If you are looking for a Land Rover Defender with all the bells and whistles, look no further. Ultimate Vehicle Concept (UVC), a division of East Coast Defenders based in Florida, USA, has created the ultimate off-road vehicle without being limited by “creative blocks” or a budget.
Commissioned by a prominent doctor,this Defender has been been dubbed Project Viper and cost a whopping $285 000 (about R3.6-million) to build. UVC will be putting together 10 of these custom creations every year.
“Project Viper is our first custom SUV to emerge from the new UVC division,” said Scott Wallace, co-owner of East Coast Defender, in a press release. “We created UVC in response to the overwhelming demand from clients who want a pure, handcrafted SUV that is not limited by a specific Bill of Materials or budget. With one-of-one builds, like the Viper, we’re pushing the creative envelope with bigger, more capable trucks that celebrate our heritage with added daily comfort and reliability.”
Project Viper’s 6.2-liter LS3 V8 mill pushes out about 320kW and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped with Nitto Mud Grappler tyres and is fitted with a custom suspension that ‘features off-road spec everything.’ KAM heavy duty axles with locking differentials, and two-inch (50mm) lift kit from Old Man Emu It also comes with an external roll cage, a WARN winch in the front and front and rear LED spotlights.
Inside, you’ll find heated leather seat, mood lighting, a touchscreen infotainment system with GPS and a reverse camera, air conditioning, electric windows and remote locking with an alarm. The custom-built truck bed features a diamond plate liner with built-in toolboxes and seating.