East Coast Defender, the Florida customizer who specializes in turning the most purely functional—that is, traditional—sport utility vehicles into singular expressions, is now offering an ultra-premium bespoke Defender service, the Ultimate Vehicle Concept division. ECD’s UVC SUVs are the best of the best from the company, and only ten examples will be offered annually.

The face ECD is using to launch the division is called Project Viper, and it makes a definite impression, even against the backdrop of East Coast’s other offerings, several of which have been written up in this publication. Perhaps part of the appeal is the fact that the Viper avoids the flashy cosmetic trappings that make some ECD vehicles look doomed to a suburban milquetoast existence which will never take them at their word and try their mettle. The Viper looks very serious.

Based on a 130, the Viper’s engine is the standard East Coast 6.2L V8 Corvette powerplant, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. But the vehicle is made for the wilder side of travel, and includes stainless fuel cell and fuel lines as well as brake lines, KAM axles with electronic locking differentials, 20” wheels, King off-road shocks, and 2” Old Man Emu springs. Heavy duty steering arms and brakes, a WARN winch, an external roll cage and a bed lined with diamond plating also indicate that the Viper’s heart lies where the pavement ends. This is a vehicle to try your own mettle with.

But, the Viper does get a good dose of East Coast custom posh, and that’s not bad news by any means. Heated, hand stitched leather seats are included (you don’t have to admit it to your friends, though), as well as a full infotainment system with touchscreen, and atmospheric LED lighting for sunsets at trail’s end are among the creature-comfort niceties.

ECD’s custom Defenders start at $165K; the Ultimate Vehicle Concept Defender examples will be individually priced, but the Viper prices out a little south of $300K.