Land Rover Defender 110: The Long-Wheelbase Legend Reimagined
When most people picture a Land Rover Defender, they picture the Defender 110. It is the quintessential expedition vehicle—the truck that crossed Africa, conquered the Camel Trophy, and served as the backbone of humanitarian aid for decades.
But today, the Defender 110 has evolved. At Shoreline Vehicles, it is our most popular platform for custom builds, bridging the gap between a rugged off-roader and a luxury family hauler.
If you are considering a Defender 110 for your custom build, here is everything you need to know.
1. Why Choose the Defender 110?
The "110" refers to the wheelbase length (110 inches). Compared to the smaller Defender 90, the 110 offers one massive advantage: Versatility.
While the Defender 90 is agile, sporty, and strictly a 4-seater with limited trunk space, the Defender 110 is the ultimate workhorse. The 110 adds 20 inches to the wheelbase, providing a smoother ride on highways, a significantly larger trunk, and the option for a second row of doors, making it far more practical for families and long-distance travel.
Space for Families: Unlike the 90, the 110 offers a spacious second row and a massive cargo area.
Ride Quality: The longer wheelbase absorbs bumps better, making the 110 significantly smoother on highways than the shorter, choppier 90.
Presence: It simply commands the road. It looks substantial, purposeful, and impressive.
2. The Three Iconic Build Styles
We typically build Defender 110s in one of three distinct configurations. Which one fits your lifestyle?
A. The Urban Cruiser (Restomod)
Designed for the school run, the Hamptons, or the daily commute.
Engine: 6.2L LS3 Corvette V8 (430hp) with a 6-speed automatic.
Suspension: Lowered slightly with Eibach sway bars for sharp, sports-car-like handling.
Interior: Full leather extended dash, heated seats, and a premium sound system.
Vibe: A G-Wagon alternative with more soul.
B. The Overlander (Expedition)
Built to do what Land Rovers were originally made to do—go anywhere.
Engine: Rebuilt 300TDI Diesel or Cummins 2.8L Turbo Diesel for maximum range and torque.
Exterior: Roof rack with ladder, Warn winch, brush guards, and auxiliary Hella lighting.
Tires: BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrains on 16-inch Wolf steel wheels.
Vibe: Ready for a zombie apocalypse or a weekend camping trip.
C. The Beach Runner (Soft Top)
Yes, you can have a Defender 110 Soft Top.
Configuration: A full canvas roof that rolls up to expose the entire cabin.
Safety: A full internal roll cage ensures safety while keeping the open-air freedom.
Best For: Coastal living. Loading surfboards, dogs, and kids into the back without worrying about sand.
3. Seating Layouts: Room for Everyone
The Defender 110 is the ultimate people carrier. We offer flexible seating configurations:
5-Seater: Two front captain's chairs + a three-person middle bench. Massive trunk space.
7-Seater: Adds two forward-facing fold-up seats in the trunk (modern Puma style).
9-Seater: The classic troop-carrier layout with two bench seats facing each other in the rear. Great for short trips with lots of kids.
4. What Does a Custom 110 Cost?
A Shoreline Defender 110 is a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. We start with a donor chassis and rebuild every single component.
Classic Diesel Restorations: Typically start in the $110,000 range.
V8 Restomod Builds: Typically range from $160,000 to $220,000 depending on luxury options and horsepower.
The Verdict
The Defender 90 is fun, but the Defender 110 is functional. If you need a vehicle that can carry your family, your gear, and your lifestyle without compromise, the 110 is the only choice.
Ready to design yours? Explore our Defender 110 Inventory or contact our team to start your custom build today.