Wanderlust

Tag: Blackbridge Motors

  • Blackbridge Motors x Roadster Shop Pioneering New Chassis Technology Leads Industry Innovation with New 1995 Midnight-Black Land Rover Defender

    Blackbridge Motors x Roadster Shop Pioneering New Chassis Technology Leads Industry Innovation with New 1995 Midnight-Black Land Rover Defender

    Blackbridge Motors’ Proprietary, Cutting Edge Solutions Offer a Sublime Level of Driveability, Usability, and Ease of Ownership Above All Competitors

    [source: Blackbridge Motors]

    NORWALK, CT – Blackbridge Motors, renowned for their bespoke Land Rover restorations and concierge-level service that affords clients a seamless and enjoyable customization experience, is excited to unveil an innovative landmark build that truly moves the industry forward: a 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 in Beluga Black (belugablack; non-metallic; 416; Land Rover) with a new custom chassis specifically designed for the Defender 110 platform. This unprecedented chassis design, developed in collaboration with Roadster Shop, was engineered as a first-ever solution for the Defender platform with the explicit purpose of revolutionizing the drivability, functionality, and overall driving experience of the renowned overlanding rig. Blackbridge takes pride in delivering completely custom-made vehicles that are the epitome of their clients’ dreams, tailored precisely to their specifications. The newest Blackbridge Motors Defender is an exquisite reimagination of the acclaimed marque designed perfectly for chasing endless summers with sophistication, class, and elegance. Featuring a removable roof and re-engineered chassis, this Defender 110 was meticulously crafted with both style and function in mind, with special emphasis placed on immersing passengers in the warm embrace of the coming season, wherever it might take them. Beneath its refined exterior lies a powerful GM Performance 6.2L V8 LT1 engine, ensuring unparalleled performance and capability. This vehicle is not just a means of transportation, but a statement of luxury and innovation, designed to deliver an unmatched driving experience.

    “We were honored to work in close collaboration with the experts and great minds over at Roadster Shop for this first-of-its-kind build. Their more than 30 years of experience and truly best-in-class eye for innovation makes them a second-to-none partner in terms of chassis development,” comments Blackbridge Motors Founder & CEO Scott Gilbert. “Collaborating with Roadster Shop on this project was particularly important, as this unique chassis technology has not been done anywhere across the restoration market to this point. We’re happy to be the first to break ground in this manner, because our goal is to propel the industry forward and bring more enthusiasts the joy of owning and daily driving a classic Land Rover that is built to thrive in modern conditions.”

    This 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 stands as a testament to engineering excellence, built on a Roadster Shop x Blackbridge chassis. This robust foundation includes a Dana 44 style front axle and a Dana 60 style rear axle, both outfitted with heavy-duty gears for optimal performance. For superior handling and stability, the Defender features a 4-link rear suspension paired with Fox Racing 2.0 Series coilovers. The braking system is a marvel of precision and reliability, featuring Blackbridge Hydroboost technology. It includes four-wheel disc brakes with a Wilwood master cylinder, Wilwood electronic parking brake, and Blackbridge brake lines enhanced with a Wilwood proportioning valve. Fuel efficiency and reliability are ensured by the stainless steel 22-gallon fuel tank and Blackbridge’s advanced returnless fuel system, complete with a high-flow fuel pump. This Defender 110 is meticulously designed to offer superior performance and durability at a price point that is competitive across the market.

    At the heart of this Defender lies an extensively upgraded powerhouse: a formidable GM Performance 6.2L V8 LT1 engine, delivering 465 horsepower. This potent engine is seamlessly paired with a GM Performance 8-speed automatic transmission and an Advance Adapters ATLAS 2-speed transfer case, ensuring exceptional performance and versatility on any terrain. The vehicle is further enhanced with Blackbridge front and rear driveshafts, a custom cooling system featuring dual fan control, and a stainless steel exhaust system, all contributing to its robust and reliable performance. Inside, the Defender exudes a blend of modern performance and classic styling with interior upgrades that include a Blackbridge gear selector lever and an analog-style gauge package. Every detail is meticulously designed to elevate the driving experience, making this Defender a true feat of engineering and design excellence.

    The Defender 110 showcases an OEM-style standard-width body, enhanced with Puma-style first and second-row doors, featuring automatic window regulators and locks for modern convenience. It also boasts an OEM clear glass windscreen, a Puma-style hood, and OEM headlight surrounds and grille, all contributing to its authentic, eye-catching curb presence. The Beluga black exterior paint adds a touch of elegance and refinement with its lustrous, deep black finish. Inside, the vehicle features a Blackbridge “Early Style” dashboard layout, offering a nod to classic design, while the internal roll cage provides enhanced safety for all occupants. Topping it all off, the Defender 110 is fitted with a canvas soft top featuring Strata glass. This combination of classic style and modern features ensures a driving experience that is both graceful and secure.

