For most of us, the name “E.C.D. Auto Design” evokes associations with masterful-but-expensive Land Rover Defender restomods for the United States. It even stands for “East Coast Defender”. Well, the company has now decided to diversify its portfolio a fair bit by taking up Toyota FJ Cruiser restoration.
Every car will be swapped to a 6.2-liter Chevrolet V8 bundled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Customers will be able to decide how much power they need, and the tuner will take care to include the relevant suspension, brake and cooling upgrades. Both FJ Cruiser axles will be replaced, too, for a more modern driving experience.
The interior will be treated with the amount of care we’ve come to expect from E.C.D. In particular, the dashboard will be trimmed to match the exterior color, and most of the surfaces you can touch will be wrapped in premium leather. As modern comforts go, the company will be offering an AC, a four-channel audio system, improved heat and noise insulation for the cabin, and a reversing camera. A modern infotainment system will be installed with several USB ports and Bluetooth support. Those who would like an alarm in their car will be able to order one straight from E.C.D.
Preorders are already being processed, but the first deliveries won’t be made until early 2025. All prices are upon request only.
The company points out that it plans to continue restoring the Defender and Range Rover models as usual – no change in schedule.