- Menswear designer Todd Snyder has linked up with Balmoral Defender to create a Land Rover restomod that brings a touch of American flair from across the pond.
- Just 10 examples will be produced, with the first car beginning life as a left-hand-drive 1998 Defender 90 that’s since been transformed from bonnet to boot.
- Pricing is expected to evolve over time, but examples are currently priced at US$305,000 (~AU$453,000).
Loyal Boss Hunting readers will remember the American menswear designer, Todd Snyder, for his collaborations with the likes of Vans, Timex, and Harley Davidson, but in 2026, he’s shifting gears into a new category: cars.
Specifically, Todd Snyder has put his name to Balmoral Defender’s new “Rugged Gentleman” collection – a line-up of luxury Land Rover Defender restomods, of which just 10 examples will ever be produced. The shift away from fabrics and fit might sound like a challenging one, but with Snyder’s renowned eye for detail and long-proven taste for quality, the Todd Snyder Limited Edition looks like a genuinely compelling vehicle.
The debut build (dubbed “City Black”) began its life as a left-hand-drive 1998 Defender 90 that was originally registered in Spain, before a complete body-off restoration transformed it into the 4×4 you see here. We’ve got metallic Niagara Grey paint under a Sonnenland Dark Beige mohair soft-top, while the proportions and detailing feel more sartorial than they do cosplay safari.
Inside, LeatMeSpecial Italian leather covers the seats with honeycomb quilting and Niagara Grey piping, similar to what you might see on a Snyder-designed bomber jacket. Under the bonnet, things take a distinctly American turn, with the Defender powered by a Chevrolet small-block V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic.
You’re also getting Alcon brakes, upgraded suspension, and modern power steering that bring the driving dynamics into 2026 without losing any of that iconic Defender character. As with many of Snyder’s collabs, the craft is in the collective with input from Land Rover specialists in England, leather artisans in Spain, and engineers in the U.S.
“When I was a teenager, I went to my first classic car show and have been fascinated with cars and automotive design ever since,” said Snyder 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.”
Only ten will be built, each to order, so if you’re in the market for a Defender that can handle everything from the city to the countryside and everywhere in between, you could do much worse than this. Pricing is expected to evolve over time, but examples are currently priced at US$305,000 (~AU$453,000).