    The luxurious interior of this Defender is exquisitely adorned with Moore & Giles leather in a “Ecru” tan colorway. The first row features Recaro Ergomed seats with custom upholstery, while the second row is outfitted with Exmoor Premium high-back seats, also custom-upholstered for a seamless and stylish appearance. In the cargo area, Exmoor inward-facing high-back seats and custom wood inlay flooring in a Chilewich “Tiger Eye” rib weave add a touch of elegance. For a cohesive look, the seats, door cards, and dashboard top are all upholstered in matching material. Additional amenities include an OEM air conditioning setup with controls, ensuring comfort in any climate, and a Blackbridge locking center console. Entertainment is elevated with a Sony 10.1” touchscreen stereo featuring Apple CarPlay, complemented by a premium audio package. This includes eight Morel mid-range speakers, a nine-channel Sony amplifier, and a Diamond Audio subwoofer, delivering an immersive audio experience. The interior is further enhanced by OEM dash controls and switches, with the addition of Blackbridge interior LED lighting for a modern touch.

    The Defender 110 features 18” wheels by Method. It is equipped with BF Goodrich K02 A/T tires for optimal off-road performance. Lighting enhancements include Blackbridge x Vision X 7″ round DOT-approved LED headlights, along with LED running lights, brake lights, and turn signals for improved visibility and safety.

    Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 starts at $289,950. For more information on Blackbridge Motors and available vehicles, please visit www.blackbridgemotors.com or call (203) 902-1090.

  • Blackbridge Motors Unveils Newest Defender 110 with Jeep Wrangler Chassis

    Blackbridge Motors Unveils Newest Defender 110 with Jeep Wrangler Chassis

    With a Base Price of $169,950, Blackbridge’s Mark IV Offers Competitive Pricing With No Sacrifice to Comfort or Luxury

    [source: Blackbridge Motors]

    NORWALK, CT – Renowned for their exacting craftsmanship in reviving and enhancing classic Land Rovers to offer an exhilarating contemporary driving experience, Blackbridge Motors proudly introduces their latest bespoke creation: Defender 110 Mark IV, complete with custom-modified Jeep Wrangler underpinnings and an array of modern performance upgrades. Through their meticulously refined OEM-like build process, Blackbridge Motors seamlessly delivers pristine vehicles such as the new Mark IV without compromise to performance, comfort, or luxury, all while offering clients an exceptionally competitive price point relative to other custom Land Rover builders. Moreover, in an industry where extended wait times for vehicle delivery have become customary among restomod builders, Blackbridge Motors boasts an average turnaround time from down payment to delivery of just 4 months.

    Scott Gilbert founded Blackbridge Motors with the core belief that the thrill of owning and driving an iconic Land Rover Defender shouldn’t come with compromises to comfort or handling. Drawing from years of professional expertise in repairing and restoring Defenders, Gilbert crafted standardized parts and solutions that can easily be switched out and modified depending on a client’s needs and preferences. 

    “A standout feature of our platforms and standardized process is the remarkable degree of flexibility and customization it affords our clients when tailoring a build to precisely meet their needs,” comments Blackbridge Motors Founder & CEO Scott Gilbert. “The most common question we get from potential clients is what makes us different from the plethora of other Land Rover outfits currently on the market. What I always tell them is that while anyone can throw a bigger engine in a Defender and call it a day, what really matters is everything around the engine bay that affects the drivability, safety, reliability, and overall on-road handling experience, and that’s something we’ve refined to the point of excellence.”

    The daily drivability and formidability of each truck, both on and off-road, is among the most pivotal aspects of any Blackbridge build. The newest Blackbridge Motors Mark IV Defender features a GM Performance 6.2L V8 LS3 425-hp engine outfitted with a Blackbridge-designed, aerospace-grade body harness that is affixed to the GM Performance OEM engine and transmission harnesses. To ensure seamless performance and synergy between components, Blackbridge employed an almost complete suite of driveline parts from General Motors such as a GM performance 6-speed automatic transmission, GM transfer case, GM gear select lever, GM performance engine accessory kit, and GM Performance OEM engine control module.

    The General Motors engine system also ensures that clients can conveniently service their Blackbridge Motors Defender at any GM facility or dealer nearby. Optional engine and drivetrain appointments for prospective clients include a 6.2L V8 GM LT1 and an 8-speed automatic transmission with 450-hp or a 6-speed manual transmission.

