This 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 represents what happens when a utilitarian icon is rebuilt without nostalgia getting in the way. Originally conceived as a working vehicle, the Defender earned its reputation through durability, not refinement. This example, rebuilt from the ground up by Monarch and retained by a single owner since completion, takes that same honesty and carries it forward with modern performance and zero compromise. The result is a bespoke Defender that looks purposeful, feels deliberate, and operates at a level far removed from its agricultural beginnings. This is not a tribute or a styling exercise. It is a fully realized reinterpretation built to be driven and used at a high level.
The foundation of the build is extensive. The chassis was completely stripped, refinished, and reassembled with modern materials and corrosion protection before a single cosmetic decision was made. The exterior is finished in premium Standox paint in a refined gray metallic, chosen for its depth and subtlety. It features a finished bed with teak-style wood flooring and marine-style hardware, along with an external roll bar that visually anchors the rear of the truck. A purpose-built front bumper houses a Warn winch with synthetic rope, while a NAS-style rear bumper with a 2" receiver and a rear-mounted spare tire carrier housing a full-size spare add real utility. Modern LED lighting, checker-plate accents, and deliberate trim details complete an exterior that feels engineered.
Power comes from a GM LS3 V8 crate engine, delivering modern performance, reliability, and rated at 430hp. The engine is paired with a 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission and a Land Rover LT230 transfer case, providing confident power delivery both on-road and off, while power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes dramatically improve control and drivability. Supporting systems were fully upgraded, including cooling, fuel delivery, wiring, and exhaust, all executed cleanly with an emphasis on durability and ease of use. A Salisbury rear axle paired with a standard Rover front axle, 3.54 gearing, and a limited-slip differential provides strength and traction. Suspension upgrades include a 3" lift with Fox shocks and springs, paired with large wheel arches and 35" BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires mounted on body-matched steel wheels.
The interior is where this Defender fully departs from its origins. The cabin has been completely reimagined and trimmed in black, Italian leather with rich tan contrast stitching and piping, paired with a full Alcantara headliner. Custom seats feature perforated inserts, pronounced bolstering, Monarch-embroidered headrests, and heating for both front and rear occupants. The dashboard has been redesigned and fully wrapped to match, integrating circular air vents, modern switchgear, and a flush-mounted Alpine touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and SiriusXM capability. Power windows and power door locks bring everyday usability in line with modern expectations, while multiple USB charging points are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. Climate control is handled by a Dakota Digital system, delivering modern air conditioning performance without disrupting the visual balance of the interior. A leather-wrapped center console houses dual cupholders and a modern shifter, and the rear bench is trimmed to the same exacting standard as the front seats.
This Monarch-built Defender 110 is a clear statement piece, not because it is flashy, but because it is resolved. Every decision reflects a focus on usability, quality, and cohesion rather than trend-chasing. It retains the unmistakable silhouette and attitude that made the Defender an icon, while delivering the performance, comfort, and execution expected of a modern bespoke build. The result is a six-figure reengineering of a global legend, one that feels confident in its purpose and uncompromising in its execution.
Key Highlights
Monarch-built Defender 110
One-owner since build
GM 6.2L LS3 V8 crate engine
6L80 6-speed automatic transmission
Land Rover LT230 transfer case
Salisbury rear axle with 3.54 gearing
Limited-slip differential
Standard Rover front axle
3" suspension lift
Fox shocks and springs
35" BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires
Warn winch
Power steering
Four-wheel power disc brakes
Modern air conditioning
Custom black and tan leather interior
Leather-wrapped dash
Alcantara headliner
Alpine touchscreen receiver
Bluetooth and SiriusXM capability
Heated front and rear seats
Power windows
