Founded in 2011 by Daniel van Oort and Peter Zeisser, The Landrovers has grown from a small student project in Amsterdam into a 70-strong workshop specialising in bespoke Defenders. What began with a single car purchase and a passion for adventure has evolved into a business recognised worldwide for its automotive innovation and reimagination of the Land Rover Defender. Today, The Landrovers serves clients across the globe, offering ultra-custom builds, electric conversions and a philosophy that includes forward-looking engineering. LUXUO unpacks the strategy and vision driving The Landrovers’ growth in the luxury automotive market.
The company “The Landrovers” was founded by both of you, Daniel van Oort and Peter Zeisser, in 2011. Tell us about the company’s early vision and the passion behind?
The Landrovers’ story begins not in a business plan, but in a dream of adventure. Peter Zeisser and Daniel van Oort bought an old Defender during their studies with the intention of driving it from the North Cape to South Africa. With no technical background, they simply replaced the seats, cleared out some rust, and gave it a polish.
That humble project became a turning point. They fell in love with the Defender’s simplicity and spirit. When the journey never materialised and they decided to sell the car, two buyers appeared on the same day. The second, who missed out, asked them to find not one but two more Defenders. The first one for himself, the second on as an investment.
It was the start of something extraordinary. What began in a converted student house in Amsterdam has since then grown into a thriving boutique workshop with nearly 70 craftspeople, dedicated to creating the most exclusive bespoke Defenders in the world.
Peter Zeisser: “We never set out to build a company. We set out on an adventure and that spirit still drives everything we do today.”
You enjoy stating “There’s something inherently timeless about a Land Rover”. Tell us more there?
For The Landrovers, the Defender is not just a car, it’s an icon with is its instantly recognisable and beloved silhouette.
Peter Zeisser: “If you ask a child to draw a car, they’ll sketch a Defender. And besides that, in real life a Defender is rugged, repairable with the simplest of tools, and it breathes adventure. That timeless quality is why it continues to inspire people across generations.”
This timelessness is what gives the Defender such universal appeal. It embodies durability, simplicity, and a spirit of exploration that resonates as strongly today as it did decades ago.
Frank Tijs joined you in 2018 to help with the electric and product development departments. Why make the switch to an electric Defender?
In 2018, entrepreneur and engineer Frank Tijs joined the team with a bold vision: electrification. In the first place he wanted to electrify his own camper van and was looking for a place where he could do that. Peter and Daniel gave him a place at The Landrovers for free in exchange for his knowledge and a share of the company’s profits. But things got out of hand… as always at The Landrovers.
Frank Tijs: “For us, it wasn’t only about safeguarding the Defender’s future. It was about redefining the driving experience of electric vehicles. We wanted to contribute something truly significant, making the Defender not just sustainable but thrilling in a new way.”
The decision was both pragmatic and philosophical. On one hand, it secures the Defender’s legacy in a world moving toward sustainability. On the other, it allows The Landrovers to push boundaries — to take an already iconic vehicle and give it an entirely new life.
What does an EV Defender conversion involve?
The Landrovers have become world leaders in electric Defender conversions.
Frank Tijs: “This is the process in which we are by far the most specialised. Each chassis is optimised at more than 250 points to handle the immense forces of our in-house developed Panterra Lion drivetrain. With 600hp, four individually controlled in-wheel motors, and instant torque, the driving experience is completely redefined.”
Everything in the Panterra electric drivetrain is in-house development. Every bolt is designed, tested and approved. A stunning achievement that was meant to be done in 2 years; it took them six. It’s not just about replacing the engine. It’s about re-engineering the entire vehicle to deliver performance, reliability, and an experience that feels authentic yet revolutionary.
Tell us more about the latest ultra-bespoke Defender you have presented, the Vesper?
The Vesper is the company’s latest ultra-bespoke creation — a Defender that blends refinement with raw power.
Daniel van Oort: “The Vesper is a celebration of elegance and strength. On the outside, it’s sleek and understated, while inside every detail has been carefully designed with the client. It’s futuristic and timeless at the same time. It’s a rolling piece of art.”
With handcrafted interiors, bespoke detailing, and a super powerful 6.2 L LT1 Corvette V8 engine delivering 525 horsepower, the Vesper is both a collector’s item and a performance machine.
For more information: Discover the Vesper
With over 5 million views on social media in just two days, your custom-built Defender ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ has turned into a social media phenomenon. What was so special about this bespoke Defender?
Last August 2025, The Landrovers unveiled Strawberry Fields Forever, a bold and flamboyant build that quickly went viral.
