New Kingsley Defender is a £170,000 modernised take on the 4x4 classic
You can stuff a Chevy V8 under the bonnet, too
If you’ve always wanted a classic Land Rover Defender, but you’re worried that they’re a bit too rusty or primitive or – let’s face it – rubbish to be bothering with nowadays, then Oxfordshire-based Kingsley Re-Engineered can accommodate you.
The Kingsley Defender is a modernised, V8-powered version of the original 4×4, unveiled at the Salon Privé Blenheim Palace Concours event just five miles down the road from where it was created.
But those wanting this slice of upgraded Defender heritage need to have deep pockets, because prices for the Kingsley Defender begin at £140,000 plus VAT – which is basically £168,000.
Long and short of it
The Kingsley Defender is available in both short-wheelbase (D90) and long-wheelbase (D110) formats blending all the no-nonsense looks and ability of the original car with the top-end chassis and interior technology that the Land Rover factory version always lacked.
Customisation is the key to the Kingsley Defenders, too, with the D90 model capable of seating between two and six people, while the D110 can take onboard between two and nine occupants.
Kingsley says that each of its Defenders is not simply a restoration, but a “re-imagining of the iconic Land Rover model”. To that end, each vehicle is reputedly crafted with around 1,500 hours of work.
Kingsley can overhaul standard powertrains in the D90 and D110 lines, but the example on display at Salon Privé deploys a 220bhp 4.2-litre V8, capable of moving the Landy from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds.
The Oxon company also says there will be options to have automatic gearboxes, with anything between four and eight speeds, fitted to the Defender, as well as Chevrolet LS3/LT1 V8 engines.
Customisation is key
Inside, customers can opt for a complete refurbishment of the vehicle’s original trim, or a full overhaul with Nappa leather and Alcantara accents, although Kingsley says any combination of materials and colour combinations can be specified.
Perhaps of more interest to those wishing the classic Defender felt a bit more 21st-century is the Kingsley upgraded instrument cluster, which is digital, or the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay to the in-car infotainment.
The outfit also adds a smaller-diameter steering wheel than standard, to make the Defender feel more dynamic to drive.
Externally, Kinglsey can offer a range of Heritage hues for the Defender as standard, although bespoke colours and finishes are also allowed, including options for custom PPF (paint protection film) and ceramic coatings.
A sharper drive
Perhaps it’s the things you can’t see on the Kingsley Defender which matter the most, though. The firm says it has treated the 4×4 to “significantly upgraded” suspension and braking systems, to make the Land Rover far more modern in feel to drive.
This is borne out by the Kingsley examples having electronically controlled active dampers, as well as Stage 1 brakes with larger front callipers.
Further tech hardware includes all-terrain TA Goodrich tyres on 18in lightweight wheels finished in anthracite, while the engine cooling has been bolstered by an alloy radiator and electric fans – meaning the Landy shouldn’t ever overheat, no matter what the outside conditions or landscape it is traversing.
Not only can customers for the Kingsley Defender choose from various paints and the two wheelbase choices, but there are four different roofs: hard-top, panoramic glass, open-top with bikini cover, or full canvas covering.
Other enhancements to the Defender package include heated seats, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and various powerful audio set-ups. Kingsley is particularly keen to emphasise that unique tailoring is possible for each and every one of its Defenders.
A heritage in restorations
Kingsley made its name in restoring, rebuilding and maintaining more than 500 classic Range Rovers and Land Rovers.
Entering its second decade of operation, the company has new ownership, which has invested in the product lines and bespoke specifications, starting with this Defender line.
John Sawbridge, managing director of Kingsley Re-Engineered, said: “Reimagining the Defender is not just about preserving its legacy, but about enhancing it for the modern driver.
“We take great pride in our meticulous approach to restoration and customisation, ensuring that each vehicle not only honours the past but also embraces the future with innovations and comfort – all while staying true and representative of Kingsley for a new age.
“Our goal is to deliver a Defender that resonates with the same spirit of adventure and robustness, but with the sophistication and driving dynamics that today’s discerning customers expect.”
Related articles
- If you found news on the new Kingsley Land Rover interesting, you might like to read up on the new Defender Octa’s features
- Also check out our Range Rover Sport SV 2024 review
- And don’t miss our Land Rover Defender 130 review. It’s the size that counts with this lengthened Landy, says James Fossdyke
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