Inspiration Styled on Range Rover Classic
ECD Automotive Design is no stranger to vintage Land Rover Defenders, but it looks like they’re venturing into new territory with their latest project: a 1995 Range Rover Classic. Dubbed “Project Gibbles”, this model is equipped with a GM LT1 V8 engine, promising plenty of power for both city and highway driving.
Since ECD commenced in 2013, it has notched up thriving success. Evaluation of skyrocketing orders and market sales led the corporation to shift into a much larger production building based in Kissimmee, Florida, last year. Defenders are its mainstay, still, the organisation ventured out to investigate new designs such as the Tesla-powered Jaguar E-Type.
The firm claims that this construction was motivated by vintage Porsche refurbishments, desiring to retain the automobile’s admired British prestige while endowing it with modern-day luxuries and innovations.
“Every detail of the 1990s base model – which is not far from the original design that was released in the 70s – is carefully examined by the team and customized, from the gauge needle to the stitch pattern to the tailpipe, to transform this offroading marvel into a modern daily driver,” said Tom Humble, Chief Experience Officer and Co-Founder.
Power wasn’t explicitly stated, but an investigation of Chevy’s site reveals that the LT1 engine has the capacity to generate 460 horsepower as well as 456 lb-ft of torque, a plentiful amount for any journey, whether it be needs for driving or pulling a load. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends the energy to a four-wheel drive set up and the vehicle announces its entrance with the unmistakable roaring sound of a single Borla sports exhaust.
The vehicle is installed with ECD’s Air Ride suspension, not as plush as a current Range Rover but quite decently tuned.
Beginning from its exterior, this one-of-a-kind commissioned car rides atop the breathtaking 20-inch Kahn Mondial Retro wheels in a Liquid Silver finish. Accompanying the dark, bluest Mariana Black paint are silver door handles, bringing the look together. Its Bentley Brooklands-inspired wrap-around and contemporary headlights give off an exemplary finish, completing the vehicle’s exterior.
The internal décor of the vehicle is classically simple. The chairs feature a luxurious tan leather with black piping exquisitely embroidered along the outlines. This beige and black theme can be seen in majority of areas within the cabin. Furthermore, leather material and deep wood inserts complete the look by surrounding the dashboard.
A shiny Sony touchscreen is now placed in the center console, standing above the classic 90s gauges and clock. Driving will be made more manageable due to the integration of a reverse-view camera. The vehicle also benefits from several additional new additions such as a wireless phone charger, four USB outlets, Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth connections, plus an upgraded audio system.
Strikingly advanced, yet incorporating items such as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) steering wheel produces a delightful divergence from the up-to-the-minute technology. Grammar and punctuation corrected: Strikingly advanced, yet incorporating items such as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) steering wheel produces a delightful divergence from all the up-to-the-minute technology.
