In the world of custom automobiles, there are few names that resonate with authenticity, attention to detail, and visionary leadership. Art J Deerey is one such name—an individual who merges classic heritage with modern luxury, especially through his involvement in custom Land Rover Defender builds. His collaboration with Defenders-US, a Naples, Florida-based Defender restoration company, stands as a testament to how timeless design and contemporary performance can co-exist in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a luxury vehicle enthusiast, understanding Art J Deerey’s approach to automotive customization will transform the way you look at the legendary Defender.
Who Is Art J Deerey?
Art J Deerey is a visionary entrepreneur and project leader known for applying elite craftsmanship across several industries—including real estate, construction, and automotive restoration. With strong roots in Naples, Florida, Deerey has built a reputation for blending design sophistication with practical engineering.
What truly sets Art J Deerey apart in the auto restoration world is his deep understanding of quality, timeless aesthetics, and customer expectations. His involvement in the Defenders-US brand has helped elevate their builds into not just vehicles, but personal statements of individuality, purpose, and heritage.
Why the Land Rover Defender?
Originally developed as a post-war utility vehicle, the Land Rover Defender has become one of the most iconic off-road vehicles in history. Known for its boxy silhouette, durable chassis, and unstoppable 4x4 capabilities, the Defender evolved from military and farming roots into a cult-favorite vehicle for adventurers and collectors.
But despite its rugged appeal, original Defenders lacked modern comfort, efficiency, and features that today’s drivers expect. That’s where companies like Defenders-US, with support from visionaries like Art J Deerey, come in—restoring and reimagining these classics to deliver luxury-grade utility vehicles that can take on both the wilderness and the city.
Defenders-US: A Restoration Legacy
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, Defenders-US specializes in frame-off restorations of vintage Land Rover Defenders. Each vehicle is stripped down to its bare frame, meticulously rebuilt, and reassembled using both original components and modern upgrades.
Their services include:
Engine Upgrades: Diesel or V8 gasoline engines with modern performance tuning.
Transmission Enhancements: Automatic or manual options built for road and off-road use.
Interior Customization: Premium leather, touchscreen navigation, air conditioning, and custom audio.
Safety and Emissions Compliance: Fully road-legal in the U.S. with updated braking, lighting, and safety systems.
Paint & Exterior Styling: Custom matte or gloss finishes, roof racks, bumpers, snorkels, and LED upgrades.
With each build taking several months to complete, clients receive a one-of-a-kind vehicle, tailor-made to their specifications. And with Art J Deerey’s personal guidance, every detail is approached with both aesthetic and functional precision.
Art J Deerey’s Role: Designer, Advisor, Visionary
Rather than simply serving as a figurehead, Art J Deerey plays an active, hands-on role in each Defender project. From the first consultation to the final delivery, he ensures that clients are deeply involved in the design process and that the final result reflects their values, tastes, and intended use.
Key responsibilities include:
Client Consultations: Understanding the customer’s lifestyle, preferences, and functional needs.
Build Configuration: Helping clients choose drivetrain options, interior materials, and performance modifications.
Design Aesthetics: Advising on trim colors, upholstery textures, wheel packages, and modern integrations.
Quality Oversight: Personally verifying that each Defender meets exacting standards before delivery.
By working closely with both the build team and the client, Art ensures that every custom Defender isn’t just another restored truck—it’s a refined adventure machine ready for both the backroads and the boulevards.
The Defender Lifestyle in Naples, Florida
Few places offer a better backdrop for a restored Defender than Naples, Florida. With its blend of coastal charm, luxury estates, and access to Everglades trails, the city is a natural environment for such versatile vehicles.
Art J Deerey has tapped into this unique lifestyle niche, designing vehicles for clients who might want to:
Drive a vintage-inspired vehicle to upscale restaurants on Fifth Avenue South.
Take a sunset drive along the Gulf Coast.
Explore natural Florida trails and waterways with overlanding accessories.
Use the Defender as a unique, standout daily driver.
Each build reflects these local lifestyle needs—making them more than just vehicles, but rolling expressions of Naples living.
Client Testimonials: A Personalized Experience
Many customers are quick to point out how working with Art J Deerey changed their perception of car buying. Rather than simply selecting a vehicle off the lot, they were invited to co-create their dream Defender.
“Art made the experience feel like I was building a custom home—but it was a vehicle,” said one client. “Every choice mattered, and the outcome was perfect.”
“The attention to detail is unlike anything I’ve seen in the auto world,” shared another buyer. “From choosing the leather stitching to testing the engine tone, I was part of every step.”
This concierge-style experience, championed by Art, is what has helped Defenders-US become one of the most respected Defender restoration shops in the country.
A Glimpse into the Future
Art J Deerey isn’t just focused on the present. Together with the Defenders-US team, he’s driving innovation and exploring bold new ideas for the future of custom Defenders.
Future initiatives include:
Electric Defender Conversions: Zero-emission models with all-electric powertrains.
Limited Edition Collections: Numbered, collector-grade builds with rare materials and finishes.
Global Expansion: Shipping custom Defenders worldwide with concierge support.
Tech Integration: Vehicles equipped with AI-based diagnostics, satellite navigation, and driver assistance tools.
This forward-looking mindset ensures that every build reflects not just the past glory of the Defender—but also its potential in a rapidly changing world.
Why Choose a Defender from Art J Deerey and Defenders-US?
For those exploring custom vehicle ownership, the market is flooded with options—from modified G-Wagons to restored Broncos. But the Defender, especially when restored under the guidance of Art J Deerey, offers something different.
Here’s why:
True Customization: Every detail—from drivetrain to dashboard—can be tailored to you.
Authenticity Meets Modernity: Vintage looks with cutting-edge performance.
One-of-a-Kind Builds: No two Defenders are ever the same.
Proven Process: A structured, transparent build journey from consultation to delivery.
Client Experience: Personal attention from Art J Deerey ensures a luxury journey, not just a luxury product.
For those who value exclusivity, history, and function, this is more than a vehicle—it’s an heirloom.