...and so it begins

Project "Alpha" represents a new direction for our company, one that we've been preparing for for years. Select Offroad began restoring and upgrading Land Rovers in 2009 near Cincinnati, Ohio and we're now located in Lakeland FL. As a full service dealer and restoration shop, we focused on repairing accident damaged LR3 and LR4 vehicles. More than 25 vehicles were brought back from near their end, to be the highly capable luxury vehicles they were before.

Select Offroad evolved from another business, Midwest Coachworks, that specialized in highly custom vehicles, including motorcoach and sprinter van conversions to luxury motorhomes, entertainer transports and corporate retreat/spa experience vehicles.

With this knowledge and experience, we began looking for other avenues to take our talents and interests, it didn't take us long to decide that Defenders are the ultimate Land Rover experience. We are embarking on a journey to produce beautiful, capable and rejuvenated versions of this iconic vehicle.

Our first project, "Alpha" is this beautiful 1991 Defender 130 HCPU (High Capacity Pick Up) that has led an interesting and well traveled life. She has "great bones" and well worthy of a full restoration and custom upgrades to make her one of the nicest D130s out there. This is also one of the rarest model of Defender in the USA.

Although we are building her to top specs and will make her beautiful, she is available for custom restoration. Currently our plans are to completely disassemble her, rebuild, replace or upgrade everything.

We'll be keeping the trusty 200TDI Diesel engine, which recently made a cross country roundtrip with no issues, it will be tuned up, beefed up and given more power. Behind that will be a rebuilt rover automatic transmission, transfer case and all driveline components straight out to where the rubber hits the road.

The interior is now removed and plans are to put upgraded PUMA or similar seats, dash, steering wheel and of course a modern entertainment system. Air conditioning, power windows and locks will complete the upgrades.

The body is going out for stripping and paint, inside and out. Any damaged components will be replaced or repaired where appropriate, then reassembled with all new seals, stainless fasteners and all the best parts available.

We're still considering colors, suspension, wheels and tires, although KO2s are almost certainly in her future.

If you're interested in this vehicle and making decisions on the completion of her, please contact us.

Please stay tuned for updates on this and other vehicles we're working on.