Tophat Classics

Dutch friends Carel van Helsdingen and Alex Zeeman team up to build the world’s ultimate custom Land Rover Defenders, many LS3-powered with 500 hp. If you can dream it, TopHat can build it. Europe is home to many classic Defenders that serve as the perfect canvas for a unique and modern build that honors the looks and design of the original, but is updated with all of today’s creature comforts and power. With Carel’s background in business and Alex’s expertise in mechanics, TopHat systematically pushes the boundaries of what can be done in a 25 year old defender, from developing custom adapter plates in CAD to a custom suspension in partnership with Koni to handle the power.