A Defender Reborn

Brought back from a tired workhorse to a pristine classic, Project Jade is a complete nut-and-bolt restoration of a 1998 Land Rover Defender 90 300 TDI. The chassis was stripped bare, galvanized, and powder-coated before being reassembled with obsessive attention to detail. The legendary 300 TDI engine was completely rebuilt with new turbo, alternator, flywheel, injectors, and ancillaries, paired to a refreshed 5-speed manual gearbox and transfer case. Rebuilt differentials, axles, and an all-new cooling system ensure this Defender runs as strongly and reliably as the day it left the factory—only better.

Crafted for Comfort

Inside, refinement takes center stage. The cabin is retrimmed in hand-stitched full-grain leather in chocolate brown with contrast stitching, extending across seats, doors, and console. Dynamat insulation lines the floors, bulkhead, and panels for sound and vibration control, topped with custom-fit carpeting with edge binding. A wooden Momo steering wheel, billet aluminum shifters, and LO-branded Smiths gauges bring tactile beauty. Comforts include heated front seats, air conditioning, power windows, central locking, USB charging, and a premium sound system—modern usability wrapped in timeless Defender character.

Highlights of the build:

  • Full frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration with galvanized and powder-coated chassis

  • 300 TDI diesel engine fully rebuilt: new turbocharger, injectors, alternator, flywheel, belts, mounts, seals

  • Cylinder head refreshed with new gaskets and machining for long-term reliability

  • 5-speed manual transmission rebuilt with new bearings and synchros

  • Transfer case overhauled with fresh gears, seals, and bushings

  • Rebuilt differentials and axles, stripped, repainted, and fitted with new gaskets and seals

  • Complete cooling system renewal: aluminum radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, piping

  • Power steering refreshed with new pump, box, and bushings

  • Suspension fully renewed with fresh shocks, springs, A-frame, and bushings

  • Brake system overhauled: new calipers, discs, drums, shoes, back plates, hydraulic lines

  • Chawton White paintwork with all-new body panels and stainless steel hardware

  • Chocolate brown mohair soft top with Safety Devices roll bar

  • Sawtooth alloy wheels finished in gloss black with BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires

  • Heritage grille, LED headlights, GLOHH GL indicators, fog lights, clear repeaters, and round LED rears

  • NAS-style rear bumper step with swing-out tailgate and full-size spare

  • Full-grain leather interior in chocolate brown with contrast stitching

  • Heated front bucket seats plus four inward-facing jump seats in matching trim

  • Custom-fit carpeting with edge trim over full Dynamat insulation throughout

  • Wooden Momo steering wheel and billet aluminum gear and handbrake shifters

  • Legacy Overland custom white-face gauges with black numerals

  • Air conditioning with under-dash integration

  • Power windows, central locking with remote fob, and USB charging ports

  • Premium audio: amplifier, speakers, custom wiring looms, and concealed cabling

  • Double-DIN NAV unit on center console

  • Backup camera integrated into modernized electrical system

  • Weatherstripping, mirrors, latches, and seals all replaced with new

  • Underbody finished in body color, pick-up tub coated with Raptor liner

  • Meticulously refinished engine bay with satin-black components and new senders, sensors, and switches

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