Blackbridge Motors Introduces New 650-hp Defender 110 Mk II Made for Audiophiles

• $269,500 Custom Land Rover Showcases Blackbridge Motors Incredible Design and Engineering Expertise Specializing Exclusively on Vintage Defenders 

[source: Blackbridge Motors]

NORWALK, CT (March 18, 2024) – With a reputation for meticulously restoring and reengineering iconic vintage era Land Rovers that deliver the thrill of modern-day driving, Blackbridge Motors presents their newest custom Classic Defender 110 Mark II. Made with absolutely no sacrifices for clients in terms of performance, comfort, safety, or convenience, Blackbridge Motors distinguishes itself by delivering a sophisticated vehicle manufactured at the same high-level of an OEM. Founded solely with the focus of restoring and modifying vintage Land Rovers, Blackbridge Motors creates stunning custom Defenders, delivering client vehicles far ahead of industry standard wait times courtesy of the company’s concentrated focus exclusively on the Land Rover marque and strength in manufacturing processes.

“Blackbridge Motors started with the simple question of how we could transform vintage Defender ownership from something filled with compromises into a contemporary, fun driving experience that still maintains all its original charms in terms of iconic design,” comments Blackbridge Motors Founder & CEO Scott Gilbert. “Our goal at Blackbridge Motors is for our clients to completely forget that they are driving a vintage truck and simply enjoy everything about their classic Defender with none of the more annoying, even aggravating aspects of vintage vehicle ownership.”

Blackbridge Motors was founded by Land Rover collector and enthusiast Scott Gilbert born from a deep passion for the marque and the desire to significantly improve the ownership experience, starting with him. Unimpressed with the sluggish performance from the era and constant need for repairs, Gilbert used his professional background to design a system for restoring Defenders with a set of standardized processes that streamlined restoration bottlenecks. 

While aesthetics, audio, and interior design are focal points for the new Blackbridge Motors  Defender 110 Mark II, introducing daily drivability to each build is also a hallmark of every truck. The newest Blackbridge Motors Defender features a GM Performance 6.2L V8 LT4 650-hp engine outfitted in an aerospace grade wiring harness from the company alongside GM Performance OEM engine and transmission harness. 

For the drivetrain development, Blackbridge Motors incorporated a comprehensive system from General Motors, significantly increasing performance and reliability. The General Motors engine system also ensures that clients can conveniently service their Blackbridge Motors Defender at any GM facility or dealer nearby. This 110 includes a GM Performance 8-speed automatic transmission mated to a Land Rover LT230 Heavy Duty Transfer Case at a 1:1 ratio with proprietary front and rear driveshafts from Blackbridge Motors.

The new Blackbridge Motors custom 110 Defender Mark II includes heavy duty front and rear axle shafts with a special proprietary Hydroboost Wilwood Master braking system equipped with four-wheel discs and slotted front rotors. Heavy duty springs and Fox Shocks are expertly integrated to soften suspension on and off road while Blackbridge Motors also re-engineered the steering linkage and steering box. Blackbridge Motors finished the truck with period-correct 16-inch Steel “Wolf” style wheels in a custom Limestone paint wearing BF Goodrich K02 A/T tires. 

Based in Connecticut, the newest custom Defender from Blackbridge Motors is a one of a kind soft top Classic Defender 110 that fully highlights the company’s expertise in creating incredible interiors. For this interior cabin, Blackbridge Motors made sure that all of the classic elements that resonate so deeply with Rover enthusiasts remained, folding in period-correct details flowing seamlessly alongside state-of-the-art technology. 

One of the centerpieces of the new Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark II includes an incredible Hi-Fi reference-grade sound system custom designed for audiophiles that features studio quality sound. Blackbridge Motors utilized a Sony RSX-GS9 head unit that affords the highest fidelity audio on board and beyond with Moral Reference speakers housed in completely customized, period-correct soundstage enclosures throughout the cabin. Blackbridge Motors discreetly integrated a Diamond Audio subwoofer hidden within the interior in order to provide deep, resonant bass for a truly world-class, immersive auditory experience.

Other exclusive touches from Blackbridge Motors include a striking specially engineered “Early Style” Land Rover dashboard. The new Blackbridge Motors 110 Mark II features a bold display with vintage-inspired dials, knobs, and touch points. Outfitted with custom seats, door cards, and dashboard top hand upholstered in rich, sumptuous materials, the interior cabin exudes effortless, sophisticated luxury.  

With comfort and everyday use in mind, the new Blackbridge Motors Mark II features two consecutive rows of captain’s chairs, each separated by a center console swathed in leather. To increase passenger capacity of the original 110 Mark II, Blackbridge Motors equipped the cargo space with additional inward-facingjump seats. Every seat, along with the door cards and dashboard top, is richly appointed in Garrett Leather Caressa in an elegant Doeskin finish. Blackbridge Motors further complemented each seat with a contrasting Relicate Spec Series Stone Grey Plaid, further elevating the interior. 

OEM-level quality controls and switches abound throughout the new 110 Mark II with Blackbridge Motors installing the company’s cooling system on board with dual fan control. A sharp looking stainless steel exhaust system was made for the truck alongside a new 19-gallon stainless steel gas tank, both custom. Blackbridge Motors also includes a OEM returnless fuel system with a high flow fuel pump as part of the system. 

The exterior hull of the vintage Land Rover is a durable blend of classic refinement with modern subtleties appearing throughout. The Mark II features a Galvanized Bulkhead for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Every Blackbridge Motors Defender is made for traversing the elements in all four seasons. The new Blackbridge Motors custom 110 Mark II features a Puma Style Hood alongside Puma Style 1^st and 2^nd Row Doors, which include automatic window regulators and locks for a modern user experience. 

Visibility is maximized with an OEM Glass Windscreen and modern 7-inch round Vision LED headlights beingseamlessly integrated into the iconic grille for perfect off and on road illumination. Blackbridge Motors also introduced special brake and running lights with a new turn signal lighting system. For increased in-vehicle visibility, Blackbridge Motors installed a Standard Width Body Canvas Soft Top with Strataglass Windows, presenting incredible outdoor views. For quick, convenient entry and vehicle exiting, Blackbridge Motors can also integrate electronic fold down-side steps and a NAS style rear step for driver and passengers alike to get in and out easily. 

Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark II starts at $269,500. For more information on Blackbridge Motors and available vehicles, please visit www.blackbridgemotors.com or call (203) 902-1090.