New powertrains, new suspension, new interior for old Landies
Company can give you up to 650 hp
A company called Himalaya takes Land Rover Defenders, the old ones, and rebuilds them at a South Carolina facility into hand-made one-off commissioned models. They give thee off-roaders more than just new looks, they also give them new powertrains including diesel and gas engines, along with the drivelines to let them shine. Think of the company as the Singer of Defenders, and you’ve got the idea.
This one, shown off in Robb Report, was commissioned by personal injury lawyer James Bergener. Himalaya president Greg Shondel calls it the first time the company has “really gone to the next level”.
Himalaya Defender | Photo: Himalaya
How custom is this one? How about starting with a transfer case designed and built in-house, able to handle the power of the upgraded vehicles that can sport anything from a 2.8L Cummins diesel all the way to a supercharged 6.2L GM LT4 V8 with 650 hp (the piece doesn’t say which engine lurks here, but we’re thinking the big one).
Himalaya Defender | Photo: Himalaya
Himalaya Defender | Photo: Himalaya
Himalaya fits a new coilover suspension that the company says vastly modernises the driving experience (a traditional Land Rover Defender is, well, quite traditional) and it also comes with a custom braking system designed along with the folks at Brembo.
A Himalaya starts from US $125,000, and then the sky is largely the limit. Each one starts with a brand new chassis made just for that build, with custom paint as well as interior tailored to the owner. In the case of this one, Shondel says the client would text engineers ideas and feedback to change the build as it went.
If you’re not happy with the modernisation of the all-new Defender, but the real thing is just a little too spartan and old-fashioned, Himalaya is offering one of the best solutions to give you a bit of both worlds.
