White Heat: ECD Auto Design’s Project Blanca Reimagines the Classic Defender with Impeccable Power and Prestige

In a realm where off-roading meets opulence, ECD Auto Design has once again raised the bar with the debut of Project Blanca—a stunning one-of-one Land Rover Defender 110 that seamlessly merges rugged capability with refined craftsmanship. This isn’t just a custom build; it’s a handcrafted automotive sculpture made for discerning collectors with a taste for trail-tested luxury.

Unveiled from ECD’s 100,000-square-foot design facility in Kissimmee, Florida, Project Blanca epitomizes the brand’s ethos: taking classic icons and turning them into modern-day masterpieces. Each detail—from the Chawton White paintwork to the hand-laid French oak wood inlays—is calibrated for maximum visual and tactile pleasure.

Project Blanca’s exterior is a minimalist’s dream cloaked in gloss-finished Chawton White, complemented by Zermatt Silver accents that elevate its form without shouting for attention. A custom laser-cut vertical grille, illuminated billet door handles, and bespoke smoked turn signals give the build a futuristic attitude while respecting its Defender DNA. French oak inserts accent the side steps and bumpers, adding an artisan's touch rarely seen on an off-road icon.

Add in the Raptor-coated chassis, 18-inch Kahn 1983 wheels, and white-wall BFG Trail Terrain tires, and you have a vehicle that’s equally at home scaling a mountain or pulling up at a five-star lodge.

Inside, it’s all about plush precision. The cabin is wrapped in Relicate tan leather with dark brown accents, with seats finished in vertical and V-shaped stitch patterns and accented with tan Alcantara inserts. The chevron-patterned French oak flooring—a standout feature—extends across the cargo area, creating a sense of continuity and polish rare in this class.

The seating configuration (2+2+4) includes heated and cooled Exmoor Puma Premium front seats, middle row captain's chairs, and inward-facing jump seats in the rear. Each row is tailored to feel like its own first-class suite.

Vintage-inspired gauges, billet aluminum buttons, and a leather-wrapped custom dashboard offer retro aesthetics with modern function. The Sony Halo touchscreen paired with Infinity Kappa speakers and an active subwoofer brings state-of-the-art connectivity and sound to your next backcountry expedition.

Powering Project Blanca is a GM LT1 V8 engine delivering a robust 455 horsepower, married to a 10-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear shifts across terrain types. The Alcon high-performance brakes with red calipers offer precision stopping power, while ECD’s signature Air Ride suspension smooths out even the roughest paths.

A dual stainless-steel sport exhaust, custom heavy-duty axles, and an extended fuel tank further prove that Blanca isn’t just a pretty face. She’s a road warrior dressed for the gala.

This is more than just a collector’s item—it’s a lifestyle statement. Every inch of Project Blanca has been imagined, shaped, and perfected by a team of over 105 master craftsmen at ECD’s Florida headquarters. It’s a process that takes over 2,200 hours of meticulous work, turning a 25-year-old shell into a world-class machine.

And the process doesn’t end with Project Blanca. ECD invites clients to step into the design studio and co-create their own automotive dream. Whether it's a Jaguar E-Type, a Mustang, or another legendary Land Rover, each build is a one-off designed entirely to reflect the personality and passions of its future owner.

Project Blanca is a declaration. It affirms that adventure doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance, and that performance can be as stylish as it is powerful. For those who believe driving should be a sensory experience—not just a mode of transport—this Defender is the ultimate expression of personal luxury on four wheels.