Monarch Defender vs The FJ Company
The Land Cruiser house or the Defender house. Different icons, different tiers, both built to order.
About 60 builds a year
Brand-new aluminum body
Built near Chicago
The short answer
The short answer
Written by Akif Bulent Keskin, Founder & CEO of Monarch Defender. Updated August 20, 2026.
Side by side
| Monarch Defender | The FJ Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Defender | Yes | Not offered (Toyota Land Cruisers) |
| Construction | Brand-new aluminum body on a new chassis | Restored original Land Cruisers |
| Powertrain | Modern GM V8: 430 to 650 hp | Rebuilt Toyota units; modern power on upper builds |
| Warranty | 2-year bumper-to-bumper, published | Not prominently published |
| Specification depth | Fully open, hand-finished interior | Configured restorations |
| Build time | 6 to 12 months | ~9 months |
| Entry price | From ~$250k | From ~$75k |
| Buy-now inventory | Occasional completed builds | Steady inventory pipeline |
Verified against fj.co, August 2026. Figures are approximate; confirm current terms with each builder.
Two icons, two price tiers
The FJ Company has spent years becoming the Land Cruiser house: steady output, a clean inventory pipeline, and restorations from the FJ40 through the 60-series, mostly with rebuilt Toyota drivetrains and modern-power options on upper builds. Its typical band sits meaningfully below Monarch's.
Monarch operates at the bespoke tier of the other icon: the Defender, built new-body on a new chassis with a 430 to 650 hp GM V8, fully specified by one owner, with a published $250,000 to $350,000 band and a two-year warranty.
Restoration vs new-body build
Beyond the marque, the construction differs: an FJ Company vehicle is a restored original; a Monarch is built from a brand-new body up, with nothing structural carried over. That difference underwrites Monarch's warranty and its daily-driver promise.
Where The FJ Company is the better fit
If the Land Cruiser is your icon or the budget sits under $150,000, The FJ Company is the established address. If the Defender is the dream and the brief is a new, warranted, V8 truck built to your specification, that is Monarch's entire catalog.
What People Say
Real Google reviews from owners and shop visitors
"They have the best custom Defenders I've seen. I personally visited them, and the owners were very welcoming. Mr. Akif personally showed me around and walked me through their custom vehicles. I definitely plan on buying one for myself."
"My husband bought a car from this company. I love this car, really. I attached some photos of my favorite builds which inspired my build."
"Love my Defender! Great communication from the team."
"We visited the facility and I was thoroughly impressed with the operation and the people involved in the builds. They have a continuous improvement mentality towards their work. They are always developing new ways to make the best vehicle on the market."
"These guys are such professionals!! From the superb artistry and attention to detail to the easy sit down to make the deal, I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant experience. If you want a show stopping custom vehicle that is sturdy and will last, look no further! Thanks again!!"
"I recently had the pleasure of working with Monarch Defenders, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Their expertise in customizing Land Rover Defenders is truly impressive. GREAT PEOPLE! Super professional! The team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. If you're looking to transform your Land Rover Defender, look no further than Monarch Defenders. They are a dedicated team that genuinely cares about their clients and their vehicles! Thank you, Monarch Defenders!"
Built like they never were
Everything below is standard. The full equipment list is at the bottom of the page.
Performance
A 430 HP GM LS3 V8, six-speed automatic, FOX suspension, Wilwood brakes, and power steering. It drives like the modern truck it mechanically is. The 460 HP LT1 and 650 HP LT4 are available if you want more.
Comfort & Technology
Ice-cold AC and heat, an 11 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium audio, backup camera, power doors and windows, USB-C throughout. Nothing about the cabin asks you to rough it.
Craftsmanship
Hand-stitched Italian Nappa leather, custom veneers, billet aluminum hardware, stainless trim. Every surface is chosen by you and finished by hand.
Capability
Atlas transfer case with true 4WD, Ford 9-inch axles, and BFG all-terrain tires. Winch, lift kit, and roll cage available. It is still a Defender.
Warranty & Aftercare
Two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The first year, everything is on us. The second year, you only cover shipping. The GM crate engine carries GM's own factory warranty on top. And white-glove delivery anywhere in the world, with direct support from the team that built your truck.
A shop that builds them right
Monarch is a team in Grayslake, Illinois that builds about 60 Defenders a year. Every truck is commissioned by its owner, built from the ground up over 6 to 12 months, and delivered anywhere in the world.
You work directly with the people building your truck, from the first rendering to the day it rolls off the trailer.
The Build Process
Transparent and collaborative, from first conversation to final delivery
Design
Pick your model, colors, and materials. We turn it into full specifications and renderings.
Donor & Body
We source the donor Defender and build up the brand-new aluminum body.
Paint & Trim
Paint, then the interior: leather, veneers, and hardware, all to your spec.
Powertrain
The GM V8, suspension, brakes, climate control, and electronics go in.
Test & Delivery
Road testing, final inspection, and white-glove delivery anywhere in the world.
Let's Talk
Build slots, pricing, and options. For the quickest response, call or text +1 (847) 961-2392.
For Immediate Response
Let's Talk
Build slots, pricing, and options. For the quickest response, call or text +1 (847) 961-2392.
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See the full equipment list
Standard on every build
- Brand-new Aluminum Body
- GM LS3 Engine - 6.2L V8, 430 HP
- GM 6-Speed Auto Transmission
- Ford 9-inch Axles
- FOX Suspension System
- Atlas Transfer Case (2WD/4WD)
- Wilwood Performance Brake Kit
- Electronic Emergency Brake
- Power Steering
- AC/Heat Climate Control
- 11" Touchscreen Screen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Premium Stereo
- Back-Up Camera
- USB-C Outlets
- Italian Nappa Leather
- Power Doors
- Power Windows
- LED Lights
- Billet Aluminum Hardware
- Stainless Exterior Accessories
- BFG KO3 All-Terrain Tires
- White-glove service
Popular upgrades
- GM LT1 Engine - 6.2L V8, 460 HP Upgrade
- GM LT4 Engine - 6.2L V8, 650 HP Upgrade
- Roadster Chassis Upgrade
- Wood Floors
- Veneer Interior Trims
- Heated/Cooled Seats
- Warn Winch
- Roll Cage
- Roof Rack
- Wide Body Kit
- Panoramic Side Windows
- Power Sunroof
- Moonroof
- Skylight Headliner
- Power Side Steps
- 5" HD Lift Kit
- Carbon Fiber Interior Trims
- Carbon Fiber Exterior Package
- Door Pouches
- Seat Pouches
- Woven Leather Upgrade
- Matching Bag Set
- 2nd A/C
- Fog Lights
- Hidden Gun Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Monarch Defender and The FJ Company?
The FJ Company restores Toyota Land Cruisers, typically $75,000 to $150,000 with premium builds past $200,000. Monarch Defender builds bespoke classic Land Rover Defenders ground-up on a brand-new aluminum body with GM V8 power from $250,000.
Does The FJ Company build Defenders?
No, its focus is the Toyota Land Cruiser family. For a classic Defender, Monarch builds new-body, single-owner commissions in Illinois.
Looking for an FJ Company alternative for a Defender?
Monarch Defender is the Defender-side equivalent at the bespoke tier: new-body construction, modern V8, published pricing, and a two-year warranty.
The FJ Company and all other company names are trademarks of their respective owners, referenced for identification and comparison only. Monarch Defender is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by The FJ Company. Competitor figures are drawn from public sources and are approximate; confirm current specifications, pricing, and terms with each builder directly.