BY ROWAN BENN
The final Land Rover Defenders rolled off the production line in Solihull earlier this year having manufactured more than 2 million cars since 1948. This icon started life as a military vehicle. Renowned for its versatility and strength, it is believed that an incredible 70% of all Land Rovers ever built are still in existence. So what happens to them? Some are running around the grand estates of England, mud coated and full of dogs. But this stalwart of the English countryside has a split personality. Wealthy fans have morphed the trusty Defender into an uber cool accessory with a more edgy urban feel.
This trend is hotting up in Africa, Kenyans wanting to drive something different to the Toyota Landcruiser, are customising Defenders and other 4x4s to create bespoke models that have their own unique flair. Inspiration comes from companies such as Kahn Design and a number of their sub-brands including The Chelsea Truck Company and Kahn Automobiles.
One of their coach-built vehicles, which was exhibited at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show is the Flying Huntsman 6X6 Pick Up. Group C.E.O, Afzal Kahn and his team spent thousands of hours of research and development involving a team of expert automotive designers, engineers and craftsmen, to create a fitting tribute to one of the world’s best loved vehicles. Around 880mm longer than a normal Defender and 150mm wider, the Flying Huntsman 110 6X6 is adorned with a full range of mechanical and styling upgrades that give the vehicle a striking appearance and improved performance.
Moving away from the additional length and mechanical upgrades, the styling package consists of a Volcanic Rock colour change, front wings with integrated vents and wide rear wings in light weight composite, X-Lander front grille and headlamp surrounds, replacement front bumper with tron ring lights, fog lights, Kahn wheels, Shadow Chrome headlights and a bespoke interior. Vehicles are available to pre-order for just £149, 975, more than half the price of a Mercedes G-Wagon.
MHH International, the prestige car importers are seeing the trend for personal conversions grow. “Our clients want the car they love enhanced with modern technologies and urban styling,” says Alistair Benn, managing director.
MHH International works with their clients to create their own luxurious conversion, selecting their options from array automotive suppliers such a Khan. “We are able to source from all suppliers to create one off custom cars which cater to a range of budgets,” Alistair added while sharing how a recent customisation of a Defender was created.
The Original Defender Spec
The first choice to make is between using a Defender 90 (shortwheel base) or a 110 (longwheel base). Both come as a County or XS trim levels. This conversion started with the Defender XS, which is already the top of the pile when it comes to specification. Features include half leather, climate control, heated seats, side steps, upgraded stereo, boost alloy wheels, heated front screen, electric windows, power steering and remote central locking. This particular example also had a roof rack.
The Power Upgrade
Starting with the most fun bit, the original engine output of 122bhp was increased to over 165bhp through a combination of a Quantum ECU re-map and the removal of the DPF. In layman’s terms this involved a software upgrade to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the engine’s brain and the removal of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
The Crowning Jewels
All the standard Defender lights were being replaced by a Kahn supplied Diamond LED light set. When not illuminated, these give a pure white look about them, giving the car a crisp clean look rather than the off white of traditional coloured lenses. This car also has a combination of two 8 inch Terrafirma floodlights mounted on a genuine Land Rover ‘A’ frame bull bar. In addition a further four 5.5 inch Terrafirma roof rack mounted floodlights have been added for optimum night time visibility.
Powder Coated Alloys
The black powder coating on alloys is really hot trend at the moment. No shortcuts are taken to change the colour of alloys because a cheap flaky paint is not a good look on anyone’s car. The alloys are sent to Lepsons who specialise in wheel refurbishment and customisation. They remove the tyres from the wheels, which are then chemically stripped of all existing paint. They then powder coat and oven cure the new look. The final surface is acrylic lacquered to your choice of finish; mat, satin or gloss. The tyres are then re-fitted, re-valved and re-balanced before the wheels are returned and finally fitted to the car.
A Snorkel Could Save Your Engine
Installing a snorkel onto your four-wheel drive is one of the must haves to improve its capabilities, but without the big expense. In Kenya alone, MHH International have supplied five engines over the past twelve months to the owners of vehicles who have written off their engines by driving them through deep flood water. The snorkel lifts the air intake, normally to the car’s roof height, reducing the risk of water entering the air intake and causing hydraulic lock.
Snorkel experts claim that by lifting the air intake higher, the performance is increased and engine wear decreased thanks to a combination of cleaner and cooler air being drawn in and the dustier air at ground level being avoided. The engine performance is also marginally improved with a forward facing snorkel. The snorkel is forced through the air, creating a ram effect, which forces more air into the engine.
Steering Guard
The steering guard gives the vehicle a more chunky, sturdy look. Like you go off road for breakfast. It has a highly practical function out here as it’s designed to protect the car from rocks, tree, root and stump damage. You don’t have to leave the city for this to have use.
Parrot Bluetooth Phone Kit with Music Interface
To get the most out of the upgraded stereo, the Parrot MKI 9020 was installed, which is a full system dedicated to conversation and music in the car with a colour 2.4 inch mini screen. It has a double micro phone for crystal clear calls and noise reduction and echo cancellation. You can run your music and the phone through the Bluetooth or through one of the connection jacks. This is mounted neatly on the dashboard, behind the steering wheel for easy visibility.
Towbar & Window Tinting
The windows have been given the 3M treatment. “Most clients see window tinting as a must,” says Alistair. “It offers privacy which aids security as well as reducing glare and heat through the Summer.” And finally, a tow bar was installed to complete the look and add an element of practicality for this transformation.
“This customisation has been a transformation from a top spec Defender to one of a kind statement” reports Alistair. “It’s really satisfying work, because you go on a journey with each customer, understanding in depth exactly what there perfect car should include and have the fun of making it happen for them. What better way to keep a legend alive!”
These uber lux conversions are elevating classic cars like the Defender to legendary status. If you didn’t do this just for the love of the Defender then there’s a silver lining without a cloud. These cars are so sought after they are hardly depreciating. So an expert customisation may mean yours could never depreciate.
Writer is marketing director MHH International
