ECD Automotive Design: Bespoke Land Rovers Reimagined

In the realm of classic car restoration and customisation, few names resonate with the same level of dedication and meticulousness as ECD Automotive Design. This Orlando-based company has carved out a unique niche, transforming vintage Land Rovers into stunning, tailor-made vehicles that are as individual as their owners. What began as a bold idea between friends over a few drinks has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, now venturing into the exciting frontier of electric vehicle conversions, integrating state-of-the-art Tesla technology into these iconic British machines.

ECD Automotive Design stands as a testament to the power of passion and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their journey from a modest 1,200 sq. ft. garage to a sprawling 45,000 sq. ft. facility, soon to expand to 100,000 sq. ft., is a narrative of relentless pursuit of perfection and a deep understanding of what discerning clients truly desire. This isn't just about restoring old cars; it's about crafting automotive art, built from the ground up, with every detail meticulously considered and executed.

The Genesis of a Bespoke Dream

The story of ECD Automotive Design is as unique as the vehicles they create. It began eight years ago, a spontaneous idea sparked during a casual conversation between two friends, Scott Wallace and Tom Humble. Neither possessed prior experience in automotive manufacturing, yet they shared a vision: to establish a custom vehicle shop dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind Land Rovers from their native UK. The initial brainstorming session, fuelled by several adult beverages, might have seemed fleeting, but the morning after proved otherwise. To Wallace's surprise, Humble had taken the audacious step of quitting his sales job, fully committed to turning their ambitious idea into a tangible reality.

With a shared conviction, they enlisted Tom's younger brother, Elliot, from the UK, and together, the trio rented a small garage unit in Kissimmee, Florida. From these humble beginnings, ECD Automotive Design was born. Their initial focus was clear: to bring the rugged charm and timeless appeal of vintage Land Rovers, particularly the D90, D110, D130 Defenders, the Series IIA, and the Range Rover Classic, to an American audience, reimagined with unparalleled customisation.

The Meticulous Process of Rebirth

ECD Automotive Design's specialisation lies in completely custom vintage Land Rovers. Given the greater prevalence of these models in the UK, the team has devised an ingenious and cost-effective method for importation. To comply with regulations, only Land Rover chassis that are at least 25 years old can be imported into the US. ECD leverages this by shipping the bare chassis, while newer Land Rover models are carefully dismantled, and their components shipped over as parts. This dual approach ensures a steady supply of authentic foundations and modern components for their builds.

Upon arrival, each chassis undergoes a rigorous sand-blasting process to ensure its structural integrity and prepare it for its new life. This is where the true transformation begins. The custom rebuild incorporates newer parts atop these revitalised chassis, blending vintage character with contemporary reliability and performance. The growth of ECD Automotive Design is evident in their physical footprint; that initial 1,200 sq. ft. garage has expanded to encompass an entire 45,000 sq. ft. facility. This expansive space is intelligently organised into various dedicated work stations, each playing a crucial role in the intricate build process.

The creation of a custom ECD vehicle is an exercise in precision and patience, typically spanning a meticulous 14-month period from the initial design consultation to final customer delivery. This extensive timeline encompasses approximately 2,200 hours of skilled labour, distributed across more than 20 distinct stations. Each custom Land Rover spends an average of five days at each station, ensuring every step of the build receives dedicated attention. Quality control is paramount; before any vehicle is delivered, ECD subjects its completed builds to a minimum of 1,000 miles of rigorous test driving. This comprehensive testing ensures that every aspect of the vehicle, from its performance to its bespoke features, meets the exceptionally high standards of their fastidious clientele. Scott Wallace, despite his venture capital background, oversees an incredibly tight ship, employing organised processes and advanced technology to meticulously track every movement of each vehicle, from its initial chassis stage to its glorious completion. Talented individuals are empowered within their roles, yet simultaneously held accountable, with each step of the process undergoing triple-checked verification by multiple teams, often followed by additional scrutiny.

Unrivalled Customisation: Truly One-of-a-Kind

When ECD Automotive Design speaks of custom vehicles, they transcend the conventional understanding of merely choosing an exterior colour or interior fabric. These are not merely cars; they are complete 1:1 automotive works of art, meticulously hand-built to a customer’s exact specifications. The bespoke nature of their projects means that client preferences can, and often do, evolve throughout the extensive 14-month build process.

