Until Land Rover decides to finally reveal the
all-new Defender, the only chance we’ve got to scratch our British rugged
off-roader itch is to check out some aftermarket projects. Chances are you can always find
something new in Chelsea Truck Company’s garage but be aware that most of their
projects defeat the original purpose of the Defender. Nevertheless, the
off-roader has long made the transition from a rugged workhorse to a fashion
statement, as luxed-up versions are in demand.
Take this one for example – a Land Rover Defender
2.2 TDCI 110 Utility Wagon designed by Afzal Kahn that’s currently up for sale
on the aftermarket company’s website. Ignore the “utility” part in the
vehicle’s name because it’s chock-full of luxurious features. On the outside, it’s got the
Chelsea Wide Track package which translates into broader front and rear fenders
and 20-inch Mondial alloy wheels — painted Volcanic Black on this particular
vehicle.
The bodywork features a custom Volcanic Mist Satin
paint that contrasts with the black fenders, wheels, and front grille. The
pimped-out Defender also sports a black bumper with integrated lighting and
skid plate, as well as a massive roof rack. Rounding off the styling tweaks is
a Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover.
While the exterior features plenty of clues this is
no ordinary Defender, nothing can prepare you for the cabin’s opulence. Behind
the dark-tinted privacy glass, there are some exquisite GTB sports seats in quilted
and perforated black leather.
They set the tone for the entire cabin, as the
center glovebox, passenger-side dashboard, grab handles, door panel inserts,
instrument binnacle, rear door panel, roof headlining, and sun visors are all
upholstered to match. Other updates worth mentioning are the Kahn billet
steering wheel, Churchill time clock and speedo/rev counter, and vented
machined aluminum pedals.
While nothing was done to the engine (it’s still the
stock 122-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel), the Defender’s hardware was
upgraded with a suspension lift, uprated gas shocks, and a twin crosshair
exhaust system.
At this point, you should know that this particular
2016 model with 16,998 km on the odometer is available for
£ 59,999.
