A Regal, Raging Range Rover Restomod
Do you remember East Coast Defender? They’re the guys who made this wonderful Defender restomod. Since then they’ve renamed themselves to ECD Automotive Design, and taken on a new project, turning their hands to the Range Rover. Land Rover’s prestige model, it’s a company icon, and deserves only the best treatment. Luckily, it’s getting just that, in Project Alpha.
Let’s start with the engine upgrades. So, this is a Range Rover Classic, the model imported into the United States from 1987-1995, and that came with a V8 with displacements of up to 4.2 liters. These were Rover V8s however, and while they performed competently as the powerhouse of an off-road vehicle, they weren’t exactly monsters. ECD have fixed that, squeezing a 6.2 liter Chevy LS3 into the Rangey. This particular model came with a 3.9 liter V8, which output 178 bhp. The LS3 provides a modest upgrade, giving the Project Alpha a final output of 420 bhp. If that isn’t enough for you, ECD is giving customers the option of supercharging the LS3 to make over 500.
Just as in the original, the transmission is an auto, but it’s now a computer controlled GM system. The exhaust system is set to keep emissions down to California levels.
While the exterior is pretty restrained, aside from new LED headlights, the interior has been thoroughly upgraded. As well as being completely bespoke, right down to the stitching, it’s been modernized brilliantly. The center console now features a touchscreen infotainment system. If you decide to pump some tunes through that system, you’ll immediately notice the speakers have been massively upgraded too. When you drive, you should also notice the new sound dampening measures, as well as the refurbished chassis. If you’re in the market for a classy SUV with a custom design, Project Alpha looks extremely promising.
