This Corvette-Powered Land Rover Defender Restomod Could Be Yours

“A Texas truck but with a bit of flash.”

Osprey Custom Cars are known for stunning restorations of the Ford Broncos, Suzuki Jimnys and this duo of Land Rover Defender 90s, but it’s this Texas-themed take of a 1987 Defender 130 pickup is arguably our favorite build from the retro off-roader specialists. 

The Wilmington, North Carolina outfit undertook an extensive frame-off restoration of the beloved British utility vehicle, finishing the job off with a eye-popping Madagascar Orange and Santorini Black paint coat.  

“I love the 130s, just wanted one with a more Houston vibe to it, said Aaron Richardet, owner and founder of Osprey Custom Cars. “A Texas truck but with a bit of flash.” The scheme gives us Texas Longhorn/Austin vibes, but to each their own.  

Under the hood is a sixth-generation Chevy Corvette-sourced powertrain featuring GM’s LS3 6.2-liter V8 mated to 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission with heavy duty transfer case to handle 435 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Other HD components include an aluminum skid plate springs w/ Terra Firma shock absorbers, a Terra Firma steering damper, and steering arms. 

The aluminum hood is hinged so the front windshield can be easily  folded down , and a KBX-style grille increases airflow and engine cooling. A set of 18-inch, powder-coated black rims are wrapped in Cooper all-terrain tires, and a 10,000-pound winch adds the ability to tow off-road toys out of the muck. 

Inside, the Defender is more of a restomod, with the diamond-stitched brown seats getting a heating element, a JBL audio system, dual USB charging ports, an Alpine seven-inch touchscreen, and an integrated reversing camera, among other modern. 

While a price wasn’t announced, expect Osprey to come back with a six-figure price tag should you inquire.