To honor the formidable off-roader's final production bow and to mark its own 40th anniversary, British Land Rover tuning and customization company Overfinch is building a very special version of the Defender.
Based on the smallest 2.2-liter diesel engined, two-door Defender 90 model, the Overfinch Defender 40th Anniversary Edition will be limited to just five individually numbered examples. And each will cost £70,000 ($105,000).
That may sound like a lot of money, particularly to the uninitiated, but unlike a number of tuning and modification companies in Europe, the US and beyond, Overfinch has always known when to turn the stylistic volume up to 11 and, more importantly, when to hit the mute button. It's this intrinsic feel for the machines it works on -- exclusively those built by Land Rover -- that has ensured it's here to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Therefore, the anniversary edition Defender will make a statement, but in very hushed tones. For example, it features subtly aggressive 18-inch diamond turned Apollo alloy wheels. The door handles and fuel filler cap are machined from aluminum billet. The step plates and doorsill protectors are body-colored chequer plate and the rear bumper has been reimagined as a rear step. There's even an electrically operated tow bar if needed.
This subtlety and practicality is counterbalanced with Overfinch's own front grille and bonnet combination, both finished in silver to contrast against the car's otherwise oil slick black paint work, complete with chromed Overfinch lettering and integrated daytime LED running lights, plus a set of spot lights for heading off the beaten track.
Inside there's a full Bridge of Wier leather interior that covers everything from the headliner to the dashboard to the embroidered Recaro racing seats.
The carpets are of the deep pile variety, there's a special matting in the load bay and the switchgear and pedals are also finished in aluminum.
As for high-tech toys, despite the Defender's utilitarian take on comfort, Overfinch has managed to install an Alpine satnav and in-car entertainment system complete with reversing camera and has hidden the subwoofer in a storage box.
All of which will make the car a very fitting way to say "goodbye" to the original Defender when it ceases production after a remarkable 67 years.
