ECD Automotive Design specializes in restoring Land Rovers and repairing them on the job. His latest creation is an overhauled Defender 110 convertible that the company is calling Project Hutton. The build gets a touch from Ferrari and Porsche. Plus, there’s a huge power increase compared to anything customers can buy from the factory.
Under the hood, there’s a LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine from General Motors. ECD is not determines the power outputbut the power plant has 640 horsepower (477 kilowatts) as a crate machine. An eight-speed automatic directs output via a reinforced axle.
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Project Hutton’s exterior color is Porsche’s Frozen Blue shade. The ECD pairs this with exposed metal elements in the front bumper brush bar, grille and exterior roll cage. Louver panels adorn the side sills. The roof is white vinyl.
The Defender rides on 10-spoke, 18-inch wheels with 33-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. Behind them, Ferrari yellow Brembo brake calipers.
Caressa Silver Touch leather covers the cabin. It’s a stark white that will show off every spec of dirt if the owner ever goes off-roading. The yellow Ferrari seat belts and gauge surfaces provide a pop of color. Behind the second row of seats, there is room for four more passengers in a facing jump seat. This means there is room to transport up to eight people.
ECD also adds some modern technology. There’s now a Kenwood eXcelon infotainment unit. Music comes out of the Infinity Kappa speakers. Plus, there’s a wireless charger, four USB ports, and front and rear cameras.
As well as building combustion-powered Defender restomods, ECD recently started building one with a Tesla-sourced electric powertrain. Motor1.com got a chance to drive it and visit the production facility.
The Tesla-derived powertrain produces 450 hp (270 kW) and has a 100 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Setup propels the Defender to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in about 4.0 seconds. Range is approximately 200 miles (322 kilometers) depending on wheels, body style and customer customization.
