Blackbridge Motors introduces its latest Defender 110 Mark IV, complete with custom-modified Jeep Wrangler underpinnings and an array of modern performance upgrades.
Through its refined build process, Blackbridge Motors delivers pristine vehicles such as the new Mark IV without compromise to performance, comfort or luxury, according to the company. 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 four months.
Drawing from years of professional expertise in repairing and restoring Defenders, founder Scott 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 degree of flexibility and customization it affords our clients when tailoring a build to precisely meet their needs,” comments 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 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 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, 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 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 was also added.
The interior is 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 a 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 rows of captain’s chairs are spaciously separated by the Blackbridge-designed center consoles all furnished in the moisture-resistant leather.
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. Custom upholstered canvas soft tops are available for every build starting at $12,000.
“Our 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,” said Gilbert.
