Bespoke Build
MLR BESPOKE
“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives, the cumulative experience of many masters of craftsmanship”
~ John Ruskin
Our Philosophy
Quality guides everything we do at Moorland Rovers—from the foundation beneath each vehicle to the smallest detail of its finish. We believe a Defender should remain unmistakably Defender: purposeful, mechanically honest and timeless in design, with thoughtful improvements that make it more comfortable to use and better protected for the years ahead.
Working from our Devon workshop alongside skilled local craftspeople, we choose proven components and durable materials, giving hidden details the same care as visible finishes.
Every build follows our Moorland restoration standard, with carefully considered colours, trim and configuration reflecting its owner’s character. It is a shared effort between our team and our clients, shaped by experience and continually refined—a classic Defender built with care, to be driven and enjoyed.
OUR MODELS
MLR 90 ST
STARTING FROM: POA
MLR D90 SW
STARTING FROM: POA
MLR 110 ST
STARTING FROM: POA
MLR 110 SW
STARTING FROM: POA
THE MLR STANDARD
Every Moorland Rovers Defender is built to our full nut and bolt restoration standard, combining classic Land Rover character with carefully selected improvements to comfort and usability.
Each vehicle is dismantled and rebuilt around a restored or replacement chassis, with comprehensive corrosion protection, a reconditioned engine, refurbished running gear and upgraded brakes and suspension.
Body panels are individually prepared and painted, while premium interior finishes and thoughtfully chosen accessories complete the build. Careful assembly, documented inspections and final testing underpin our approach, creating a Defender finished with care and built to be driven.
ROLLING CHASSIS
The foundation of every Moorland build
Every restoration begins with a complete strip-down, exposing the structure beneath the vehicle. A professionally repaired original chassis or new galvanised replacement provides the foundation, with protective finishes and cavity treatment helping safeguard it for years to come. Axle casings and structural components are stripped, assessed and refinished, while suspension components are rebushed using SuperPro comfort bushes. New fuel lines and corrosion-resistant copper-nickel brake lines are carefully routed and secured for protection, dependable operation and a neat finish. Stainless-steel or galvanised fixings are used throughout where suitable, with correctly specified high-strength fasteners retained in critical applications. Carefully assembled with attention to corrosion protection, function and finish, this is a foundation built to perform for years to come—and look good while doing it.
ON THE ROAD
Classic character with carefully considered improvements
A standard exchange or reconditioned 300Tdi engine sits at the heart of our core specification, supported by renewed cooling and fuel systems and an upgraded LOF heavy-duty clutch. Axles are comprehensively refurbished with new swivel rebuild kits, wheel bearings, seals, gaskets and fresh oils. The gearbox, transfer box and differentials are inspected and tested, rebuilt wherever required and serviced with new fluids. Refurbished steering, OE-specification springs, SuperPro comfort bushes and Bilstein dampers form a suspension package selected to retain the Defender’s off-road capability while improving on-road handling and composure. LOF Road-specification brakes complete the package, with stainless-steel or galvanised fixings used wherever suitable and correctly specified high-strength fasteners in critical applications. Careful assembly and corrosion protection underpin a mechanical specification built for lasting use, on the road and beyond it.
BODY AND PAINT
Craftsmanship in every panel
The body is dismantled into individual panels, with hardware and seals removed so preparation reaches beyond the visible surfaces. New galvanised Bulkhead, Doors and Body Cappings come as standard, while corrosion-prone components are replaced with durable alternatives as part of the restoration. Each panel is individually prepared, primed and painted, with protective coatings beneath and inside selected panels providing further protection. During reassembly, rubber isolation layers separate the aluminium body from the steel structure at mounting interfaces, with suitable barriers and isolated fixings used elsewhere to minimise direct contact between dissimilar metals and help prevent electrolytic corrosion. Renewed seals, careful alignment and attention to every fixing bring the body together, creating a finish whose quality extends well beneath the paint. Built to look pretty, Built to Last.
CREATURE COMFORTS
A purposeful cabin with a refined finish
Premium leather seating, matching trim and carefully fitted soundproofing bring warmth and comfort to the Defender’s practical interior. Heated front seats, modern smartphone-connected audio and thoughtfully selected finishes make the cabin more welcoming for everyday use. Each model’s seating, roof lining and floor finish are defined to suit its body configuration, creating an interior that feels considered while retaining the simplicity and character of a classic Land Rover.
TIMELESS DESIGN
Unmistakably Defender, noticeably better.
Our exterior specification preserves the Defender’s timeless proportions and purposeful simplicity, with subtle improvements in fit, finish and durability. Wolf steel wheels, BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres and a Heritage grille retain its classic character, complemented by body-coloured headlamp surrounds and traditional coloured lamp lenses. A galvanised front bumper and spare-wheel carrier provide lasting protection, while folding steps, renewed mirrors and LED lighting add everyday practicality. Carefully aligned components, corrosion-resistant fixings and coordinated finishes bring the details together, creating an exterior that remains unmistakably Defender, but noticeably better.
