This Tech-Filled Land Rover Restomod Is the Product of a Former Apple Exec

A classic Series 3 off-roader gets treated to a thorough makeover fit for the 21st century.

Front view of a black Land Rover vehicle, showing the grille with the "LAND-ROVER" badge, round headlights, and a silver front bumper, set against a green grassy background.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published September 22, 2025

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Updated September 22, 2025

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While Land Rover’s modern Defender revival makes for a luxurious and tech-equipped vehicle, the same can’t be said for its predecessors.

From the earliest Series vehicles to the D90 and D110 Defenders, Great Britain’s off-roader was designed to be rugged and capable rather than refined and comfortable. It was uncompromising in its utility.

As such, any time someone is looking to turn one of these tough 4x4s into a vehicle fit for the 21st century, they’ve got their work cut out for them. This proves especially true the older the donor is.

Black classic Land Rover Series vehicle with an open-top design, beige seats, and a silver front bumper, parked on green grass with a background of trees. — The Admiral is less of a restoration than it is a thorough reimagining of a Land Rover Series 3.

However, there’s a new name in the classic Land Rover space that’s bringing a truly individualized approach to giving these tired British off-roaders a new lease on life. It’s called Kent Heritage Motorworks, and it’s the brainchild of former Apple executive Cliff Smith.

Don’t call it a restoration

The firm’s debut effort is dubbed the Admiral, and it’s the first in a series of bespoke builds known as the 1 of 1 Collection. Based on a 1976 SWB Land Rover Series 3, it comes packed with eye-catching custom touches inside and out.

Kent Heritage Works has spared no expense in its efforts to make this Land Rover a more modern ride.

Kent Heritage Works

Under the hood, for instance, Kent Heritage Works has worked with V8 Developments to craft a Dark Edition engine based on a highly tuned Rover 3.5-liter V8. In the words of Smith, “this heritage engine not only delivers a huge amount of torque but also allows us to stay close to the brand.”

Along with the updated heart, the Admiral also boasts improved brakes, suspension and steering. Between a ZF automatic gearbox, some upgraded differentials and a set of beefier prop shafts, it’s a markedly more modern trail rig.

Digital control panel labeled "the Admiral" with icons for heated seats (left and right, right seat icon is red), windshield defrost (center, red), and a home button (bottom center). Below the panel are three analog gauges for oil pressure, a clock, and voltage. The background is dark with a brown dashboard. — Synthesizing old and new, the Admiral is as retro as it is refined.

Being the product of a former Apple executive, it goes without saying that this Land Rover comes loaded with tech. In addition to basics like custom LED lighting and interior lighting, it brings an in-house touchscreen interface supporting CarPlay and Android Auto as well as control of creature comforts like the heated seats, windscreen and door mirror.

And that’s not even addressing upscale touches like automatic approach lighting and a built-in interior fridge. Less a restoration than it is a reimagining, it’s intended to redefine the classic Land Rover ownership experience.

Black vintage off-road vehicle with an open roof and large tires parked on a grassy field, with trees in the background. — It may be packed full of gadgets, but it’s still a simple Land Rover Series 3 at its core.

More on the way

In the event that your tastes are less Land Rover-inclined than they are Range Rover, don’t fret — Kent Heritage Works has more projects on the way as part of its 1 of 1 Collection.

If you check out the brand’s website, there are actually two further builds that have been announced at this stage. The Dreadnought will be a two-door Range Rover Classic shod in Santorini Black that’s been designed for “the more enthusiastic driver.”

Wood-rimmed steering wheel with black metal spokes and a central hub labeled "Heritage 1948," set against a tan dashboard featuring a speedometer and ignition key with a white keychain. — The interior details are truly stunning — just take this steering wheel, for instance.

The Viscount, meanwhile, is slated to be a four-door Range Rover Classic that Kent Heritage Works says will have “all the impeccable qualities and amenities to cater for any country pursuit.”

But that’s not all. Beyond its one-off custom builds, the company also offers servicing, repair and restoration of legacy Land Rover models — be it a Defender or a Discovery.

Front view of a black Land Rover vehicle, showing the left headlight, grille, side mirror, and part of the white bumper, parked on green grass with a blurred natural background. — Kent Heritage Works wants to redefine the classic Land Rover ownership experience with its reimagining of popular British icons.

A singular opportunity

If you’d like to get your hands on the Admiral, you’re in luck. As of this writing, Kent Heritage Works has announced that it is for sale (and ready for export).

Of course, something this exclusive and thoroughly refined doesn’t come cheap. It’s priced at £180,000 (~$243,000). To learn more or make an inquiry, head to the KHW website.

Black vintage Land Rover Series vehicle with an open top, beige seats, and a white front bumper, parked on green grass with trees in the background.

Kent Heritage Works ‘The Admiral’

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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