Rebuilding a Land Rover Defender isn’t just about restoring a classic — it’s about reviving an icon. Whether you’re passionate about the heritage of the Land Rover Defender 90, seeking a capable overlanding machine, or planning to pass down a legacy vehicle through generations, a full restoration lets you own a piece of history that performs like new.
At Royal Street Rovers, we specialize in bespoke Land Rover Defender restorations right here in Houston, Texas. From frame-off rebuilds to luxury enhancements, we help you bring your dream Defender to life — down to the last rivet.
Why Restore a Classic Land Rover Defender?
Classic Land Rovers are more than 4x4s — they’re cultural icons. Originally designed for farm use and military operations, the Defender’s rugged design and off-road prowess have earned it legendary status. But even legends need rebuilding.
Here’s why Defender restorations are in high demand:
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Preserve automotive heritage with a custom touch
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Improve reliability with modern performance upgrades
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Increase resale value — Defenders are proven investments
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Create a bespoke 4×4 tailored to your lifestyle and terrain
If you’re looking for a daily driver, off-road machine, or collectible vehicle, a restored Land Rover Defender offers unparalleled versatility.
Step-by-Step: The Defender Restoration Process
Restoring a Defender is a meticulous, multi-phase project. Here’s how we do it at Royal Street Rovers:
1. Sourcing Your Base Defender
We begin by sourcing authentic Land Rover Defender 90, 110, or 130 models with strong restoration potential. Whether it’s a 1990s Land Rover or a rare spec Defender from overseas, we ensure the foundation is solid for a world-class rebuild.
Explore some of our favorite builds, including the stunning 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 – Seafoam.
2. Defining Your Dream Defender
Every Defender is as unique as its owner. We collaborate with you to define your ideal build:
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Engine options (TD5, 300Tdi, V8, or electric — learn more)
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Modern tech upgrades like Apple CarPlay, backup cameras, premium audio
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Custom paint — we’ve done everything from matte black to a classic green Land Rover Defender
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Luxury interiors featuring fine leather, custom upholstery, and vintage touches
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All-terrain suspension and wheels for rugged performance
See how custom builds come together in our restoration process.
3. Body-Off Chassis Restoration
We perform a full nut-and-bolt restoration, stripping the Defender to its bare chassis:
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Chassis sandblasting and galvanizing
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Body panel fabrication and fitment
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Rewiring the entire electrical system
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Upgraded suspension, brakes, and axles
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New or rebuilt engines and gearboxes
Each project is fully documented and precision-assembled by our expert technicians.
Explore how we handle Defender refurbishment.
4. Final Assembly, Testing & Delivery
Before shipping, every Defender undergoes a 200+ mile road test and multi-point inspection to ensure it performs flawlessly. We provide:
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US DOT and EPA compliance — yes, your restored Defender is 100% legal in all 50 states
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White-glove delivery anywhere in the USA or Canada
Learn more about Defender legality.
Types of Defender Restoration Projects
At Royal Street Rovers, we specialize in restoring every variant of the Land Rover Defender — from agile two-doors to long-bed utility trucks. Whether you’re looking for a nimble city cruiser or a heavy-duty overlander, we offer custom Defender builds that meet your needs and style.
Land Rover Defender 90 – The Compact Classic
The Defender 90, often referred to as the D90, features a short wheelbase (SWB) that makes it exceptionally maneuverable. Ideal for navigating tight city streets or zipping through backcountry trails, the D90 is the Defender of choice for adventurers who want agility and style in a compact package.
Popular restoration upgrades include:
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Turbo diesel or V8 engine swaps
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Luxury leather interiors and custom dashboards
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Off-road suspension with BFGoodrich or All-Terrain tires
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Modern comforts like Apple CarPlay, air conditioning, and upgraded sound systems
Want to see what this build looks like? View our D90 specs and options or check out one of our restored Defender 90s for sale.
Land Rover Defender 110 – The Perfect Everyday Overlander
The Defender 110 offers a perfect balance between utility and comfort. With a longer wheelbase, this model delivers added interior space, improved stability, and the versatility to serve as both a daily driver and an expedition-ready 4×4. It’s our most requested model for family Defender builds.
