1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Soft Top
Adventure Ready Heritage: Osprey Custom 4×4 Presents A Sultry 2024 Santorini Black Metallic 2-Door Soft Top
Bespoke-built by Osprey Custom 4×4, this striking build was completed by their talented Team of Master Craftsmen at their headquarters in Castle Hayne, North Carolina in late June of 2024. The steadfast Corvette 6.2 liter LS3 V8 engine provides energetic forward motivation, while the precise-shifting 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with Camaro-style shifter mated to an NP149 transfer case distributes constant power to all four wheels making certain that the brawny 430+ horsepower and 425+ pound-feet of torque makes it to the ground. Powerful disc brakes at all four corners ensure stops are quiet, safe, quick, and efficient.
The upgraded heavy-duty front and rear axles were mounted on the new hot-dipped galvanized chassis, and are supported by slightly elevated Terrafirma® shocks and springs. The chassis features Terrafirma® caster-corrected front and cranked rear radius arms, track rod, drag link, and steering damper, all safeguarded by a heavy-duty aluminum front skid plate.
The vehicle stands on bold, satin bronze 17-inch MR318 Method Race Wheels® wrapped with super-aggressive LT295/70R17 Maxxis® Razr® MT mud terrain tires. The Razr® MT was engineered with know-how gained from Maxxis’ involvement in off-road racing, featuring a new off-road compound for maximum tear and chip resistance as well as improved tread life. The innovative armor sidewall design maximizes traction and puncture resistance, and the updated dual-core body-ply technology packs additional casing strength for superior durability and toughness.
The body was skillfully finished in deep Santorini Black Metallic complemented by color-matched wheel arches and trim, all completed at our in-house body and paint facility. Adding to the vehicle’s safety features, a satin black powder-coated multi-point Safety Devices® safety cage provides enhanced passenger protection. The premium Black soft top fits snugly, keeping the elements at bay, while the quick and easy-to-roll-up and zip-out side and rear windows offer the freedom of an open-air experience whenever desired. LED-illuminated, black anodized aluminum exterior door handles, along with black anodized aluminum door, bonnet, and windscreen hinges, enhance the restrained exterior color scheme.
At the front end, this rugged SUV showcases a gloss black KBX® grille with wire mesh inserts, gloss black light surrounds, side intake, and wing top vents. For modern and precise illumination, LED headlamps with smoked marker, turn, reverse, and tail lamps have been fitted. The impressive front is completed with a satin black powder-coated slim-line bumper featuring two integrated LED daytime running lamps. At the rear, the vehicle features a satin black powder-coated North American Spec (NAS) step bumper, designed to accommodate a high-definition rearview camera, a two-inch hitch receiver, and jacking/recovery points. Additionally, a heavy-duty swing-away rear tire carrier provides a neat and functional solution for storing the spare tire.
Satin black powder-coated “Fire & Ice”-style tubular side steps make entering and exiting the passenger cabin easy. Inside, you’ll find a modern-style dash that ensures excellent heating and air conditioning, providing year-round comfort for the occupants. The well-appointed interior is complete with durable Exmoor Trim® Black Rack & ½ Leather upholstered heated front sport seats with contrasting white stitching. Additionally, the four side-facing rear seats can easily be stowed away when not in use, offering ultimate flexibility — seating for additional friends and family or creating true utilitarian cargo space, with over 55 cubic feet available when folded.
Behind the chunky sport steering wheel is an impressive driver command center focused around our exclusive 12.3” high-definition digital instrument cluster, blending the timeless look of factory-style gauges with the latest driver-focused technology. The satin black center fascia houses a state-of-the-art infotainment system featuring an Atoto® S8 Android-based 7-inch HD capacitive touch-screen head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, dual Bluetooth®, built-in Digital Signal Processor, and GPS navigation. The audio experience is enhanced by a rich-sounding Rockford Fosgate® 8-speaker array plus a Rockford Fosgate® Punch® P3SD4-8 8″ dual voice coil subwoofer, all powered by a Kenwood® eXcelon® 5-channel, 1600-watt amplifier with a Kenwood® KCA-RC01A remote bass level control.
The modern dash provides excellent heating and air conditioning, ensuring comfortable cabin temperatures regardless of the weather outside, and for those extra-brisk mornings, the front windscreen is also heated. Heavy-duty rubber floor mats protect the front footwells and rear passenger/load space area, and the leather-wrapped center console houses a convenient storage cubby, as well as a wireless fast-charging pad for mobile devices, USB charging points, and two oversized aluminum cup holders. Security is handled by a two-way Viper® keyless entry system with remote starting.
Below are just some of the highlights of this impeccable build:
- 6.2L Corvette LS3 V8 engine (~430+HP/~425+LB.FT.)
- 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission
- Camaro-style gear selector with LED display
- Custom headers and performance dual exhaust
- Custom Fluidyne® 4-core aluminum radiator
- Dual PermaCool® electric cooling fans
- Stainless steel oil cooler lines, brake lines, and fuel lines
- New transmission cooler lines
- Double Cardan front and rear driveshafts
- Heavy-duty rear axle, front axle, and CV joints
- New body panels, bonnet, and doors
- New bulkhead with an upgraded modern-style dash
- New glass, weatherstripping, and gaskets
- Black anodized billet aluminum door, bonnet, and windscreen hinges
- 12.3” high-definition digital instrument cluster — an Osprey Custom 4×4 exclusive
- LED headlamps, smoked tail lamps, marker, and indicator lamps
- Atoto® / Rockford Fosgate® / Kenwood® infotainment system
- Viper® 2-way security system with remote start and central locking
- LED ambient interior lighting
- …and much, much more!
Whether it’s the ultimate outdoor adventure rig or a smart-looking “Chelsea Tractor”, Osprey Custom 4×4 painstakingly handcrafts each vehicle, paying special attention to every minute detail, ensuring an investment quality experience seldom found in today’s crowded automotive marketplace.
For additional information about this vehicle, call or text us directly on +1 (910) 632-0260 or send us an email. We’ll be thrilled to provide you with a Facetime® walkaround, provide you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. We can assist with shipping and, depending on your location, may even deliver it to you personally. Better yet, make plans to fly into our local airport (ILM) just 5 miles away to view and test drive this impressive Santorini Black Metallic 2-Door Soft Top — then DRIVE IT HOME!
Thanks for looking… and have a great day!
The Signature Autosports & Osprey Custom 4×4 Team
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