Tesla-Powered 1990 Defender 110: A Classic Reborn for the Desert

1990 Defender 110 with an Electric Tesla Drivetrain

Named after its new home base, Project Arizona Desert is a 1990 Defender 110 that has been fully restored and upgraded to the modern era with an electric Tesla drivetrain that accelerates 0-60 mph in five seconds. In addition to putting out 450 horsepower, the restored Defender has a range of 180 miles on an eight-hour charge making it ideal for eco-friendly summer adventuring.

Project Arizona Desert’s journey began in the U.K. countryside, where the rusty, well-loved work vehicle was found, purchased, and taken to E.C.D.’s logistics center in the U.K.

Overseas Beginnings

Project Arizona Desert’s journey began in the U.K. countryside, where the rusty, well-loved work vehicle was found, purchased, and taken to E.C.D.’s logistics center in the U.K. The original Defender was then shipped overseas to the company’s Rover Dome in Kissimmee, Florida, to embark on its second life as a one-of-one luxury electric vehicle.

Torn down to its chassis, the truck was rebuilt by master-certified craftsmen over 2,200 hours to actualize the client’s unique personal vision. In fact, every vehicle created by E.C.D. is entirely original with a la carte customization options for everything ranging from engine type to upholstery color and everything in between that allows for countless variations while preserving the beloved vintage Defender style.

“Project Arizona Desert is the ultimate summer adventure vehicle,” says E.C.D. Co-Founder Elliot Humble. “There is no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with an eco-friendly electric Defender optimized for off-roading and going off the beaten path.”

Rugged Elegance

With performance matched only by its rugged elegance, Project Arizona Desert is painted in a glossy Aintree Green with black accents throughout. Outfitted with 18-inch Sawtooth wheels, BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, upgraded EBC FAST brakes and raised on E.C.D.’s adjustable Air Ride suspension, the classic Defender is designed to conquer desert trails and tough terrain.

With performance matched only by its rugged elegance, Project Arizona Desert is painted in a glossy Aintree Green with black accents throughout.

Its convertible soft top roof is perfect for pleasant, sunny cruises—and thanks to Tesla—without the bothersome noise or smell of a traditional combustion engine. A multi-point roll cage with two LED round spotlights mounted on the crossbar and a swing-away wheel carrier on the rear door underline Project Arizona Desert’s offroader status.

Interior Luxury

Inside, the custom Defender has two heated and ventilated Corbeau Trailcat front seats, 60/40 bench seats in the mid row and two forward-facing jump seats in the load area—all hand-stitched in Cadence Spice Garrett Leather. Other tailored touches include a Puma dash, MOMO Prototipo steering wheel and a custom center console with rear air conditioning, all wrapped in the same tan leather as the seats.

The old Defender features in-car technology to rival any modern luxury SUV, including a Kendwood eXcelon infotainment system with Bluetooth and wireless CarPlay, Wi-Fi, backup sensor, backup camera, blind-spot assistant, and multiple USB charging ports. Finally, its JL Audio speakers and Kenwood eXcelon subwoofers make for killer sound even at high speeds with the top down.

SPECS

builder

E.C.D. Automotive Design

• Project Arizona Desert
• Model: 1990 Defender 110

Engine

• Engine: Tesla Direct Drive EV powertrain, 100 kWh battery pack, 450 brake horsepower motor
• Axles: Strength
• Suspension: E.C.D. Air Ride
• Brakes: EBC FAST
• Additional Features: Convertible soft top roof, Raptor lined chassis

Exterior

• Paint Color: Aintree Green in full gloss
• Roof Top Color: Black
• Wheels: 18-inch black Sawtooth alloy wheels
• Tires: BF Goodrich All-Terrain
• Grille: Zunsport mesh grille
• Front Bumper: Classic Land Rover bumper with DRLs
• Rear Bumper: NAS bumper step
• Additional Features: Multi-point roll cage, two LED round spotlights, swing away wheel carrier, full length side steps

Interior

• Seat Layout: 2+3+2
• Front Seats: Two Corbeau Trailcat seats, heated and ventilated
• Middle Row Seats: 60/40 bench seat
• Load Area Seats: Two forward-facing jump seats
• Leather Color: Cadence Spice Garrett leather
• Seat Design: Vertical single diamond pattern
• Dash: Puma dashboard wrapped in Cadence Spice Garrett leather
• Carpet: Black, OEM rubber mats All around
• Steering Wheel: MOMO Prototipo steering wheel wrapped in Cadence Spice Garrett lLeather
• Gauges: E.C.D. electric gauges
• Center Console: E.C.D. custom with rear A/C

Audio & Electronics

• Infotainment: Kenwood eXcelon with bluetooth and wireless CarPlay
• Sound System: JL Audio Speakers and Kenwood eXcelon subwoofers
• Additional Features: Backup sensor, backup camera, blind-spot assistant, rear A/C, Wi-Fi, USB