    The new Blackbridge Motors 110 Defender Mark IV includes heavy-duty Dana HD front and rear axles with 4.88 gearing and a special hydroboost four-wheel Wilwood Master braking system. The original Land Rover Defender chassis has been replaced with a modified 2018 Jeep Wrangler 116-inch chassis which extends the wheelbase and interior space by 6 inches. The new Jeep JK chassis affords clients numerous options when selecting wheels as opposed to the relatively limited choices available for the original Defender OEM platform. 16-inch steel “WOLF” style wheels and BFGoodrich K02 A/T tires were chosen by the client for this new Mark IV. Fox custom valved shocks were added for improved off-road capability and on-road cabin stability along with a custom-engineered heavy-duty steering linkage box and heavy-duty control arms. For extended range and fuel efficiency, a 22.5-gallon fuel tank and a Blackbridge OEM GM returnless, high-flow fuel pump system were also added.

    The base of the interior cabin is lined throughout with custom flooring from Chilewich, with all wiring for the HiFi Audio System and climate control systems running through the sides of the vehicle instead of the floor; making all floor space completely usable without worry of damaging the interior vehicle systems. The interior is comprehensively and harmoniously adorned with an off-white weather treated leather in Hellgrau (light gray) by Hydes which is upholstered throughout the cabin seating, door cards, and center console. Blackbridge utilizes this treated leather for many of their coastal clients as it maintains an unparalleled resistance to moisture.

    The custom-designed dashboard is meant to symbolize the simplicity and analog style of original Defender interiors with exception to the subtly integrated modern amenities. The HiFi Audio System is accompanied by a 9-inch touch screen display with electric heating and cooling capabilities, CNC machined vents and controls located alongside as well as custom analog-style dash gauges. Two successive rows of captain’s chairs are spaciously separated by the Blackbridge-designed center consoles all furnished in the moisture-resistant leather. The entire cabin is accented with modestly integrated LED lighting for style and visibility at night. The cargo space in the Mark IV remains unencumbered, designed for practical utility such as loading beach or outdoor gear, distinguishing it from Blackbridge’s alternative jump seating options. The cargo area is accessible via a dropdown-style tailgate with a secure storage locker.

    The Blackbridge designed tub is produced as a single piece, which makes for increased rigidity and simplifies the assembly process. Lighting upgrades include LED running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and Blackbridge x Vision X 7-inch round DOT LED headlights in the OEM grill. For increased in-vehicle visibility, Blackbridge Motors installed a Standard Width Body Canvas Soft Top with Strataglass Windows, presenting incredible outdoor visibility and elemental protection. Custom upholstered canvas soft tops are available for every build starting at $12,000.

    When speaking on Blackbridge’s competitive price point, Gilbert explains, “We’ve cultivated a distinct advantage over our competitors by tailoring our systems to accommodate a diverse range of client needs. This approach not only optimizes efficiency but also significantly reduces costs and time associated with repair and maintenance, thanks to our proprietary Blackbridge parts seamlessly integrated with the General Motors drivetrain package. Gilbert continues, “Collectively, these factors empower us to offer our products at a price point considerably lower than that of our counterparts, without compromising on quality. In fact, our value proposition is further enhanced when considered for ease of use and maintenance.”

    Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark IV starts at $169,950. For more information on Blackbridge Motors and available vehicles, please visit www.blackbridgemotors.com or call (203) 817-0014.

  • Blackbridge Motors Introduces New 650-hp Defender 110 Mk II Made for Audiophiles

    Blackbridge Motors Introduces New 650-hp Defender 110 Mk II Made for Audiophiles

    • $269,500 Custom Land Rover Showcases Blackbridge Motors Incredible Design and Engineering Expertise Specializing Exclusively on Vintage Defenders 

    [source: Blackbridge Motors]

    NORWALK, CT (March 18, 2024) – With a reputation for meticulously restoring and reengineering iconic vintage era Land Rovers that deliver the thrill of modern-day driving, Blackbridge Motors presents their newest custom Classic Defender 110 Mark II. Made with absolutely no sacrifices for clients in terms of performance, comfort, safety, or convenience, Blackbridge Motors distinguishes itself by delivering a sophisticated vehicle manufactured at the same high-level of an OEM. Founded solely with the focus of restoring and modifying vintage Land Rovers, Blackbridge Motors creates stunning custom Defenders, delivering client vehicles far ahead of industry standard wait times courtesy of the company’s concentrated focus exclusively on the Land Rover marque and strength in manufacturing processes.

    “Blackbridge Motors started with the simple question of how we could transform vintage Defender ownership from something filled with compromises into a contemporary, fun driving experience that still maintains all its original charms in terms of iconic design,” comments Blackbridge Motors Founder & CEO Scott Gilbert. “Our goal at Blackbridge Motors is for our clients to completely forget that they are driving a vintage truck and simply enjoy everything about their classic Defender with none of the more annoying, even aggravating aspects of vintage vehicle ownership.”

    Blackbridge Motors was founded by Land Rover collector and enthusiast Scott Gilbert born from a deep passion for the marque and the desire to significantly improve the ownership experience, starting with him. Unimpressed with the sluggish performance from the era and constant need for repairs, Gilbert used his professional background to design a system for restoring Defenders with a set of standardized processes that streamlined restoration bottlenecks. 

