Miami’s East Coast Defender has built some amazing custom Land Rover Defenders, but the Project VIII, named for its buyer’s birthday, is the zenith of their work so far, the company says.
That’s because this badass whip packs a 430-horsepower 6.2-liter LS3 small block Chevy V8 to go with its six-speed automatic transmission. Some of the add-on goodies include a Spectre cold air intake and Magnaflow dual exhausts, along with Tarox Sport Braking system.
If things go wrong, it’s ready, with a Warn winch, though thanks to the Terra Firma 2-inch lift kit and B.F. Goodrich Radial All-Terrain tires on 18-inch Boost aluminum wheels, it shouldn’t come to that.
Inside, there are leather-wrapped Corbeau bucket seats in the front row, with a cool Momo steering wheel. The second row features equally luxurious Puma seats, while the way back retains the factory jump seats.
The shiny black paint is complemented by Project VIII’s all-LED lighting for an impressive nighttime appearance for a menacing profile day or night.