Key Defender 110 restoration features:
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5-door configuration for easy access
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Upgraded diesel or petrol powertrains
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Full-length roof racks and ladder systems for overlanding
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Custom seating configurations: 2+2, 5, 7, or even 9 seats
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Advanced insulation and soundproofing for road comfort
Explore why the Defender 110 is ideal for families and adventurers in our blog: Which Defender Model Is Best for a Family?
Land Rover Defender 130 – The Ultimate Workhorse Truck
The Defender 130, also known as the Land Rover Defender pickup or Defender truck, is built for serious utility. With a stretched wheelbase and an extended cab or bed, the 130 is ideal for those who need hauling capability, expedition builds, or a rugged ranch-ready truck.
Want to see this beast in action? Take a closer look at Project Lowlands, our fully restored Defender 130 truck featuring a custom cargo area, a luxurious interior upgrade, and a full off-road enhancement package.
Notable features of a Defender 130 build:
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4-door double cab or utility pickup layout
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Ideal platform for overlanding, off-grid exploration, or commercial use
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Reinforced chassis, upgraded axles, and long-range fuel tanks
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Bespoke cargo beds with storage compartments or flatbed conversions
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Custom finishes including matte black, sandstorm beige, or classic green Land Rover Defender schemes
These long-body Defender pickups combine brute strength with British heritage — and when restored by our expert team, they’re nothing short of exceptional.
Whether you’re drawn to the vintage charm of a 90s Land Rover Defender, the family-friendly versatility of the 110, or the sheer capability of the 130 pickup, we can tailor a restoration to fit your lifestyle and performance goals. We also offer Defender restomod builds, which fuse modern technology with classic design for the ultimate driving experience.
Explore all available body styles and configurations in our Land Rover Defender Collection or contact us to start your custom Defender build today.
What Makes Royal Street Rovers Different?
In a city as dynamic as Houston, Texas — where off-road enthusiasts and classic car collectors abound — Royal Street Rovers (RSR) stands apart as a premier Land Rover Defender restoration shop. While there may be a handful of builders in the area, few can match our commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and customer experience.
Here’s what truly sets us apart:
Custom Defenders Built in Houston, Texas
All of our restored Land Rover Defenders are built right here in Houston. This gives our clients direct access to our team, our process, and our vehicles. Whether you’re a Houston local or flying in from across the country, you can visit our showroom to see works-in-progress, test drive a Defender, and meet the craftsmen who build them.
Check out how our local builds come together in our Defender Restoration Process.
Over a Decade of Restoration Expertise
At Royal Street Rovers, Defender restoration isn’t just a service — it’s a craft. With more than ten years of hands-on experience working exclusively on vintage Land Rover models, we’ve developed proprietary methods for building durable, high-performance Defender trucks, pickups, and SUVs that feel brand new while honoring their original design.
Each build reflects our deep knowledge of Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130 platforms — from frame-off rebuilds to modern drivetrain swaps and suspension upgrades.
Explore Defender refurbishment: What You Need to Know.
Full In-House Services: Paint, Mechanical, Interior
Unlike many builders who outsource key phases, RSR handles everything in-house. This ensures quality control at every step of your Defender’s transformation. From custom bodywork and paint (including matte finishes and classic Defender green) to precision engine rebuilds, modern infotainment installations, and hand-stitched leather interiors, your project is completed under one roof.
Curious about our craftsmanship? Take a look at our restoration gallery and Defender projects.
Local Showroom + Global Shipping
Whether you’re from Houston, another part of Texas, or across the world, we’ve got you covered. You can visit our Houston showroom to start your build, or if you’re ordering remotely, we offer secure international shipping across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
We ensure every build complies with U.S. DOT, EPA, and emissions standards, so your Defender is 100% street-legal in all 50 states. Learn more here: Are Land Rover Defenders Legal in All 50 States?
Specialists in Classic Defender Restoration
We’re not just a general shop that happens to do Defenders — it’s all we do. That means we understand the nuances of classic Defender platforms, including:
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Left-hand and right-hand drive conversions
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Period-correct finishes for collectors
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Restomod options for modern functionality
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Defender pickup conversions (see Project Lowlands)
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Diesel, petrol, and electric conversions (Electric Defender Guide)
We believe a Land Rover Defender is more than a vehicle — it’s a legacy. And we’re committed to helping you preserve and personalize that legacy, one rivet at a time.
