Luxury Experience readers know that we are car fanatics with a penchant for classic luxury vehicles that have been restored and customized to maximize their innate beauty. When we learned about E.C.D. Automotive Design, and its East Coast Headquarters based in Kissimmee, Florida, we hopped on a plane in December 2024 and flew down to meet them and learn about their interesting company that restores classic Land Rover Series IIA, Defender 90/110/130, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Classic Mustang and Toyota FJ40/60 to bespoke elegance. Learning about their process from start to finish was not only enlightening, but we also felt like two little kids let loose in a candy shop. It was fabulous!
E.C.D. Automotive Design Rover Dome
To learn more about E.C.D. Automotive Design, we flew down to their headquarters and met with Founders Scott, Elliot, and Emily, who grew up in England, as well as Mike in Public Relations & Content Manager, Brandon in Client Services, and Tyler, their 3D Graphic Designer on Friday, December 13, 2024, to understand their philosophy and about their exceptional care and customer involvement throughout the process.
E.C.D. Automotive Design – Custom Defender 110
Founded in 2012, their story is like the “Little Engine That Could” in that they believed in themselves and that there was a strong public interest in bespoke classic Land Rovers, and they were right! Since their inception, their state-of-the-art facility has grown to 100,000 square feet with over 70 full-time employees and E.C.D. Automotive Design is publicly traded on Nasdaq (ECDA).
Tearing Down Land Rover
However, what attracted and intrigued us most about E.C.D. Automotive Design was their utmost customer care that begins on day one and continues the excitement throughout the process of designing the bespoke transformation. Their personalized bespoke customer experience begins with the selection of, or sourcing of a vehicle, then continues with the customer working with Tyler using computer design software to select exterior colors, selecting the type of upholstery, interior design and color. Once they have the vehicle, they strip it to the bare frame and then rebuild it to exact customer requirements.
Customer Interior Defender
We had the unique experience of sitting with Tyler and to go through the design process, we took a tour of the facility, and saw the production from stripping vehicles down, to the rebuild process, to the finished product, where we noted the meticulous attention to detail and the high quality of the workmanship throughout. What was once old, E.C.D. Automotive Design had not only breathed new life into these vehicles but also added current automotive safety features and the latest in dashboard and automotive technology (i.e., sound system, power windows, cool seats, warm seats, and more).
Custom Interior
When you commission a build with ECD this starts the Customer and Builder Journey and as they say, “you become part of the family.” The process is not an “order the automobile, select your trim, and wait to hear when the product is ready,” this is a full on one-to-one customer and builder interaction from start to the finished build. It starts with selecting your vehicle, choosing your power (gas options and electric options), do you want manual or automatic transmission, designing the interior from the dash to seat design and configuration, all along the way you are a part of the journey step-by-step, and finally you select your personal Build Name for your unique Project.
Custom rear seating
The customer receives commemorative items throughout the process, starting with a Coffee Table Book that outlines the details and pride that goes into every build. The next key item is the customer hands-on experience package that arrives with custom paint and fabric samples, but if you have a color and/or fabric that you prefer, you can let them know as the answer is always “yes it can be done. ”
Track your build via live stream
From renderings to one-on-one discussions, the Journey continues as you are provided with online access to your personal Concierge and access to the Client Portal so you can follow your custom build through every step of the process via your personally selected project name. And of course, any questions you may have are answered through your Concierge or with the Head of Automotive Design, and visits to the facility in Florida are encouraged.
Extensive attention to detail
Gorgeous to look at, even better to drive, as we took two of their customized vehicles out on the road for a test drive. Neither of us have ever had the opportunity to drive a classic Land Rover or Defender let alone a bespoke version, and with Debra as the passenger, and Edward as the driver, we had the unique opportunity to take two different Defender 100 models out for a test drive. The difference between the two Defenders, besides the exquisite customizing throughout, was the power plants, as one was a V6 the other a V8. While Edward drove, Debra sat back and enjoyed the creature comforts that each of the vehicles offered from the lush leather appointed seats, power windows, leather armrests, and comfortable head restraints.
Custom Rebuilding Defender
Cruising on the highway at 60+MPH the vehicles were smooth and showed their power across either engine power plant. The external look of each vehicle along with the in-seat feel still holds to the coveted Defender 100 form, but once you are inside and you take a look around the interior, you know are you in a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Each Defender excelled in cornering, general steering, acceleration, and braking, which made our inaugural Defender test drive special.
Time for a test drive
While E.C.D began by restoring the classic Land Rover Series and Defenders, they have expanded their line-up of possibilities to include classic Toyotas, Jaguars, and Classic Mustangs. When it comes to classic restoration of vehicles, E.C.D. Automotive Design is an award-winning company that delivers more than the customer could have dreamed. They are true artists from conception to the final build.
What a ride!
To learn more about E.C.D. Automotive Design, please visit their website: www.ecdautodesign.com
Until next time, keep enjoying the ride!
E.C.D. Automotive Design East Coast Headquarters
4930 Industrial Lane, Unit 107
Kissimmee, Florida 34758
United States
Telephone: +1-407-483-4825
Email: info@ecdautodesign.com
Website: www.ecdautodesign.com
Factbook: https://www.facebook.com/ECDAutomotive/
Instagram: @ecdautodesign
X formerly known as Twitter: https://x.com/ECDautodesign
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ECDAutoDesign/featured
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