A cornerstone of ECD’s philosophy, and a testament to their commitment to individuality, is their policy regarding intellectual property. Once a custom Land Rover is delivered, it becomes the exclusive intellectual property of that customer. This means that if a new client admires one of ECD's many previous projects and requests an identical build, the company respectfully declines. No two vehicles that leave their assembly lines are ever the same, a principle on which the ECD team prides itself. This commitment to unrivalled uniqueness ensures that every ECD vehicle is a singular expression of its owner's vision.

The range of customisations brought to fruition by ECD Automotive Design across their 400-plus builds to date is nothing short of astonishing. Wallace recounts tales of incredible client requests, from a custom skid plate featuring a message cut out in Swahili to dashboards adorned with exotic animal furs, and even a custom paint colour precisely matched to a client’s house. “We always say yes,” Wallace affirms, encapsulating the true nucleus of ECD Automotive’s customer-first approach. This philosophy extends beyond mere aesthetic customisation; it encompasses a commitment to keeping the customer fully informed throughout the entire process, and crucially, providing comprehensive after-delivery support through a warranty that covers prompt and efficient fixes for any issues or damages that may arise.

The Customer Journey: An Immersive Experience

ECD Automotive Design’s clients are not passive observers in the design process; they are truly hands-on participants. For those unable to visit ECD’s impressive facilities in Florida, the company ensures a deeply engaging experience by sending various leather and colour samples directly to their homes. Furthermore, clients receive regular video and picture updates of their build every two weeks, providing a transparent and exciting chronicle of their vehicle’s transformation. As a poignant memento of their Land Rover’s former life before its complete rebirth, customers also receive one of the original door hinges, beautifully framed.

The ultimate culmination of the ECD experience arrives with the delivery of the vehicle. Each customer receives a bespoke custom book, meticulously documenting the entire assembly process with captivating photos and professional images of the final product. This extraordinary attention to detail and customer service is a significant driver of ECD Automotive Design’s impressive year-on-year growth.

Despite custom Defenders starting at approximately £145,000 (around $180,000), ECD boasts a remarkable number of repeat customers, with some clients commissioning three or even four vehicles. Wallace recalls an instance where a custom Land Rover was delivered on a Saturday, and the very next day, that same customer reached out to commission another build. He likens this phenomenon to a child leaving for university; these customers genuinely miss being part of the design process, which has become an integral part of their lives for over a year.

The Electric Evolution: Tesla-Powered Land Rovers

In a significant stride towards modernising their offerings, ECD Automotive Design has embraced the future of mobility by introducing electric versions of their custom Land Rovers. This bold move caters to a growing demand from customers seeking sustainable yet powerful alternatives, and true to their ethos, ECD was not one to say no.

Currently, ECD employs an electrification kit sourced from Electric Classic Cars (ECC) in the UK. This sophisticated kit comprises a formidable 450 kW Tesla Model S motor, paired with two Tesla battery packs. One battery pack is cleverly integrated under the bonnet, replacing the conventional combustion engine, while the second is strategically placed in the rear. These two packs combine to house 8,256 individual cells, culminating in a substantial battery capacity of 100 kWh.

The integration of a Tesla motor onto a 25-plus-year-old chassis presented a unique engineering challenge, which ECD’s team ingeniously solved. Rather than having the electric motor directly turn the wheels, ECD’s innovative approach involves turning the Tesla motor 90 degrees to power the existing driveshaft. This preserves the original drivetrain layout while seamlessly introducing modern electric propulsion.

While electrification is a relatively new frontier for the self-described "Petrol heads" amongst the founders, their optimism is palpable. They are committed to continuously refining and improving the electric specifications offered to their customers. Wallace acknowledges the uncharted territory: “When building one of a kind vehicles, there isn’t a book. Normally by truck six or seven, we figure it out.” This seemingly nonchalant attitude belies a deep trust in their highly skilled teams, who possess profound expertise in bringing these complex visions to life. Every team member, from the paint specialists to the assembly crew, operates with precision and a clear understanding of their craft.

Driving the Electric Dream: Project Britton

A recent highlight for ECD Automotive Design was the completion of "Project Britton," an all-electric Land Rover Defender D110, showcasing the aforementioned Tesla Model S motor and batteries. During a test drive, Elliot Humble, co-owner of ECD, provided insights into this remarkable vehicle. The rear battery pack, a marvel of discreet integration, is artfully concealed beneath beautiful teakwood, which cleverly doubles as a sliding bench for easy access.

