Land Rover, Redux

Dream Machines | WHEELS Land Rover, Redux

From South Carolina’s Himalaya to the UK’s Arkonik, these manufacturers are cranking out topof-the-line restomods.

Words: Basem Wasef Photography: Kelly Edwards and Tim Miller

REIMAGINING A CLASSIC Landy – whether that means more power, more luxury or even an electric vehicle (EV) conversion – has become a cottage industry all its own, with restomod outfits operating around the globe and seemingly more popping up every day. Thinking of one for yourself but don’t know where to start? Here’s a guide to the names you need to know.

1. Coolnvintage

Known for: Aesthetically authentic reinterpretations of Land Rover Series trucks Model name: Build 115 Price: US$120,000 Donor vehicle: 1979 Series 3 Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder Power: 100hp Transmission: Five-speed manual Notable features: Coolnvintage, out of Lisbon, Portugal, honours the minimalist design of early Land Rovers while

1

incorporating subtle, high-quality details such as leather dashboards and Marshall sound systems. Despite the niceties, these stylish trucks are stout enough to handle serious overlanding when called upon thanks to reinforced suspensions, upgraded disc brakes as well as heavyduty gearboxes.

2. Twisted North America

Known for: High-performance V8 and electric-powered Defender rebuilds Model name: NA-V8 110 Price: US$330,000 Donor vehicle: Defender 110 (for registration) Engine: 6.2-litre GM LT1 V8 Power: 525hp Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Notable features: A 22-year-old mainstay in the UK, Twisted has expanded stateside and features a design centre in Austin, Texas, and a production facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Its 90, 110 and 130 models are constructed and tuned using proprietary technology that involves

2 3

hundreds of hours of testing, which is why these hot-rodded trucks drive remarkably well for their bulk. EV aficionados will appreciate Twisted’s electrified models, which produce up to 900hp and run upwards of US$370,000.

3. Everrati Automotive

Known for: Electrifying iconic models including the Ford GT40 and Porsche 911 Model name: Electric Land Rover Series IIA by Everrati Price: From US$200,000 Donor vehicle: Series IIA Engine: Engiro electric motor Power: 150hp Transmission: Direct drive with high/low range Notable features: Everrati’s modern take on the Series IIA starts like any other, beginning with a fully restored and galvanised chassis followed by the addition of power steering and airconditioning. But the restoration house, set in the English town of Bicester, rounds out the build with an electric drivetrain fed by a 60kWh battery that can produce up to 240km of range, while standard CCS (carbon capture and storage) fast charging can boost the battery from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 40 minutes.

4. Himalaya

Known for: Dynamically enhanced takes on classic Defenders Model name: El Diablo Price: US$350,000 Donor vehicle: Defender 130 Engine: Supercharged Chevy LT4 6.2-litre V8 Power: 650hp Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Notable features: Based in Hollywood, South Carolina, Himalaya cut its teeth creating custom Defenders but has branched out into earlier-series trucks upgraded with modern suspensions and beefier drivetrains. Its high-powered offerings are available in three build levels, all of which combine punchier performance with modern amenities. In El Diablo, these include heated seats, a touchscreen display, a back-up camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

5. Osprey Custom Cars

Known for: One-off Defenders, as well as Ford Broncos and Toyota FJ models Model name: Defender 90 Replica Price: US$169,950 Donor vehicle: None (clean-sheet build) Engine: Chevy LS3 6.2-litre V8 Power: 430hp Transmission: Six-speed automatic Notable features: Founded in 2009, Osprey is known for both Defender restorations and replica constructions on new chassis using a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) authorised by Land Rover. One-of-a-kind builds have incorporated everything from antique flooring and artisanal inlays to custom-engraved exteriors; founder

4

5

6

7

Dream Machines | WHEELS Aaron Richardet has even overseen the installation of secret firearm safes with biometric scanners.

6. Arkonik

Known for: Period-correct Defender restorations Model name: Rhapsody D110 Price: US$210,000 Donor vehicle: Defender 110 Engine: 3.5-litre V8 Power: 180hp Transmission: Five-speed manual Notable features: A veteran Defenderrestoration outfit with 16 years of experience, Arkonik claims over 400 examples delivered globally from its headquarters in Mells, roughly a twohour drive from London. Long associated with faithful reproductions using stock Land Rover engines, Arkonik has recently added powerful Chevy small-block LS V8 engines to its repertoire.

7. ECD Automotive Design

Known for: Unique Land Rovers built to client specifications Model name: Project Britton Price: US$289,000 Donor vehicle: Defender 110 Engine: Tesla direct drivetrain Power: 100kWh battery pack plus 450hp motor Transmission: Direct drive Notable features: Located in Kissimmee, Florida, ECD Automotive Design made its name building custom Defenders and Range Rover Classics before adding battery-powered projects in 2021. Its Defender 110 EV combines a Tesla power train with air suspension and Brembo brakes, perfect for city drivers seeking a plush alternative to mainstream SUVs.