A classic from 1954, transformed into a symbol of innovation and regeneration. This is how the Muriqui Land was born, the Land Rover Series I fully electrified by Ibiti, which will make its public debut at the 24th Juiz de Fora Antique Automobile Meeting (August 28-31, UFJF Campus).
The name is a play on words with Landwhich in English means 'earth'. So the car was christened Land of the Muriquis, in honor of the largest primate in the Americas and a symbol of resistance and regeneration in Ibiti.
"We seek innovation and disruption, but always with respect for our origins. Muriqui Land is an example of how we want to relate to nature in a sustainable and regenerative way," says Hugo Cambraia, CEO of Ibiti Projeto.
Value in what remains
The model is a reflection on how even a 70-year-old classic can be reborn with clean energy and, with a new look, be ready to last another hundred years. A forerunner of the modern Defender, the 1954 Land Rover Series I is a milestone in the British manufacturer's history.
Inspired by the American Jeep and produced in aluminum due to the post-war shortage of steel, the vehicle stood out for its robustness and versatility. In 1954, the seven- and ten-seat station wagon versions arrived, consolidating its reputation for strength and reinforcing its status as a world icon.
At Ibiti, this durability is celebrated as a fundamental principle. "By recycling this vehicle, we strengthen the idea that the old can be given a new lease of life, without discarding what is valuable," explains Hugo.
That's the spirit: valuing the durable goods of the past and resisting the logic of programmed obsolescence and the rampant consumerism that turns everything into disposable items. The classic Land Rover shares space with other relics that tell stories in Ibiti: an 1874 Steinway piano in rosewood, an attraction at the Gaia Café; and an airplane from the 1940s.
Renato Machado, one of Ibiti's creators, points out that this philosophy is linked to a Japanese inspiration: the term Mottainai expresses deep respect for what is taken from the Earth and condemns waste. "In Japan, for example, some people restore a broken plate with gold, to show that, when recovered, it can be worth more than a whole one. The piano, the airplane, the Land Rover... these are icons that prove that humanity once knew how to produce things that lasted. Our role is to honor that tradition and show that we can do better."
The challenge
"It was a great challenge to electrify such an old Land Rover without losing its identity," says Hugo. The project was carefully coordinated by his grandfather, Maercio Alcântara, 81, who has over six decades of experience in heavy machinery and mechanics. He accompanied every detail of the restoration at the invitation of Renato Machado, who bought the vehicle and entrusted his long-time partner with the mission of bringing this relic back to life.
"I took everything apart. I took out the engine, gearbox, transfer case... and reassembled it, now with the electric 'heart'. I kept the originality where I could, but brought modernity where it was needed," says Maercio, proud of the final result after around 120 days of work alongside the team from the Hidraumática workshop in Juiz de Fora (MG).
Before
After
A classic that breathes the future
The Muriqui Land preserves the essence of a 1950s Land Rover - robust, versatile, charismatic - but with a regenerative soul. The original combustion engine has been replaced by an imported, silent, zero-emission electric powertrain.
- 7.5 hp electric motorcoupled to the rear differential
- 48V lithium batterywith its own charger plugged directly into the socket.
- Estimated autonomy up to 18 hours of operation
- Maximum speed: 60 km/h
- Capacity for 9 passengers (3 at the front and 6 at the back).
"We eliminated the central tunnel in the body, which used to house the gearbox, and made the floor flat. This made room for another seat in the front. Today the car seats a total of nine people"Maercio explains.
History in every detail
Nothing escaped Maercio's careful craftsmanship, as he attended Land Rover events in search of references and even redesigned a special Land Rover logo for the steering wheel, a detail that reveals the level of customization.
- Original chassis recovered after blasting and shaping the parts affected by rust
- Suspension kept originaloverhauled with new springs and shock absorbers
- Ibiti green paint, created from the vehicle's historic hue, adapted to harmonize with the project's visual identity
- Perforated brown leather interiorthe original black coating was replaced by a more comfortable and ventilated material.
- Modern electrical panelwith an ignition key, headlights, horn, wipers and arrows powered by a second 12V battery.
- New mud tiresdirt road-ready, but with rear-wheel drive only (4×2)
Technical sheet
Muriqui Land (Land Rover Series I, 1954)
- Origin: England
- Motorizationelectric, 7.5 hp
- Battery: 48V lithium, with its own charger (standard socket)
- Autonomy~18h of continuous use
- Traction: 4×2
- Maximum speed: 60 km/h
- Capacity: 9 passengers (3 front + 6 rear)
- Battery weight: ~60 kg
- Suspension: original overhauled (new springs + shock absorbers)
- Wheeling: mud tires for light off-roading
- Painting: personalized green (inspired by Ibiti)
- Inside: perforated, ventilated brown leather
- Restoration time: 120 days (4 months)
- Location: Hidraumática, Juiz de Fora (MG)
- Technical coordination: Maercio Alcântara