Daily Drivable, Showroom Worthy
At RSR, we build Defenders you can drive every day — and show off every weekend. Our clients include collectors, off-roaders, and families who want a one-of-a-kind vehicle with the soul of a classic and the convenience of a modern truck.
Want to know why a Defender can be your perfect daily ride? Read: Why the Land Rover Defender is the Ideal Daily Driver
From green Land Rover Defenders to long-bed 130 trucks, Royal Street Rovers builds custom vehicles that turn heads and tackle trails. Whether you want rugged utility or vintage luxury, we’re here to bring your dream Defender to life — with precision, passion, and pride in every detail.
👉 Start your build today or explore our available Defenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How much does a Land Rover Defender restoration cost?
A full Land Rover Defender restoration typically ranges from $80,000 to $200,000+, depending on several factors:
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The base model (Defender 90, 110, or 130)
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Engine type (TD5, LS3 V8, diesel, or electric conversion)
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Level of customization (bespoke interiors, paint, tech upgrades)
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Restoration tier (frame-off, partial refurb, restomod, or full rebuild)
At Royal Street Rovers, we tailor every build to your vision and budget. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping collector’s piece or a rugged daily driver, we deliver world-class craftsmanship and long-term value.
👉 Explore our current Defender inventory or contact us to request a quote.
Q. Are restored Land Rover Defenders legal in the USA?
Yes — every Defender we restore is 100% legal in all 50 states. We ensure each vehicle complies with:
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U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) safety regulations
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EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) emissions standards
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State-specific registration requirements and VIN validation
We take the guesswork out of importing or registering a classic Land Rover truck or restored Defender in the United States.
📘 Dive deeper: Are Land Rover Defenders Legal in All 50 States?
Q. Can I daily drive my restored Land Rover Defender?
Absolutely. At RSR, we build Defender trucks and SUVs that blend rugged legacy with modern convenience. Upgrades that make daily driving a pleasure include:
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Power steering & upgraded suspension for smooth handling
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Air conditioning & cabin heating for all-weather comfort
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Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and premium audio systems
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LED lighting, reverse cameras, and modern safety enhancements
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Soundproofing and comfort-first interior finishes
Our clients frequently drive their Defenders in city traffic, on road trips, and through rugged trails — and love every minute of it.
🚙 Read more: Why the Land Rover Defender is the Ideal Daily Driver
Q. What’s special about the green Land Rover Defender?
The green Land Rover Defender isn’t just a color — it’s a symbol of the vehicle’s roots in military service and rural life. Originally finished in olive tones for durability and camouflage, green became an iconic aesthetic for Defenders throughout the 80s and 90s.
Today, it remains a favorite among collectors, off-roaders, and purists looking to preserve that old-school appeal. From classic NATO Green to modern custom emerald finishes, green Defenders stand out on the street and the trail.
🎨 Need help deciding? Check out: Choosing the Right Color for Your Defender 90
Or explore Project Phoenix, our custom Emerald Green Defender 110.
Q. How long does a full Land Rover Defender restoration take?
Most of our Defender restoration projects take between 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the build. Timelines vary based on:
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Base vehicle condition and availability
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Engine swaps (diesel, V8, or electric)
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Custom fabrication requests
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Paint, upholstery, and interior detailing
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Client design approvals
We keep you updated at every milestone — from teardown to test drive. Your build isn’t just a project; it’s a collaboration.
⏱ Curious about the process? Learn more in our Restoration Guide and Defender Refurbishment Guide
Q. Can I visit your shop or buy a Defender in Houston, Texas?
Yes! We’re proud to call Houston, Texas home — and our clients are welcome to visit our local showroom by appointment. Whether you’re customizing a build or checking out finished trucks, you’ll meet the team behind every Defender.
We also offer nationwide and international delivery with secure shipping and full documentation.
📍 Stop by or browse our Land Rover Defender inventory. Ready to get started? Contact us today.
Start Your Defender Restoration Today
Ready to build a truck that’s both timeless and trail-ready? Whether you want a green Land Rover Defender 90, a family-ready Defender 110, or a rugged Defender 130 truck, we’ll help you create a vehicle that matches your vision and lifestyle.
Visit our Defender collection or get in touch via our contact form to start your journey today.
