It’s a mixed breed. Blackbridge Motors in America has produced its latest bespoke creation: the Defender 110 Mark IV, complete with custom-modified Jeep Wrangler underpinnings, a Chev LS3 V8 engine and an array of modern performance upgrades.
Scott Gilbert founded Blackbridge Motors with the core belief that owning and driving an iconic Land Rover Defender shouldn’t come with compromises to comfort or handling. Drawing from years of professional expertise in repairing and restoring Defenders, Gilbert crafted standardised parts and solutions that can easily be switched out and modified depending on a client’s needs and preferences.
“The most common question we get from potential clients is what makes us different from the plethora of other Land Rover outfits currently on the market. What I always tell them is that while anyone can throw a bigger engine in a Defender and call it a day, what really matters is everything around the engine bay that affects the drivability, safety, reliability, and overall on-road handling experience.”
The new Defender features a GM Performance 6.2L V8 LS3 317kW (425bhp) engine with a Blackbridge-designed, aerospace-grade body harness mated to the GM Performance OEM engine and transmission harnesses. Most of the drivetrain is GM-sourced: a GM performance six-speed automatic transmission, GM transfer case, GM gear select lever, GM performance engine accessory kit, and GM Performance OEM engine control module.
Underneath, the truck has heavy-duty Dana HD front and rear axles with 4.88 gearing and a special hydroboost four-wheel Wilwood Master braking system. The original Land Rover Defender chassis has been replaced with a modified 2018 Jeep Wrangler 116-inch chassis which extends the wheelbase and interior space by 150mm. The new Jeep JK chassis gives numerous options when selecting wheels as opposed to the relatively limited choices available for the original Defender OEM platform.
16-inch steel “WOLF” style wheels and BFGoodrich K02 A/T tires were chosen for this build.
Custom-valved Fox shock absorbers were added for improved off-road capability and on-road stability along with a custom-engineered heavy-duty steering linkage box and heavy-duty control arms.
The interior is cloaked in off-white weather treated leather. The custom-designed dashboard simple in true Land Rover style.
There is a nine-inch touch screen display with electric heating and cooling capabilities, CNC machined vents and controls located alongside as well as custom analog-style dash gauges. Two rows of ‘captain’s chair’ seats are fitted.
Lighting upgrades include LED running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and Blackbridge x Vision X seven-inch round DOT LED headlights in the OEM grill.
Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark IV starts at USD$169,950.
