Land Rover Defenders are iconic off-roaders, steeped in history. Yet to make them a reliable and comfortable daily driver, they often require some restoration. At TATC, we customize all popular Defender models and can breathe new life into a classic vehicle. Whether you want to enhance the Defender’s capabilities or aesthetics, we can guide you through the process.
With workshops in the UK, US and South Africa, we provide legacy vehicles to an international client base, and we pride ourselves on world-class engineering, traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. At TATC, we don’t just restore, we reimagine. Our passionate automotive artisans are dedicated to creating something truly exceptional. In this behind-the-scenes look, we have explored our customization process, from sourcing to final delivery.
Sourcing the Vehicle
Every custom Land Rover Defender project begins with carefully sourcing a vehicle. We hand-pick iconic 4×4 models, from the popular Defender 90 to the versatile Defender 110 and the powerful Defender 130, and we also have experience working with special editions like the Monterey and Wildrive.
All vehicles are selected based on their current condition and restoration potential, with our international reach giving us access to the best vehicles across continents. Once selected, the vehicle is then transported to our workshop and fully inspected, ready to start work.
Strip Down to Chassis
To see the integrity of the frame, we need to strip the Land Rover Defender down to the chassis. Every single nut, bolt, body panel and component is removed, and what’s left is the foundation of the Defender, ready for inspection, repair or upgrade.
Our automotive engineers will then prime and epoxy coat the chassis to protect the vehicle for decades to come. This meticulous first step is what sets us apart from traditional refurbishment processes.
Base Rebuild
Once the chassis is ready, we will start to bring the Defender back to life. Our experts will rebuild the vehicle from the ground up, with suspension, brakes and axles, as well as newly remanufactured engines and transmissions suited to your driving style and environmental conditions. Whether you’re going to use the vehicle for daily driving, off-roading or towing trailers, we can recommend the best solution for your performance expectations.
The engines, gearboxes and transfer boxes we install are hand-built by the very best Land Rover engineers. Quality is a top priority to us, and we know just how important these components are to the overall driving experience.
Customizing the Interior and Exterior
For many enthusiasts, this is the most exciting part of the project; it’s where it becomes personal, and you start to see your Land Rover come to life. When you choose to customize a Defender with TATC, you don’t have to pick from a standard menu.
Exterior refurbishment options include fitting brand new OEM doors, upgrading paintwork, adding roll cages, fitting custom wheels and types, and installing roof racks. You can use the configurator on our website to get some inspiration for your custom Defender. All body shop and detailing work is carried out by experienced professionals, and we don’t take any shortcuts, providing the highest quality finish.
Inside the vehicle, the experience is even more tailored. With bespoke leather upholstery, thermal acoustic carpeting, air conditioning, heated windshields, additional centre dashboards and enhanced audio systems, we can create a luxury off-road environment. Our experts will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, from colour pallets to functional features, every element of your Defender should perfectly suit your wants and needs.
Completion and Testing
Once all elements are restored and we have finished customizing, your Land Rover Defender will be reassembled with precision. This is a true team effort, with our automotive engineers and builders coming together to ensure the vehicle is built to perfection. We go beyond industry standards, checking fitment, alignment, and finish at every stage.
For complete peace of mind, every custom Defender will be sent to an independent garage for a full British Government MOT or European equivalent. We also carry our stringent quality checks and run all vehicles for a minimum of 200 miles, ensuring flawless performance.
Delivery
The final stage of the process is shipping your custom Land Rover Defender directly to you. Wherever you’re based in America, you’ll receive a vehicle that’s adventure-ready and truly one-of-a-kind.
We will handle the importation process on your behalf and complete any required customs paperwork. Your vehicle will be shipped from Liverpool and sent to Newark, Baltimore, Galveston or Long Beach Ports, depending on your location. Shipping takes approximately 10 – 20 days, and as soon as your Defender arrives, it will be ready to drive.
What Makes the TATC Process Different?
At TATC, we don’t just customize Defenders, we craft vehicles that exceed original factory standards and provide a lifetime of enjoyment. More than 1,000 man hours go into every build, and our restorations are never rushed. Instead, they are handled with skill, care, and an attention to detail that’s impossible to replicate on an assembly line.
What sets our process apart is the bespoke nature of each project, the experience of our automotive engineers and the level of communication we maintain with clients throughout the journey. We live and breathe these legendary vehicles, and customize Land Rover Defenders to modern-day standards while retaining their historic capabilities.
With decades of experience working with classic Land Rovers, we understand the heritage of every bolt and bracket. We only use the highest quality parts and materials throughout each build, and we don’t compromise on performance, durability or style. We also implement rigorous quality control checks at each stage of the process. From the waxing of every chassis nut to the stitch on the seat trim, no detail is too small. This commitment to excellence ensures your custom Defender doesn’t just look incredible; it performs flawlessly on and off-road.
Ready to Customize your Own Defender?
When you invest in a custom Defender with TATC, you will be investing in a legacy rebuilt and you can rely on us to deliver something spectacular every time. Whether you want to restore a family heirloom or build a custom Land Rover Defender that suits your lifestyle, our automotive engineers are here to make it happen.
Explore our full restoration process on our website today or contact our team to start your journey to owning a completely bespoke, world-class Land Rover Defender.