How long does the restoration process take?
Source + Ship is the faster of the two options we currently offer. This process takes about six months and allows for minimal customizations—a great option for Land Rover purists who want to keep a vehicle’s exterior character intact. All vehicles will still undergo a thorough inspection and service to ensure it is delivered ready for its next adventure.
Custom frame-up restorations take about one year depending on the number of builds we have in progress. Please note that we import very few cars each year, so the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get started on your dream project!
What can I customize?
The possibilities are fairly numerous including:
Exterior/Trim paint colours
Interior carpet colour
Seat colour (choose from our ripstop canvas palette, leather or vinyl)
Headliner colour
Optional extras include upgraded wheels, seats, roofracks, rooftop tents and more!
Engines must be period correct, but do not have to be original to the vehicle.
Do you only import RHD vehicles?
Yes, because all LEKKER vehicles are sourced in South Africa. We make every effort to keep our Defenders affordable and as beautiful as the day they left the factory. If you want to pay for a LHD conversion or a motor swap after delivery, we are happy to recommend several reputable options and discuss the pros and cons with you including how changes may impact the vehicle’s future market value.
What happens to LEKKER vehicles prior to export?
Once the restoration process is complete, the export process begins. All vehicles undergo a final multi-point inspection at our South African workshop prior to transfer to our Durban-based Forwarding Agents. Once in Durban vehicles are inspected by South African Police Authorities prior to gaining export clearance. During this process, vehicles are marked by the DataDot system.
What are DataDots?
A DataDot Microdot is a tiny polymer disc 1mm or 0.5mm in diameter inscribed with unique information which can be viewed using a special magnifier. 10,000 microdots are fitted to a vehicle in more than 100 locations.
Once mixed in a special adhesive containing a UV trace, microdots are sprayed onto a vehicle or applied onto a bicycle or valuable asset giving it its own DNA. The fitment process for a vehicle takes approximately 20 minutes. All fitted microdots are linked to vehicle details and uploaded to the South African Department of Transport’s e-Natis system.
Since September 2012, South African legislation requires that all vehicles cleared for export undergo this process prior to receiving a Police Clearance Certificate.
Once all departure clearance steps are completed, vehicles are delivered by our Forwarding Agent to a Port warehouse to await loading onto a Container ship.
What happens once vehicles arrive in the U.S.?
Vehicles are covered by South African Marine Insurance whilst in transit from Durban to Baltimore. Upon arrival stateside, they are covered by Grundy Worldwide Insurance until a vehicle is transferred to its new owner.
Upon arrival in Richmond, vehicles are inspected and proofed which means that they are driven for approximately 500 miles. We then register the vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and get a Virginia State Inspection.
All vehicles are delivered with a clean title, two sets of keys, export and import paperwork plus any photos that are available from the restoration process.
Is it possible to finance a Classic Car?
We do not offer financing at this time, but there are several specialty groups that finance classic cars including Woodside Credit, Premier Financial Services, 1st Financial Bank USA, J.J. Best Banc & Co., LightStream and Putnam Leasing. Please note we have no relationship or affiliation with any of these companies.
Can I use a LEKKER vehicle as a Daily Driver?
Yes. We’re happy to connect you to prior customers who do just that!
What is the post-sales experience like?
We like to stay in touch with our buyers. We also attend many meet-ups and events throughout the year and love to see our vehicles out in the wild! If you need help or want to get more involved in the Rover owners community, we are always happy to field your questions, offer advice or invite you along for some LEKKER fun. East used to be the General Manager for a Land Rover dealership, so he is very knowledgeable on all aspects of ownership.
What is your return policy?
We do not offer buy-backs or returns at this time, but we can facilitate the process with reputable third parties. We will also consider alumni listings on our website.