Meet the “Project Barbour,” a 2017 Heritage Edition Land Rover Defender 90 created to showcase hand-crafted workmanship with “the timeless, rugged style that is synonymous with the Barbour name,” according to the news release announcing the vehicle’s completion and the start of its nationwide tour and sweepstakes that will award the vehicle to its next owner.
The vehicle was commissioned by Orvis, the outdoor outfitter founded in 1856, and was built by East Coast Defender, a tuning shop in Kissimmee, Florida, that specializes in Land Rover vehicles. The SUV celebrates Barbour North America, an arm of the family owned company founded in 1894 to produce lifestyle clothing celebrating the British countryside.
While retro-mod vehicles — classics updated with modern mechanicals — have become quite popular among collectors, this SUV is more of a retro-mod, starting with a new but retro-inspired Defender 90 and adding Barbour styling with saddle leather seating with Barbour Tartan inserts and door pockets with zip closures, a Momo Indy steering wheel and other alterations.
The vehicle wears Coniston Green colors with matching 16-inch Wolf Steel wheels and has a Rovers North soft top.
“Barbour and Land Rover converge at the crossroads of the most iconic brands in British history,” Tory Myler, manager of retail marketing programs at Orvis, said in a news release. “Naturally, we’re excited these companies have come together for a new Collection that’s available exclusively through Orvis.
“We premiered the Barbour-edition Defender earlier this year during an event at our New York City store on 5th Avenue and the Defender was a tremendous focal point of our display. Not only will this vehicle be an incredible prize for the winner, but a rare collectible that represents four of the world’s most revered brands.”
The vehicle will tour various events in 2018 and a sweepstakes contest will award the SUV to its next owner. For details, visit the special Orvis website.
