few of the builds I sampled in the past. 

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You can buy a pre-configured Land Rover 110 from ECD for around $150,000. For that MSRP you get an R380 diesel engine, a manual transmission, and seating for eight. 

From there you can move up to bespoke vehicles like the aforementioned Project Night Prowler D110. Alongside the new base components, this model features a 430-hp LS3 crate engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 10-speed option is now available as well.

The satin black exterior is enhanced with a wide-body kit, an off-roady exoskeleton, ladders, and upgraded bumpers. Underneath, you’ll find a fully adjustable air suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped by BFGoodrich off-road tires.

The upgrades continue inside with premium leather surfaces, Corbeau front and center-row seats, and four rear jump seats in the back. Nickel-plated analog gauges add a classic touch throughout, while a modern—albeit small—infotainment screen connects to an okay stereo system.

These enhancements add over $100,000 to the build, bringing the final price to the eye-watering $264,000+. However, the pricing is on par when compared to similar builds from other specialty auto companies.

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Driving and living with the $264,000 Project Night Prowler D110

Remember: these old Defenders were basically agricultural equipment. They were built for hard use, abuse, and no frills. This one is a little different from its predecessors. It has ridiculous power and lighting up the rear tires is far too easy. It takes a gentle touch just to drive it daily but once you get used to it, it’s kind of a loveable brute with an amazing exhaust note.

Since the interior is built for function over form, there is no adjustment to the steering wheel or the pedals. You can adjust your seat, and I was able to compromise my foot placement to make everything work right.

On the road, it toddles along at highway speeds gulping petrol with an insatiable thirst. Still, I think I was able to eek out about 15 mpg on my first tank before I decided to have fun and get through the second tank 20 percent quicker.

Blasting through desert passes, over obstacles, and through jungles is where the Land Rover excels. Despite that, it is usually saddled with city dwellers who just want something unique. This has nothing in common with a modern, cushy Land Rover so despite the air-ride system, there was some shaking and the ride was a little choppy at times.

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Steering is vague, as it is an old truck and the body makes noises at higher speeds. Modern vehicles are much, much more comfortable altogether but on the other hand, this thing has way more swagger, and it feels special.

This swagger comes with a few more caveats

There are a lot of things some buyers may or may not like here. One thing that I feel we all would like to change is the substandard infotainment system. It’s very old tech and the screen is far too small for most buyers.

If you want to store this in a garage, it better be a tall one. This thing is too tall for most conventional garages; I checked. Part of the problem is the exoskeleton along with anything mounted on the roof.

It should also be noted that some people may have a hard time adapting their bodies to work with the raised brake and gas pedals while also being able to reach the steering wheel effectively. It’s another detail you need to experience in person before writing that check.

Final thoughts

Despite the aforementioned gripes and massive price, I can confidently say that these are dream machines for the right person. It takes time to get used to the alien placement of certain switches, it’s a challenge to drive at first, and the packaging is anything but intuitive for the casual consumer.

On the other hand, it is masculine, adventure-ready, yet somewhat refined. Few will complain that it’s boring, and very few will find anything like it. It is simply too unique and filled with charisma to ignore. If that sounds like something that matches your lifestyle and the compromises above are livable, ECD Auto Design awaits your call.

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