Monarch Defender vs Lunaz
Coachbuilt British classics at Silverstone, but no Defender among them. Monarch builds the truck Lunaz doesn't.
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 | Lunaz Design | |
|---|---|---|
| The vehicle | Classic Land Rover Defender | No Defender; closest product is a Range Rover Classic |
| Where it's built | Grayslake, Illinois, USA | Silverstone, UK |
| Price (approx.) | ~$250k–350k+, published | Deep six figures; RRC line launched from £245k |
| Lead time | 6 to 12 months | Order book has stretched past a year |
| Warranty | 2-year bumper-to-bumper, published | Not published |
| Powertrain | Modern GM V8, 430 to 650 hp | Electric; combustion line added 2026 |
| Coachbuild prestige | Bespoke hand-built commission | Rolls-Royce/Aston-tier coachbuild, ~5,500 hours |
Verified against bylunaz.com and trade press, August 2026. Figures are approximate; confirm current terms with each builder.
A coachbuilder vs a Defender builder
Lunaz operates at the very top of the restomod market: Aston Martin DB6s, Rolls-Royce Phantoms, Jaguar XK120s, and the Range Rover Classic Safari, restored over thousands of hours with coachbuilt interiors, historically as EVs and since 2026 with combustion options too. The craft is real and the prestige is earned.
What Lunaz does not build, and has never built, is a Land Rover Defender. A buyer searching for a custom Defender lands here by brand gravity, not by product. Monarch builds exactly that product: the classic Defender, new-body, V8-powered, specified by one owner.
Practicalities: price, place, and history
Lunaz pricing sits in the deep six figures, with the Range Rover Classic line launched from £245,000 and coachbuilt commissions well beyond; builds are UK-based with order books that have stretched past a year. One dated, public fact worth knowing: the Lunaz group's commercial arm entered administration in March 2024, and the classic-car business restarted as Lunaz Design in May 2024, reporting strong demand since. Monarch, for its part, publishes a $250,000 to $350,000 band, builds in Illinois in 6 to 12 months, and backs every truck with a two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Where Lunaz is the better fit
If you want a coachbuilt Rolls, Aston, or an electrified Range Rover Classic with a concours interior, Lunaz has no US rival. If what you actually want is the classic Defender, built new, with V8 power and American support, that is not their product; it is precisely Monarch's.
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
Does Lunaz build custom Defenders?
No. As of August 2026 Lunaz Design's lineup covers Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, and the Range Rover Classic; a Land Rover Defender has never been part of it. Monarch Defender builds the classic Defender ground-up with modern GM V8 power in the US.
What is the difference between Monarch Defender and Lunaz?
Lunaz coachbuilds ultra-premium British classics in the UK, largely electric, at deep six-figure prices. Monarch builds new-body V8 Defenders in Illinois from $250,000 with a two-year warranty and a 6 to 12 month build.
Looking for an alternative to Lunaz?
For the classic Land Rover itch specifically, Monarch Defender builds the Defender itself: brand-new aluminum body, 430 to 650 hp GM V8, US-built and US-supported, at published pricing.
Lunaz Design 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 Lunaz Design. Competitor figures are drawn from public sources and are approximate; confirm current specifications, pricing, and terms with each builder directly.