    While aesthetics, audio, and interior design are focal points for the new Blackbridge Motors  Defender 110 Mark II, introducing daily drivability to each build is also a hallmark of every truck. The newest Blackbridge Motors Defender features a GM Performance 6.2L V8 LT4 650-hp engine outfitted in an aerospace grade wiring harness from the company alongside GM Performance OEM engine and transmission harness. 

    For the drivetrain development, Blackbridge Motors incorporated a comprehensive system from General Motors, significantly increasing performance and reliability. The General Motors engine system also ensures that clients can conveniently service their Blackbridge Motors Defender at any GM facility or dealer nearby. This 110 includes a GM Performance 8-speed automatic transmission mated to a Land Rover LT230 Heavy Duty Transfer Case at a 1:1 ratio with proprietary front and rear driveshafts from Blackbridge Motors.

    The new Blackbridge Motors custom 110 Defender Mark II includes heavy duty front and rear axle shafts with a special proprietary Hydroboost Wilwood Master braking system equipped with four-wheel discs and slotted front rotors. Heavy duty springs and Fox Shocks are expertly integrated to soften suspension on and off road while Blackbridge Motors also re-engineered the steering linkage and steering box. Blackbridge Motors finished the truck with period-correct 16-inch Steel “Wolf” style wheels in a custom Limestone paint wearing BF Goodrich K02 A/T tires. 

    Based in Connecticut, the newest custom Defender from Blackbridge Motors is a one of a kind soft top Classic Defender 110 that fully highlights the company’s expertise in creating incredible interiors. For this interior cabin, Blackbridge Motors made sure that all of the classic elements that resonate so deeply with Rover enthusiasts remained, folding in period-correct details flowing seamlessly alongside state-of-the-art technology. 

    One of the centerpieces of the new Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark II includes an incredible Hi-Fi reference-grade sound system custom designed for audiophiles that features studio quality sound. Blackbridge Motors utilized a Sony RSX-GS9 head unit that affords the highest fidelity audio on board and beyond with Moral Reference speakers housed in completely customized, period-correct soundstage enclosures throughout the cabin. Blackbridge Motors discreetly integrated a Diamond Audio subwoofer hidden within the interior in order to provide deep, resonant bass for a truly world-class, immersive auditory experience.

    Other exclusive touches from Blackbridge Motors include a striking specially engineered “Early Style” Land Rover dashboard. The new Blackbridge Motors 110 Mark II features a bold display with vintage-inspired dials, knobs, and touch points. Outfitted with custom seats, door cards, and dashboard top hand upholstered in rich, sumptuous materials, the interior cabin exudes effortless, sophisticated luxury.  

    With comfort and everyday use in mind, the new Blackbridge Motors Mark II features two consecutive rows of captain’s chairs, each separated by a center console swathed in leather. To increase passenger capacity of the original 110 Mark II, Blackbridge Motors equipped the cargo space with additional inward-facingjump seats. Every seat, along with the door cards and dashboard top, is richly appointed in Garrett Leather Caressa in an elegant Doeskin finish. Blackbridge Motors further complemented each seat with a contrasting Relicate Spec Series Stone Grey Plaid, further elevating the interior. 

    OEM-level quality controls and switches abound throughout the new 110 Mark II with Blackbridge Motors installing the company’s cooling system on board with dual fan control. A sharp looking stainless steel exhaust system was made for the truck alongside a new 19-gallon stainless steel gas tank, both custom. Blackbridge Motors also includes a OEM returnless fuel system with a high flow fuel pump as part of the system. 

    The exterior hull of the vintage Land Rover is a durable blend of classic refinement with modern subtleties appearing throughout. The Mark II features a Galvanized Bulkhead for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Every Blackbridge Motors Defender is made for traversing the elements in all four seasons. The new Blackbridge Motors custom 110 Mark II features a Puma Style Hood alongside Puma Style 1st and 2nd Row Doors, which include automatic window regulators and locks for a modern user experience. 

    Visibility is maximized with an OEM Glass Windscreen and modern 7-inch round Vision LED headlights beingseamlessly integrated into the iconic grille for perfect off and on road illumination. Blackbridge Motors also introduced special brake and running lights with a new turn signal lighting system. For increased in-vehicle visibility, Blackbridge Motors installed a Standard Width Body Canvas Soft Top with Strataglass Windows, presenting incredible outdoor views. For quick, convenient entry and vehicle exiting, Blackbridge Motors can also integrate electronic fold down-side steps and a NAS style rear step for driver and passengers alike to get in and out easily. 

    Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark II starts at $269,500. For more information on Blackbridge Motors and available vehicles, please visit www.blackbridgemotors.com or call (203) 902-1090.