Portugal-based Coolnvintage revitalizes classic Land Rovers, transforming them into stunning restomods. These aren’t simple rebuilds; they are meticulously crafted vehicles starting at $200,000.

The Appeal of a Classic Reimagined

Many remember early Land Rovers for their ruggedness – cold heaters, diesel fumes, and a bumpy ride. However, the utilitarian vehicle gained a new appeal after Jaguar Land Rover discontinued the original Defender in 2016, citing safety concerns and outdated design.

As Joni Mitchell famously sang, people often don’t appreciate something until it’s gone. The Defender’s simple design and versatility proved to be a perfect canvas for personalization.

Coolnvintage: A Vision Takes Shape

Ricardo Pessoa founded Coolnvintage in Lisbon in 2012, recognizing the potential for high-end Land Rover restorations. He aimed to create not just functional rebuilds, but rolling works of art with flawless finishes.

The Three-Year Transformation

Pessoa’s commitment to perfection means each restoration takes up to three years. His 17-strong team transforms neglected donor vehicles into head-turning machines, appealing to clients worldwide.

A Workshop Like No Other

The Coolnvintage workshop isn’t a typical greasy garage. It’s a two-story industrial building resembling an art space, showcasing both donor vehicles and completed restorations.

A $5,000 wreck can be transformed into a $350,000 luxury Land Rover, with the paint job alone costing five times the original purchase price.

Rare Finds and Unique Builds

Coolnvintage often works with rare models, such as a Defender built in South Africa during BMW’s ownership, equipped with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine. Pessoa is also restoring a North American Specification (NAS) Defender 110 for personal use.

NAS Defenders, introduced to the U.S. around 1994, featured roll cages, safety lights, air conditioning, and a Rover V-8 engine. Only around 7,000 were built before stricter crash-test regulations halted U.S. sales.

Meticulous Process, Bespoke Results

Pessoa, while not a mechanic himself, possesses a keen artistic eye and marketing acumen. He employed the Kaizen Institute to optimize workflow, ensuring a meticulous rebuild process.

Every component is stripped, labeled, photographed, and cataloged. Parts are either refurbished or replaced with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, with detailed documentation maintained throughout.

Clients have complete control over customization, choosing paint colors, interior materials, and engine types.

A Personal Touch

Pessoa keeps clients engaged by sending them framed photographs of original, unrestored parts from their vehicle. Upon completion, each build includes a vinyl record featuring the engine’s initial startup sound.

Inspired by Adventure

Coolnvintage recently published a book, , documenting George and Jinx Rodger’s 1950s Trans-Africa expedition in a Series I Land Rover. The book features 168 large-scale photographs from the journey.