RESTORATIONS, REBUILDS & REFURBISHMENT.

INDEPENDENT LAND ROVER & RANGE ROVER SPECIALISTS.

Every Land Rover tells a story, some just need careful attention to continue it. Others need deeper work to bring them back to life.


At Keith Gotts, we offer restorations, rebuilds and refurbishment work on a selective basis, alongside our core focus on servicing, repairs and maintenance. This type of work is approached thoughtfully, honestly, and without unrealistic promises. All parts are sourced by our parts department who can provide you with the perfect advice and sell parts for your own restoration or rebuild.


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Restoration, Rebuild or Refurbishment. What's the Difference?

Not every vehicle needs a full restoration.

Many projects sit somewhere between:

  • Replacing worn components.
  • Improving comfort or usability.
  • Addressing rust or age-related issues.
  • Updating interiors or safety features.


We’re comfortable blurring the lines between restoration, rebuild and refurbishment because what matters is what you want from the vehicle, not labels.


Partial or Full Rebuild. We can do both.

We can work on:

  • Partial rebuilds (mechanical, structural or interior-focused).
  • Refurbishment projects (comfort, usability, cosmetics).
  • Full restorations and rebuilds (on a limited, case-by-case basis).


Examples include:

  • Interior upgrades and re-trims.
  • Seat replacements and seating conversions.
  • Mechanical overhauls.
  • Rust repair and bodywork.
  • Chassis assessment or replacement.


A Defender 90 hardtop converted for everyday use can be just as much a “project” as a ground-up rebuild. We added rear windows and new seats from Exmoor Trim. Click the button to see the work done.


90 VISIBILITY UPGRADES

Our history with rebuilds

Restoration and rebuild work is part of our DNA.


Keith Gott, himself, historically bought ex-MOD and public service Land Rovers  and rebuilt them to public specification. That experience in understanding what to restore, what to replace, and what truly matters still informs how projects are approached today.


This isn’t new territory. It’s part of who we are.


Why people choose to restore or rebuild

People usually take on this type of work because:

  • They want to keep a vehicle with personal or family history.
  • They prefer improving what they already own.
  • They want something honest and mechanical in a modern world.
  • The vehicle is structurally sound but tired.
  • Replacement doesn’t feel right.


A rebuild isn’t always about perfection, it’s often about connection.


Full restorations can take significant time, are difficult to cost accurately upfront and additional work is almost always uncovered when the vehicle is stripped. That's why many owners choose partial restorations to improve the vehicle gradually.


Understanding timeframes, availability & cost.

This type of work is highly dependent on availability.

Unlike servicing or repairs:

  • Rebuilds and restorations are unpredictable.
  • Timelines are affected by condition, parts supply and findings.
  • Interior and trim components can have long lead times.


Because of this, we take on projects selectively, and always with realistic expectations discussed in advance.


Cost depends on:

  • Initial condition of the vehicle.
  • Extent of corrosion or wear.
  • Level of customisation.
  • Parts availability.
  • Whether work is phased or comprehensive.


It’s not always possible, or responsible, to give fixed costs at the outset. What we can do is agree scope, priorities and budget direction before work begins. Clarity matters more than estimates.

Our approach to restoration & rebuild work.

Every project begins with:

  1. Inspection and honest assessment
  2. Agreement on the scope of work
  3. Clear discussion of priorities and budget
  4. A realistic view of timescales


From there, work is approached logically:

  • Structural integrity first.
  • Mechanical reliability next.
  • Comfort, usability and finish last.


Whether parts are restored, repaired or replaced is decided based on what’s best for the vehicle and not what looks good on paper.


Explore previous projects.

We have carried out a variety of rebuild, refurbishment and renovation jobs over the years.


You’ll find a few examples of previous work linked here, showing what’s possible without pretending every project is the same. If you have any further queries of specific projects you would like carried out, do not hesitate to contact us.

DEFENDER 110 REBUILD

A deep dive into 

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Two technicians pushing a car at The Workshop, Alton.

DEFENDER 110 UPGRADES

Learn more about our sister company, The Workshop.

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Stationary White INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster in the woods.

DEFENDER 90 REBUILD

A deep dive into the emergency Grenadier sent to us by INEOS.

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DEFENDER 90 COMFORT

Learn more about what made the Classic Car Show so special.

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RESTORATION & REBUILD FAQ'S

  • Do you still offer restorations and rebuilds?

    Yes, but on a selective basis. Availability depends on current workshop commitments and the nature of the project.

  • Does my Land Rover need a full restoration?

    Not usually. Many vehicles benefit more from targeted repairs or phased improvements rather than a full rebuild or restoration.

  • How long do rebuilds or restorations take?

    Timescales vary significantly. Some take months and sometimes even over a year. It depends on condition, scope and parts availability.

  • Can you estimate the cost upfront?

    Costs can be discussed and guided, but full restorations and rebuilds are difficult to price accurately at the outset. Scope and priorities are always agreed before work begins.