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Where the Project Started
A selection of premium Land Rover Defender components originally sourced for a high-end, chassis-up rebuild of a 1987 Defender 110.
These parts were individually sourced over several years from Defender specialists in the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada.
In 2015, I purchased a right-hand-drive 1987 Land Rover Defender 110 from a dealer in Florida with the intention of driving it home to Maryland.
A few hours into the trip, the Defender overheated, and I ultimately had it shipped the rest of the way.
That experience started what became a much larger project.
From 2016 through 2018, I began assembling the parts necessary to transform the original 1987 Defender into a high-end, chassis-up rebuild.
Rather than simply restoring the truck, the goal was to combine the character of a classic Defender with later-model OEM components, a completely upgraded interior, and modern V8 performance.
The Coyote V8 & 6-Speed Manual Drivetrain
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The drivetrain was intended to make this Defender significantly different from a conventional restoration.
I purchased the engine conversion package from Sean Hyland Motorsport in Canada, which specialized in Ford Coyote performance applications and, while operating, also developed custom Coyote-powered Land Rover Defenders.
The Defender conversions being produced at the time typically used automatic transmissions. I specifically wanted a manual.
Sean Hyland explained that his company had previously CNC-machined an adapter allowing a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission to work with a Land Rover Defender transfer case for a custom Defender project. He was able to produce the same configuration for my build.
I purchased the Coyote conversion package, Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, and the custom adapter necessary to connect the drivetrain to the Defender transfer case.
My mechanic in Maryland then began installing the drivetrain onto the chassis. Custom engine mounts were fabricated and numerous chassis and suspension upgrades were completed as the project progressed.
This is important for anyone considering the chassis and drivetrain package because one of the most difficult aspects of a Coyote Defender conversion—the physical installation and integration of the engine and transmission with the Defender chassis—has already been substantially completed.
The chassis, engine and transmission were assembled as part of the build, while the bulkhead, dashboard, tub, doors, interior, and other components were prepared for the next stages of the project. Many of the body components were stripped in preparation for paint.
Why These Parts Are Available
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As the project progressed, my priorities changed.
I eventually acquired several additional Land Rovers, including a Discovery 5 Turbo Diesel, an LR4, and a classic 2004 Discovery II. I decided I would rather direct my time and capital toward those vehicles than complete the original 1987 Defender project.
At the same time, the Maryland mechanic who had stored and worked on the project was relocating to a larger facility. That created a natural opportunity to sell the collection of parts I had assembled over several years.
That is why these parts are available today.
They were not accumulated as inventory for a parts business. They were individually sourced for one specific, high-end Defender 110 build, with substantial time and expense invested in finding compatible OEM components, importing specialty pieces from Europe, commissioning custom leather work, and developing the Coyote/Tremec drivetrain package.
Why I Am Selling the Project
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The original retail cost of these components, particularly when international freight, import costs, taxes, specialty work, and fabrication are included, is significantly higher than the prices offered on this website.
The goal is to find buyers who can put these parts to use and complete their own Defender projects.
The parts are currently stored in the Bethesda, Maryland area and are available for local pickup.
For a buyer purchasing the complete collection or the chassis and drivetrain package, I am willing to arrange free delivery.
If you are interested in a particular component, use the inquiry button on its listing and I will be happy to provide additional details, photographs, part information, or background on where it was sourced.
Purchasing the Parts
VIDEO OF PARTS
Here is a video taken on Saturday, August 8th showing the parts.