Land Rover Defender gets $400k custom rebuild and eyes 2028 facelift

A US‑based specialist, Helderburg, has completed a $400,000 restomod of a classic Land Rover Defender, retaining its original Td5 five‑cylinder diesel engine while completely rebuilding the chassis, suspension, body panels and interior. The vehicle was commissioned by a father‑son team from Nashville, Tennessee, and features new aluminum bodywork, LED lighting and a bespoke stainless‑steel exhaust.

Meanwhile, Land Rover is preparing a major facelift for the modern Defender, slated for a 2028 launch. Spy photographs show a larger front grille with a mesh insert, new LED daytime running lights, updated rear spoiler and revised bumper designs. The company is also refining the chassis, suspension, steering and brakes, and plans to expand engine options with cleaner diesel units and a plug‑in hybrid model offering about 51 km of electric range. The facelift is expected to arrive sometime in 2027‑2028.