Daniel van Oort: “Every Defender we build is unique. Some clients want understated luxury; others dream of a head-turning statement. Strawberry Fields Forever was exactly that, a Panterra-powered machine with a daring design. It connected with millions of people because it was more than a car, it was a story.”
The viral success showed the global appetite for individuality in car culture, with bespoke vehicles becoming cultural icons in their own right.
For more information: See Strawberry Fields Forever
You address open-top requests: tell us about your in-house developed and built full electric convertible rooftop?
The Landrovers are constantly challenged by their clients’ unique requests. One such request was for a fully electric convertible Defender with an automatic roof.
Frank Tijs: “Since there was nothing on the market that matched our standards, we decided to engineer it ourselves. That way, we maintain full control, perfect quality, and the freedom to innovate.”
What began as a one-off commission has now become one of their most popular options. The company’s growing expertise in self-developing components – from wheels and grilles to suspension systems – has made this kind of innovation second nature.
You have expressed that you are not into the field of restoration but rather operating in the space of “reimagination”. Can you elaborate further?
Unlike more traditional restorers, The Landrovers see themselves as reimaginers.
Peter Zeisser: “Restoration is about fixing up the past. We reimagine. We start with a chassis, but it’s completely optimised and galvanised for longevity. From there, we enter a design journey with the client where nothing is standard and everything is reconsidered.”
This philosophy has led to countless innovations. “We always think in a way that doing something yourself in the best way possible, with the best possible people, gives the best results”, continues Peter.
A few examples of these innovations include:
- Custom wiring systems and harnesses designed and fully build in-house for safety, flexibility, and flawless integration.
- Aluminium dashboards with bespoke gauges and HMI displays, replacing plastic with brushed metal for a luxurious finish. All designed and built at our workshop in Amsterdam.
- Redesigned rear tubs and seating for increased legroom and comfort, even accommodating the needs of taller owners. Daniel is almost 2 metres tall and needed some space in the back. That’s why the developed a completely new rear tub. It gives the vehicle three ajustable rear seats and more room for the people in the back.
Daniel van Oort: “Our Honey Badger build for Japan is a great example of how far we go for our customers. Everything, from wheels and upholstery to the grille, ventilation, and even the speaker set, was designed and build in honeycomb style. And yes, it is right-hand drive. That’s the level of detail we thrive on. We are so proud of our first even custom build Defender in Japan.”
Click here for more about Honey Badger
Do you currently address the needs of potential buyers across the globe? Do you have some examples of rather unusual bespoke orders?
The Landrovers have delivered builds across the world, with particular focus on the U.S., Middle East, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Daniel van Oort: “These regions have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, detail, and perfection. That’s why we love building for clients there.”
Some of the most unusual requests include the Libelulla, designed down to every stitch by the client, and the Mainbeach, whose interiors and roof were colour-matched to the sands of the beach where it would be driven.
“But let’s be honest. We live by the idea that every wish is our challenge. It gives us a vision to grow and to blow our clients minds”, continues Daniel.
You do not mention any price range on your website … how do you answer potential buyers there?
Peter Zeisser: “Our builds are the most exclusive in the world. Prices start at $442,500, with an additional $110,000 for an electric Panterra drivetrain. But for our clients, it’s rarely about the price. They want the most exclusive, the most beautiful, the most personal design possible, even with features that don’t exist yet.”
How do established car manufacturers view your current bespoke operation?
The Landrovers see themselves as part of a broader bespoke culture in the automotive world.
Peter Zeisser: “From Singer’s reimagined Porsches to our Defenders, bespoke builders add value to the brand itself. When someone sees a Landrovers creation, they also think of Land Rover. That’s good for both of us. We create dream machines, and we elevate the marque at the same time.”
What’s your favourite car-related museum in the world?
Daniel van Oort: “For Land Rover enthusiasts, the Dunsfold Collection is unique. But the Louwman Museum in the Netherlands also has an incredible collection of rare and historic cars. It’s always inspiring to visit.”
If you were to name one mentor who has inspired you in establishing The Landrovers, who would that be?
Peter Zeisser: “Richard Branson has been a great inspiration — not only his sense of adventure, but also his focus on people. Early on, we noticed our craftsmen weren’t always taking care of themselves. So, we hired a chef for organic meals, introduced tai chi, football at lunch, and created a workplace that feels more like a festival ground than a car factory.”
He smiles: “If you enjoy coming to work, you enjoy creating something extraordinary. And our clients feel that energy in every car we deliver.
For more information, head to The Landrovers’ official website and social media platforms here.
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