ECD’s Project Pelican Gives The Land Rover Defender 110 A Nautical Makeover

ECD Automotive Design’s latest custom Land Rover Defender 110 proves the Kissimmee, Florida-based company still knows how to make waves. Known as Project Pelican, the beautiful soft-top build combines a light blue exterior, teak-style flooring, custom pelican emblems, and an LS3 V8 with upgraded suspension and braking hardware.

Fiat Light Blue With A Roll Cage

Project Pelican is finished in Fiat Light Blue, giving the Defender a relaxed coastal appearance that stands apart from the darker greens, grays, and earth tones commonly associated with classic off-road vehicles. Zermatt Silver accents provide contrast, as do custom-painted DEFENDER hood lettering and 18-inch Sawtooth wheels.

The sand-colored canvas soft top continues the nautical theme. Other exterior additions are more functional, including a full roll cage, expedition roof rack, power-folding side steps, and a Terrafirma tubular winch bumper. BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires add off-pavement capability without making the vehicle look overly aggressive.

LS3 V8 Power And Air-Ride Suspension

Under the hood is a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. ECD has not provided output figures for this installation, but the naturally aspirated LS3 is widely used in restomods for its strong power and broad parts support.

A Borla stainless-steel sport exhaust sends gases through outlets positioned on both sides of the vehicle. An adaptive ECD air-ride suspension allows the Defender to adjust to different driving conditions, while Alcon brakes provide additional stopping performance. A REDARC trailer brake controller also prepares Project Pelican for towing.

A Cabin Inspired By A Classic Yacht

ECD has not shared much about the customer behind Project Pelican, but we suspect the owner dabbles with luxury boats. Bellissimo Anis distressed leather covers the seats, Puma-style dashboard, and door cards. Corbeau Trailcat seats feature vertical diamond stitching and black pelican emblems embroidered into the headrests.

The 2+2+4 seating layout includes two front seats, two middle-row seats, and four inward-facing jump seats in the cargo area. The front and middle seats are heated, ventilated, and perforated.

Aged Teak PlasDECK flooring with black lines runs through the rear cabin, recalling the deck of a classic boat. Centered in the cargo floor is another black pelican emblem inlaid directly into the material. The neatly integrated emblem is both a quiet example of ECD’s craftsmanship and the namesake of the build, symbolizing resilience, precision, and the ability to thrive wherever it goes.

Modern Equipment Behind The Vintage Appearance

Vintage-style gauges, silver metal pedals, Brazilian Rosewood-style trim, and an Evander wood steering wheel preserve the Defender’s traditional character. Modern equipment includes a touchscreen stereo with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, USB ports, rear air conditioning, dual JL Audio subwoofers, remote start, a backup camera, and a digital rearview mirror.

Body-color Raptor liner and ceramic coating protect the footwells, transmission tunnel, seat boxes, and bulkhead, completing a Defender built with equal attention to appearance, comfort, and long-term use. Pelicans are not typically known for their good looks, but this shipshape Defender makes a convincing exception.