Balmoral Defender will build 10 examples of the 4×4.
Todd Snyder is adding some American flair to an iconic British four-wheeler. The legendary menswear designer is teaming up with Balmoral Defender for an exclusive run of vintage Land Rover Defenders. The chic 4×4 will be the first entry in the restoration shop’s new Rugged Gentleman collection.
Anyone familiar with Snyder’s work knows that he loves a collaboration. In recent years, the designer has worked with brands like Barbour, L.L. Bean, and Timex. But, while those ventures were all related to menswear, his alliance with Balmoral represents a journey into uncharted territory.
Just 10 made-to-order examples of the Todd Snyder Limited Edition will be built. The first model from the series, the City Black, is based on a left-hand-drive 1998 Defender 90 that was originally registered in Spain. Snyder worked with Balmoral’s team of specialists—which includes Land Rover experts in England, leather craftspeople in Spain, and engineers in the U.S.—to bring the look of the vehicle to life.
The off-roader, which underwent a complete body-off restoration, is finished in a coat of metallic Niagara Gray and features a Sonnenland Dark Beige mohair soft-top. The interior of the vehicle is covered in LeatMeSpecial Italian leather with tailored honeycomb quilting and Niagara Gray piping. The vehicle has also been treated to a comprehensive mechanical upgrade. The original engine was swapped out for a Chevrolet small-block V-8 connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 4×4 also features new Alcon brakes, an upgraded suspension, and modern power steering. Care was taken to preserve the original SUV’s character despite these changes.
“When I was a teenager, I went to my first classic car show and have been fascinated with cars and automotive design ever since,” Snyder said in a statement. “To partner with Balmoral Defender has been extraordinary. My love for materiality, design, and craftsmanship is only equal to Balmoral Defender’s commitment to best-in-class restoration.”
The Todd Snyder Limited Edition Defender can be ordered now from Balmoral. Pricing for the SUV starts at $305,000, but may evolve over time. The shop says two other editions within the Rugged Gentleman Collection are currently in the works and should debut later this year.
