The Defender 110: Why It Is the Most Versatile Defender We Build
The Land Rover Defender 110 is the longer wheelbase, four-door classic. It is the Defender most people picture when they think of the vehicle, and it is the most popular platform we build at Shoreline.
The Defender 90 is more compact and more agile. The 110 is more versatile. If you need a custom Defender that carries a family, handles long distances, and works as a daily driver, the Defender 110 is where the conversation starts.
Here is what to know.
Why the Defender 110
The "110" refers to the 110-inch wheelbase. That extra 20 inches over the Defender 90 changes the vehicle in ways that go beyond size.
The ride is smoother. A longer wheelbase absorbs bumps better, which makes the Defender 110 significantly more comfortable on highways and over longer distances. For clients who plan to use the vehicle as a daily driver or for road trips, this is the biggest practical difference between the 90 and the 110.
There is more space. The 110 has a proper second row of doors, a larger cabin, and a significantly bigger cargo area. With the rear seats up, there is still room for luggage, shopping, or weekend bags. With the seats down, the load area is genuinely large.
It has more presence on the road. The Defender 110 looks substantial and purposeful. A properly built Defender 110 Station Wagon, a Double Cab pickup, or a wide-body Villain has a presence that is hard to match.
Three ways to build a Defender 110
The Defender 110 suits different kinds of owners depending on how it is configured. At Shoreline, most 110 builds fall into one of three categories.
The daily driver. This is the most common Defender 110 build we produce. An LS3 V8 paired with a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission, upgraded suspension tuned for road use, full soundproofing, and a luxury Defender interior with hand-stitched leather, heated seats, climate control, and premium audio. It is a classic Land Rover Defender that drives like a modern vehicle and is comfortable enough for every day. This configuration suits families, commuters, and clients who want one vehicle that does everything.
The overland build. For clients who want the Defender 110 to do what Land Rovers were originally built to do. A rebuilt diesel engine, either a 300TDi or TD5, paired with a manual gearbox. Roof rack with ladder, winch, brush guards, auxiliary lighting, and all-terrain tires on steel wheels. The interior is still finished to Shoreline standards, but the emphasis is on durability and function over refinement. This is the Defender 110 for clients who plan to use it off road, for extended trips, or in conditions where a V8 restomod would be overkill.
The soft top. A Defender 110 soft top is less common than a 90 soft top, but it works well, especially on the Double Cab pickup configuration. A full canvas roof that rolls back to open the cabin, fitted with an internal roll cage for safety. This is the configuration for coastal living, where the rear bed handles surfboards, gear, and sand while the cabin stays clean and comfortable. It is the most relaxed way to build a Defender 110.
Seating layouts
The Defender 110 is the only Defender platform that offers real flexibility in seating. We build 110s in three configurations.
A five-seater is the most common layout. Two captain's chairs in the front, a three-person bench in the middle row, and a full cargo area behind. This gives you the most luggage space while still carrying a family comfortably.
A seven-seater adds two forward-facing fold-up seats in the rear cargo area. When the seats are up, you can carry seven people over shorter distances. When they are down, the cargo space returns to full size. This suits families with children who need occasional extra seating without giving up the load area permanently.
A nine-seater uses the classic layout with two bench seats facing each other in the rear. It carries the most people but is best suited to shorter trips. It is the original troop-carrier configuration and works well for clients who regularly move a group.
The right layout depends on how you use the vehicle. Most clients choose the five-seater because the balance of people and cargo space works best for daily life.
Engine options
The Defender 110 is heavier than the 90, so the engine choice matters more.
An LS3 V8 is the most popular engine for a Defender 110 restomod. 430 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission, upgraded cooling, and performance brakes. The LS3 gives the 110 the power it needs for highway driving and the torque to move comfortably with a full load. It transforms the driving experience.
A rebuilt 300TDi or TD5 diesel suits clients who want the classic character of the original vehicle. Less power, better fuel economy, and a mechanical driving feel that works well on Heritage builds and overland configurations. For clients weighing gas vs diesel, the rebuilt diesel is the more efficient option and better suited to low-speed trail use.
A high-performance diesel package is a middle option for clients who want more power than the original engine without moving to a V8. It offers better torque and highway ability while keeping the economy and character of a diesel drivetrain.
Suspension, brakes, and cooling are all matched to the engine. A Defender 110 with an LS3 V8 needs upgraded braking and a properly engineered cooling system. We build the drivetrain as a complete system, not individual parts bolted together.
Defender 110 vs Defender 90
If you are choosing between the two, the decision comes down to what you need the vehicle to do.
The Defender 90 is the better choice for couples, solo drivers, city use, and weekend driving. It is more compact, more agile, and has the proportions that most people associate with the classic Land Rover Defender shape.
The Defender 110 is the better choice for families, daily driving, long distances, and anyone who needs more space. It carries more people, more luggage, and is more comfortable over time. It is also the only platform available as a Double Cab pickup.
Both are built to the same standard at Shoreline. Same galvanized chassis, same Range Rover-standard paintwork, same hand-stitched interior, same 500-mile road test, same 12-month warranty. The quality does not change with the wheelbase.
Where to start
If you are considering a Defender 110 build, get in touch. We will talk through the configuration, the engine, the seating layout, and the spec based on how you plan to use the vehicle.
Get in touch. We will design a build around you.