Presented by Rover Trophy, Written by Jeff Taylor, Founder of Rover Trophy.
This TROPHY•WD electric D90 is an amazing new addition to the Trophy Collection. The idea/build is the brainchild of our founder and 1-1 in the world. This D90 is a special blend of classic and modern. The wood is inspired by the 1940s woody station wagons. The design stays true to the classic Land Rover shape and the electric power train modernizes the performance and reliability. You might not regularly associate elegance with a Land Rover but this one enters the class!
This project was born out of my love for “all things wood. “The influence of antique furniture, boats and woody cars got me thinking. By combining the timeless lines of the Defender with this “woody” inspiration – I asked myself a simple question, “why not a woody Defender.” My drawings confirmed it could work. This was possible. Now to find just the right craftsman.”
I found a father-son team just north of London that was up for the challenge. The Rose Joinery team patiently worked through dissecting an
actual D90 and built the hand-crafted body out of Ash (the lighter wood grown in the US) and the darker Sapele (hardwood from Africa). I definitely picked the right team.
Fast forward -2500 hours and 2 years later we received the “Woody” body at our CT shop. Then we assembled the new galvanized frame, stock front body panels-painted in Arles Blue with Wimbledon White trim. The interior features the period dash with upgraded electronics. The leather interior features Chestnut Brown with Harris Tweed inserts. Next up is the Tesla Rear drive unit and 32 LG Batteries located in three separate boxes (engine bay, seat box and fuel tank area).
We unveiled the “mostly” finished product at the recent Audrain Concours and Motor Week Show at The Gathering at Rough Point Mansion in Newport RI with Jay Leno presiding. Enjoy the video!
