East Coast Defender Builds One of the Maddest Defenders

East Coast Defender is a company based in Florida that custom builds Land Rover Defenders that are able to tackle any terrain while being somewhat civil to drive on the road. Their latest creation is something extraordinary.

Meet Project Viper, the first vehicle to come from ECD's Ultimate Vehicle Concept (UVC) division. The goal for this project was to create the ultimate sport-utility vehicle not limited by “creative blocks” or budget.

It begins with a standard Defender. UVC rips out the original engine and swaps it for a 6.2L LS3 V8 rated at 430 horsepower. This is paired with a six-speed automatic and sends the power to the rear-wheels or all four wheels. A custom suspension setup features beefy axles, off-road springs and shocks, larger brakes, and 20-inch off-road wheels wrapped in a set of Nitto Mud Grappler tires.

Outside, the front and rear come with a set of LED lights, while a Warn winch can help you if the Viper gets stuck. An external rollcage protects the vehicle if something goes wrong. Move inside and you'll find a set of Corbeau seats wrapped in leather, a touchscreen audio system, power windows, air conditioning, and a backup camera.

“Project Viper is our first custom SUV to emerge from the new UVC division. We created UVC in response to the overwhelming demand from clients who want a pure, handcrafted SUV that is not limited by a specific Bill of Materials or budget. With one-of-one builds, like the Viper, we’re pushing the creative envelope with bigger, more capable trucks that celebrate our heritage with added daily comfort and reliability,” said in a statement.

How much will Project Viper set you back? East Coast Defender said it cost $285,000.

Pic Credit: East Coast Defender