ECD Auto Design: Restoring Vintage Land Cruisers with Unlimited Potential
East Coast Defender, initially known for restoring Land Rover icons, has expanded its horizon by venturing into the vintage Jaguar and Mustang restoration business. As a result, the name “Defender” no longer encapsulated the company’s vast potential, prompting a rebranding to ECD Auto Design.
ECD Auto Design has now set its sights on restoring the beloved FJ40 and FJ60 Toyota Land Cruisers. These iconic vehicles will undergo a complete overhaul, with the baseline spec encompassing a frame renewal and the replacement of Toyota’s reliable six-cylinder engines with Chevy’s powerful 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V8. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this upgrade significantly enhances performance.
The upgrades do not stop there, as the cooling and fuel systems are also enhanced, along with the installation of a stainless steel exhaust. A new suspension system is fitted onto heavy-duty axles, and all trucks are converted to feature four-wheel disc brakes. The FJ40 and FJ60 models roll on sixteen-inch wheels adorned with BFG tires, including the spare tire mounted on the tailgate.
ECD Auto Design understands the importance of personalization, offering an extensive exterior color palette that allows customers to choose any OEM hue in a gloss finish. The standard bumper is ECD’s sleek and slimline unit, but for those seeking a more rugged look, there are options available with winches.
Inside the cabin, attention to detail is paramount. The dash is painted to match the body panels, providing an opportunity to create an eye-catching color contrast with the hand-stitched leather seating. Every restoration includes air conditioning, ensuring comfort during drives. In terms of modern features, the FJ40 and FJ60 restomods come equipped with a Momo steering wheel, Sony or Alpine head unit with Bluetooth, backup camera, trailer wiring, LED lighting both at the front and rear, and an alarm system.
Anticipated to begin production in the third quarter of this year, with first deliveries expected early next year, the restored FJ40 and FJ60 models from ECD Auto Design will be priced starting at around $230,000. However, customers can expect the price to increase as they customize their vehicles to their heart’s desire. ECD Auto Design emphasizes that every aspect of the FJ40 and FJ60 can be tailored, down to the smallest details like the needle tips on the gauges.
In conclusion, ECD Auto Design’s expansion into the restoration of vintage Toyota Land Cruisers demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing customers with unlimited possibilities in the world of automotive restoration. With their expertise and attention to detail, these restomods are poised to capture the hearts of enthusiasts looking for both performance and personalization. Whether it’s the iconic Land Rover, Jaguar, Mustang, or now, the FJ40 and FJ60 Land Cruisers, ECD Auto Design continues to redefine the boundaries of automotive restoration.