This $300,000 Land Rover Defender Restomod Rejects Electrification With a V8 Roar

“Electromod” Has Become a Trend, but Not for Oshe

For the past few years, the aftermarket industry has been fixated on electrification. From classic Minis to an electric Rolls-Royce Phantom V, companies have been trying to convince enthusiasts that a quiet electric drivetrain can replace the mechanical charm of combustion. Some builds succeed in bringing modern usability, while others fall flat in the pursuit of novelty. 

Yet, no matter how well executed, most EV conversions struggle to replicate the raw character of a big-displacement engine. That is where Oshe Automotive is making a different statement with its Zambezi Defender. Instead of chasing the electric trend, it revives the romance of a naturally aspirated V8 inside the body of a classic Land Rover Defender 110.

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Classic Defender Blending with V8 Grunt

The Zambezi is more than a nostalgia exercise. Oshe strips a Defender 110 down to bare metal and spends more than 2,000 hours rebuilding it to a standard that is closer to a coachbuilt restomod than a simple restoration. The centerpiece is a 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering the kind of torque and soundtrack that no EV can replicate. 

Complementing that setup includes Tractive electronically controlled suspension and AP Racing brakes, while Oshe reimagines the bodywork with seamless paneling that hides the traditional riveted look. 

The cabin mixes luxury and cultural identity, blending hand-painted Ndebele artwork with African woods such as Acacia and Zebrano. Heated Muirhead leather seats, Alcantara headliner, a panoramic roof, and a premium sound system from Audison and Morel make it clear that comfort is just as important as utility. 

Modern touches such as wireless charging, advanced security, and a refrigerated center console push it further away from its utilitarian roots.

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Not a Cheap Build, but You Shouldn’t Expect Anything Less

The Zambezi made its public debut as the official course car at the 2025 Silverstone Festival. Oshe plans to offer similar builds starting at around $300,000 – of course, the numerous customization options are a part of the appeal. 

Buyers can specify details down to the paint color, body style – whether a double-cab pickup, soft-top, or station wagon – and even engine choice, with a 5.3-liter V8 available as an alternative to the larger motor. Each build represents a lengthy process, with some examples requiring closer to 3,000 hours of work depending on the scope of personalization.

At that price point, the Zambezi is not competing with mass-produced SUVs or even other Land Rover V8 restomods. That's below the brand. For Oshe, its V8 antidote to electrification might be exactly what keeps the combustion dream alive.

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