In the world of luxury automotive customization, where timeless design meets rugged performance, few names stand out like Art J Deerey. Known for his commitment to craftsmanship, design excellence, and customer-focused innovation, Art J Deerey is reshaping the high-end vehicle restoration industry—particularly through his collaboration with Defenders-US, a boutique company dedicated to restoring and customizing classic Land Rover Defenders.
Based in Naples, Florida, Art J Deerey brings a unique vision to the art of vehicle restoration. His influence in the Defender market goes beyond just aesthetics—he’s a designer, innovator, and enthusiast who understands that the best vehicles are those that reflect their owner’s personality and lifestyle.
Who Is Art J Deerey?
Art J Deerey is a Naples-based entrepreneur and designer with a professional background in real estate development, architecture, and high-end construction. Over the years, he’s become recognized for delivering finely detailed, custom-built homes and developments throughout Florida. His transition into the world of automotive restoration was a natural evolution of his creative and technical talents.
Art’s personal passion for classic vehicles—particularly the legendary Land Rover Defender—led him to collaborate with Defenders-US, a company that specializes in frame-off, bespoke Defender builds. Together, they create one-of-a-kind, handcrafted vehicles that are equal parts luxury, utility, and heritage.
The Timeless Appeal of the Land Rover Defender
Why the Defender? For Art J Deerey, the answer lies in the vehicle’s iconic balance of function and form. The Land Rover Defender is one of the few vehicles in history that has served farmers in England, explorers in Africa, and celebrities in Beverly Hills—all with the same sense of rugged capability and design integrity.
Originally introduced in the mid-20th century, the Defender became known for its durability and off-road prowess. But beyond the mechanical resilience lies a cult following driven by the vehicle’s distinctive silhouette, simplicity, and nostalgic charm. It’s this blend of utilitarian engineering and iconic design that caught the attention of Art J Deerey and the team at Defenders-US.
Together, they’ve set out to redefine what a Defender can be in the 21st century—without losing its soul.
Defenders-US: A Boutique Restoration Powerhouse
Defenders-US, headquartered in Florida, is not just another car shop. It’s a boutique automotive restoration firm with a singular focus: to create the most refined, customized Defenders in North America. Their commitment to authenticity, quality, and personalization makes them an ideal partner for Art J Deerey, whose standards are uncompromising.
Every project undertaken by Defenders-US is a complete, frame-off restoration, meaning the vehicle is disassembled down to its chassis and rebuilt piece by piece. During this process, customers choose from:
Engine options: diesel, gasoline, or high-performance V8
Suspension upgrades for both city cruising and rugged terrain
Bespoke interiors including premium leather, Alcantara, wood accents, and modern infotainment systems
Exterior design: custom color palettes, roof racks, snorkels, LED lighting, and alloy wheels
Each build can take months to complete—but the result is nothing short of spectacular. And with Art J Deerey personally guiding the creative and design direction, every Defender becomes a rolling expression of its owner’s lifestyle.
Art J Deerey’s Role in the Creative Process
What separates Art J Deerey from others in the space is his holistic approach. He doesn’t just help choose colors or accessories—he works directly with clients to understand how they live, drive, and explore. From this insight, he develops a complete design strategy that ensures the final product exceeds expectations.
Art often begins the journey with a consultation—virtual or in-person—where he discusses everything from road habits and off-roading ambitions to style preferences and even musical tastes (for those looking for custom audio setups).
His design philosophy includes:
Practical elegance: Modern amenities blended into vintage design
Lifestyle matching: Whether a daily driver in Naples or a weekend warrior in the Everglades
Timelessness: Ensuring the vehicle remains visually and mechanically relevant for decades
Why Naples, Florida Is the Perfect Setting for a Defender
Naples offers the perfect climate and terrain for the custom Defender lifestyle. From its serene beach roads to its proximity to the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve, the Defender is well-suited to the area’s adventurous-yet-refined culture.
Locals who invest in a Defender restored by Art J Deerey and Defenders-US are making a statement. These vehicles are as comfortable parked outside a five-star restaurant as they are pushing through swampy trails or coastal backroads. Art has made it his mission to craft builds that feel at home in both environments.
Client Experience: What It’s Like to Work with Art J Deerey
When you commission a Defender from Art J Deerey, the experience is as custom as the vehicle. Clients can expect a white-glove design and build process, from the first concept drawing to the final test drive.
Here’s how it works:
Consultation & Discovery
Art learns about your needs, interests, and driving style.
He reviews sample builds and suggests configurations.
Design Blueprint
Together with the Defenders-US team, Art drafts a full spec sheet.
You’ll select trim options, drive train preferences, tech features, and more.
Build Phase
The vehicle is stripped and rebuilt from the
