We’re Low-key Obsessed with this LS3-powered ’87 Land Rover
With 495 horses and a ton of upgrades, this Land Rover Defender flexes muscle and style. And we want it.
Normally, a custom built Land Rover wouldn’t exactly be on our radar. We tend to get our kicks from American muscle, pony and sports cars, and the like. But then we came across this 1987 Land Rover Defender on Osprey Custom Cars. Blimey! This hand-built SUV has it all, including a 6.2-liter LS3 V8.
Usually found under the hood of heavyweights like the fifth-generation Camaro SS and C6 Corvette, the LS3 is one of Chevy’s greatest engines. Dropping it in a classic Land Rover Defender is just crazy, and brilliant.
The aluminum block 6.7L LS3 V8 is built for revving, ripping performance. And while we might normally associate that with a sportier, brawnier ride; it is a perfect fit for the Land Rover. Mated to a 6-speed automatic, the LS3 makes 435 horsepower and 425 lb-ft torque.
Why buy a Land Rover if you’re not going to go hard, get in the muck, take it off-road? Certainly you need that power to really tear it up. And this has got the power.
Plus, the cherry on top? It is really great looking. Unlike the SUVs that populate the roads today, this doesn’t bring us to tears with boredom. It is cool and interesting, and beautifully designed.
Osprey took a lot of time thinking about how to beef up the Land Rover Defender. Their custom touches complement the era, and fit that knockout LS3.
To achieve this, it underwent a full frame off restoration. Upgrades and modifications include new custom front and rear driveshafts, front and rear axles, springs, shocks, front and rear sway bars, steering damper, 4-wheel power disc brakes, 18″ alloy wheels, 265/70R18 Cooper Discoverer tires and more.
Inside it is still a Land Rover, with lots of posh details. The custom diamond-stitched brown leather seats are so sharp. And the amenities keep on coming with new technology, LED ambient lighting, JL Audio, Alpine infotainment system, even USB ports. So, no, not period-correct.
It is rugged, and off-road ready. Finished in Madagascar orange and Santorini Black, it is a sporty but apt call.
Did we think a Land Rover Defender could turn our head like this? No. But keeping its classic bones and adding a monster LS3 under the hood makes this an exceptional ride. It not only grabs our attention, it demands our respect.
Photos: Osprey Custom Cars
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