Project Britton, with its 100 kWh battery, currently offers an average range of approximately 170 miles. While this might seem modest compared to a more aerodynamic Tesla Model S, it is entirely reasonable for a vehicle of the Defender’s size and less aerodynamic profile. Elliot suggests that with frugal driving, a range of up to 200 miles could be achievable, though for many, the exhilarating performance of an electric Defender would surely take precedence.

The current electric Land Rovers emerging from ECD are equipped with a J1772 plug, supporting Level 1 and 2 charging. Looking ahead, ECD plans to acquire future electrification kits that will soon enable DC fast charging capabilities, further enhancing the practicality and appeal of their electric offerings. Opting for an electric conversion adds approximately £40,000 to £50,000 to the cost of a custom ECD build, a testament to the advanced technology and intricate engineering involved.

The driving experience in Project Britton is a unique blend of classic ruggedness and modern electric exhilaration. The accelerator delivers the immediate torque characteristic of an EV, providing a thrilling surge of power. The braking, however, retains a more traditional feel, requiring a firmer push reminiscent of a combustion-engine truck. On open roads outside Orlando, Project Britton effortlessly accelerated past 60 mph in under five seconds, accompanied by a distinct, whistle-like hum from the electric motor, creating a sensation akin to being inside a teakwood-clad spaceship. This quiet, yet powerful, experience stands in stark contrast to the rattling and revving associated with traditional combustion engines, such as the Chevy LS3 or LT4 engines that ECD also offers. The interior of Project Britton is a triumph of design, featuring a simplistic yet intuitive dash that seamlessly integrates the EV technology without sacrificing the classic charm of the Land Rover. The overall consensus from those who have driven both electric and combustion ECD Land Rovers leans heavily towards the electric variant, highlighting its superior driving dynamics and refined experience.

Comparative Overview: Traditional vs. Electric ECD Builds

To better understand the distinct offerings from ECD Automotive Design, here's a comparative look at their traditional combustion engine builds versus their cutting-edge electric conversions:

The Future: Expansion and Electric Dominance

Looking ahead, ECD Automotive Design is poised for significant expansion. A new 100,000 sq. ft. facility is nearing completion directly across the street from their current premises. Departments will gradually transition to this larger space in the coming months. Once fully operational, this new facility will dramatically increase ECD’s build capacity, jumping from approximately 60 vehicles per year to an impressive 200. This expansion underscores their confidence in the burgeoning market for bespoke vehicles and, crucially, for electric conversions.

As EV adoption continues to grow globally, ECD’s enhanced capacity will be perfectly positioned to meet the escalating demand for all-electric Land Rovers. While the company is currently cycling about one EV build per month, they anticipate a substantial increase as the cost of electrification kits becomes more competitive and electric vehicles become increasingly mainstream. ECD Automotive Design is not just building custom cars; they are building a legacy, blending the timeless appeal of classic Land Rovers with the innovative spirit of electric mobility, ensuring these iconic vehicles continue to captivate for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What types of Land Rovers does ECD Automotive Design customise?

A1: ECD specialises in completely customising vintage Land Rover models, including the D90, D110, and D130 Defenders, the Series IIA, and the classic Range Rover Classic.

Q2: How long does it take to get a custom Land Rover from ECD?

A2: The entire custom vehicle process, from design inception to customer delivery, typically takes about 14 months. This includes approximately 2,200 hours of labour across 20 different work stations.

Q3: Can I request an exact replica of a previous ECD build?

A3: No, ECD Automotive Design prides itself on creating truly one-of-a-kind vehicles. Once a custom Land Rover is delivered, it becomes the intellectual property of that customer, and ECD will not create an identical build for another client.

Q4: How does ECD convert classic Land Rovers to electric power?

A4: ECD uses an electrification kit from Electric Classic Cars (ECC) in the UK. This kit includes a 450 kW Tesla Model S motor and two 100 kWh Tesla battery packs. The Tesla motor is ingeniously turned 90 degrees to power the existing driveshaft, maintaining the classic drivetrain layout.

Q5: What is the estimated range of an electric ECD Land Rover?

A5: An all-electric ECD Land Rover with the 100 kWh battery pack typically delivers an average range of approximately 170 miles. With frugal driving, it may be possible to achieve up to 200 miles.

Q6: What kind of charging does the electric Land Rover support?

A6: Current electric ECD Land Rovers use a J1772 plug and support Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. ECD plans to offer DC fast charging capabilities with future electrification kits.

Q7: How much more does an electric conversion add to the cost?

A7: Opting for the Tesla electrification kit typically adds an additional cost of approximately £40,000 to £50,000 on top of the base price of a custom ECD Land Rover build.

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