setting the bar high on a refurb

[Andy130]

Given the iconic defender status, its to me, the ideal platform for some pretty impressive custom rebuilds. What do you guys think?

Do you think this sort of thing the future for defender rebuilds and is there a market for this in Australia?


http://www.*******.com/blog/land-rover-defender-by-nakatanenga-nature-and-carlex-design/


EDIT : dont know why the URL is being hidden? cant we post links?

If you want to see what Im talking about, google "Land Rover Defender by Nakatanenga Nature And Carlex Design"

[DiscoMick]

Like these?


Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[rangieman]

Nakatanenga Nature And Carlex Design The Perfect Defender (http://www.carscoops.com/2016/04/nakatanenga-nature-and-carlex-design.html)

[Andy130]

Like these?


Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

no, more like this:

[Plutei]

From what I see online its popular in the UK with twisted and what not (though it's probably just because of the sheer amount of defers there/internet bias that it seems big), and definitely bigger in the States where the price of stock defenders puts them in the up-market bracket already, making them less of a work/day to day vehicle and more of a "toy". I don't think it's absurdly common yet, but definitely increasing. A big factor for the US is that they never got the later model Defers, so aftermarket upgrades to make the old ones more modern are a big driver of the trend.

However, I've never seen any defenders in Aus turned into Chelsea tractors, which I find surprising. There's plenty of Jeep wranglers around that have the inner city kerb stomper vibe, but not one defender. I've never seen one with silly wheels, or a body kit, or even an old model with SVX headlight surrounds or similar. I think it will happen, but it's unlikely that the old models will be targeted as the Pumas are already more modern and common enough that there will be little point in frilling up an old one.

All that being said, while I wouldn't put in a leather interior or chuck on low profile tyres there's certainly nothing wrong with someone enjoying their car the way they want to. Even I plan on adding a few late model design features to mine.

[Ranga]

no, more like this:

Seems more like something one would do to a Range Rover, if any LR at all.

It seems to m that Defender owns are usually looking to only improve capability, endurance, functionality, or some other utilitarian pursuit.

[Plutei]

Seems more like something one would do to a Range Rover, if any LR at all.

It seems to m that Defender owns are usually looking to only improve capability, endurance, functionality, or some other utilitarian pursuit.

Between Khan design, Twisted, Icon, East Coast Defender, and Chelsea Truck Company (and maybe even Bowler Motorsport) I think it's safe to say that not all Defender owners are after utility. However, with the possible exception of America, I do agree that it seems like the majority of Defender owners are after utility.

[Pickles2]

Well, I'd agree that the majority of Defender Owners are usually primarily interested in the utialitarian/practical side of ownership.
It's easy to come to a different conclusion on Forums, where most are enthusiasts, but only a very small percentage of owners are Forum members. Particularly in the UK where there are many Defender "enhancers" like Bowler/Twisted etc mention is regularly made on Def 2, about the number of "Working Defenders", Defenders on farms, seen in the village, etc,...I get the impression that Defenders are a regulat sight all over the U.K., and that whilst some are modified, most are not because they are bought for their "practical" benefits.
Pickles.

[Andy130]

Yep, the whole 'boutique modification' thing for Defenders hasn't hit Australia like it has int he states and the UK - maybe it wont - there is clearly a market for it in those places though.

I do wonder though, that if the 2018 defender body style is the same as the original, then it will probably kill that boutique mod market in the US.

[Ranga]

if the 2018 defender body style is the same as the original

If only, but I fear it won't be. I personally don't care if they change the internals to something decent (V6 diesel perhaps), but the iconic look would be nice to retain.