Todd Snyder x Balmoral Defender

There are rare moments when fashion and automotive design intersect this naturally. The collaboration between Todd Snyder and Balmoral Defender is precisely such a meeting. The timeless character of the classic Land Rover Defender is reimagined through a modern design lens, resulting in more than just a vehicle—it becomes a lifestyle statement. Known as the Rugged Gentleman Collection, this special series marks Snyder’s first automotive project, while Balmoral’s craftsmanship elevates it into a collectible design manifesto.

An Interpretation of Modern American Style

Todd Snyder is one of the leading voices in modern American menswear, based in New York. Since founding his namesake brand in 2011, he has become known for a distinctive approach that blends classic tailoring with contemporary detail. Through collaborations with brands such as Champion, Timex, L.L. Bean, and New Balance, Snyder has mastered the balance between heritage and modernity, consistently centering his designs around timelessness, functionality, and refined simplicity. This Defender project feels like a natural extension of his design philosophy—translated from textile to metal.

A Restomod Manifesto

This project goes far beyond placing a logo on a classic automobile. Todd Snyder x Balmoral Defender is a fully realized restomod, conceived collaboratively from the ground up. Built on a 1998 Land Rover Defender 90, each vehicle is completely stripped back and meticulously rebuilt. Snyder’s “rugged but refined” design philosophy merges with Balmoral Defender’s engineering and restoration expertise. The result is a Defender that preserves the toughness of the past while embracing the comfort and performance of today.

Mechanical Elegance

The first release, Edition 001: City Black, is limited to just 10 units. Beneath the hood sits a 6.2-liter Chevrolet LT1 V8, producing approximately 455 horsepower and paired with a modern 10-speed automatic transmission. Alcon performance brakes, upgraded suspension, and power steering transform the classic Defender into a thoroughly contemporary driving experience. Attention is drawn to the bespoke micro-metallic City Black exterior paint, Italian leather upholstery, and honeycomb stitching details. Every surface, every stitch, every proportion reflects a deliberate design choice.

A Global Craftsmanship Story

This vehicle is also the result of an international journey of craftsmanship. Body and chassis restoration take place in the UK, interior upholstery is completed in Spain, and engine and mechanical integration are carried out in the United States. Shaped by nearly two thousand hours of hands-on work, the Defender feels less like an industrial product and more like a bespoke object. Balmoral’s technical discipline and Snyder’s aesthetic sensitivity are evident at every stage of the process.

Todd Snyder x Balmoral Defender is more than an automobile. This project reminds us that design knows no boundaries, and that style is not merely something you wear—it’s something you live. A classic icon is reborn through a modern vision. With its limited production, meticulous attention to detail, and timeless approach, this special Defender feels less like a vehicle in motion and more like a design object meant to be admired. The collaboration stands as a powerful testament to how good design speaks the same language, regardless of form.

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