The Team
Started as a casual late-night conversation over a few drinks, Tom Humble, Scott Wallace, and Elliot Humble discussed the possibility of creating custom one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defenders and turning it into a full-time business. Not long after, E.C.D. Automotive Design was up and running out of a single storage garage. Fast forward eight years, the operations grew into a 45,000 square foot facility with over 50 full-time employees, where all stages of customization are completed on-site. As the passion for automobiles runs in the genes, E.C.D. headquarters is run by a blend of family members and dedicated employees who aim to provide the highest quality product and customer service.
The process of designing each chassis is done in-house with a knowledgeable team of expert graphic designers who walk you through each step. Once the configuration is complete, the mechanics and paint specialists work efficiently together to keep the ever-growing schedule of E.C.D. builds moving. It is true to say that a product is only as good as the people who make it, and for E.C.D. Automotive Design, its team treats each vehicle as if it was their own.
The Facility
The now 30,000 square foot facility began as a single bay garage without a car lift, and as success continued, E.C.D. began acquiring the open spaces around it to relocate certain areas of the build process. While the front of the building houses offices for graphic design and warranty, the back is laid out as if it was a well-oiled assembly line, with each department lead by a detailed order schedule.
The idea behind the E.C.D. is to eliminate the need for third-party work, which allows the company to operate under its own high-quality standards. From the shipment of internationally sourced vehicles to the delivery stage, the Defender or Range Rover of your dreams starts and stays with E.C.D. Automotive Design.
The Defender
E.C.D. Automotive Design work off of the Land Rover Defender 90, 110, and 130 platforms as well as Range Rover RRC vehicles. The ground-up build begins with a configuration process that allows the consumer to choose from six different powertrains, from Chevy LS engines to the recently unveiled option of a Tesla motor. The interior and exterior are completely customizable with endless options for color, materials, and added amenity options depending on the consumer’s lifestyle and future plans for the vehicle.
When it comes to off-road and performance upgrades, E.C.D. Automotive Design offers an array of bumper to bumper add-ons to completely change the look of the 4×4. While the pre-purchase design and delivery stages are important, the true customer service lies within the after-sale, where the team continues to assist customers with all their needs.
The Tesla-Powered Range Rover
E.C.D. is proud to announce its newest venture, fitting the first classic Range Rover RRC with an electric Tesla drivetrain. Enlisting help from the specialists at Electric Classic Cars, the mere idea of launching the classic model into the future became a reality. The inspiration behind the idea is to blend modern EV technology with the classic styling of 90s automotive design.
Holding 100KWH of power, the Electric Range Rover has a 5-hour three-phase charge-time and an estimated driving range of 220 miles. In total, the job of successfully transplanting the Tesla drivetrain took over 3,000 man hours. Once inside the electrified RRC, the experience of driving a classic Range Rover is put on hold while the immediate torque from acceleration sinks you into the back of your seat. After a few moments to adjust your mind and body, the Tesla powered Range Rover RRC begins to show its historic roots with firm mechanical steering and period-correct interior components that have been modified to comfort any enjoying the one-of-a-kind experience. If you are looking for the ultimate custom Land Rover Defender or Range Rover RRC, look no further than E.C.D. Automotive Design.