700-HP V8 Defender? Meet ECD’s Project Wilder Off-Road Monster

If James Bond ever retired to a mountain cabin and decided to build his dream off-roader, it would probably look a lot like this. Meet Project Wilder, ECD Automotive Design’s latest custom Land Rover, and easily one of the wildest we’ve seen.

This thing is pure attitude. Forget the old diesel grunt — under the hood is a supercharged V8 from GM that cranks out over 700 horsepower. And yes, it’s paired with a six-speed manual, because apparently someone at ECD still believes driving should be fun. Add in a Borla exhaust, and this truck doesn’t just move, it snarls.

But it’s not just about power. ECD took this thing down to the bones, coated the chassis in ultra-tough Raptor Liner, and gave it air ride suspension so you can raise or lower it depending on whether you’re flexing at a car show or crawling over rocks. It’s got Brembo brakes to rein it all in, and the whole thing is finished in Eastnor Green with bronze accents that somehow make it look classy and mean at the same time. The 20-inch wheels wrapped in fat BFGoodrich tires complete the look.

Step inside and it’s like someone turned a vintage Defender into a private jet. The cabin is wrapped in distressed Buffalo leather with honeycomb stitching, trimmed in rich Sapele walnut, and fitted with Recaro seats that look like they came out of a track car. Even the ceiling is finished in Alcantara. There’s a wood-rimmed steering wheel that’s basically begging to be gripped with leather gloves and a cold coffee in the cupholder.

And don’t worry, it’s got all the tech you actually want. Apple CarPlay, a banging Focal sound system with twin subs, a panoramic roof to let the light in, and all the convenience stuff like power windows, reverse cameras, and blind spot monitoring.

Project Wilder isn’t just a cool build. It’s that rare combo of old-school style, big personality, and modern comfort that actually makes you want to get in and drive it every day. It looks like it could climb a mountain, tear up the sand, or just sit in your driveway looking like it owns the place. Honestly, it kind of does.