This classic Land Rover Defender produces 700 hp from the V8

Nowadays, more and more classic cars are getting an electric motor. For example, just for fun, type ‘electrical restomod’ into the search bar on our website. The results speak for themselves. For people who prefer to hear the roar of the engine, there are also modifications like this classic Defender. American Blackridge Motors took the Land Rover Defender 110 and put a V8 in the nose.

You can choose from two Chevy engines: the LS3 with 436 hp and the LT4 with 668 hp. By the time you like the real thing. The latter can also be found in the Camaro ZL1 and the C7-generation Corvette. The eight cylinders are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission for which special drive shafts are made. We can imagine that the poor ranks of the regular Defender cannot handle the sevenfold increase in power.

The entire classic Land Rover Defender was faced

We don’t think brakes designed for 70 hp will slow the car down enough for the new power. That’s why Blackbridge installs a new set of brakes from Wilwood, or optional Brembo brakes. The car also gets new shock absorbers and a reinforced propeller shaft. So you could best describe this conversion as the ‘new’ old Defender.

Blackbridge worked hard during the project to keep the exterior of the car as original as possible. That worked well, because you have to look carefully to distinguish the Defender from the original. The colors are still the same as before, like the 16-inch white metals. Even the standard grille is still on the nose.

The interior looks old, but it’s not

The seats have been updated, but retain the original design. The gauges on the instrument cluster have also been updated but remain in the old style. Blackbridge has even installed a very long gear lever, but now it serves an automatic transmission. There is also a clear difference when you turn on the radio. There’s now a Sony sound system on board, which goes along with the retro look because the speakers aren’t placed too prominently.

Scott Gilbert, CEO of Blackbridge Motors, wanted to create a Defender that has the classic charm, but the handling of a modern car. A Land Rover should also be fun to drive. Now we just hope that this Land Rover Defender with almost 700 hp V8 is more reliable than before.