Custom Shop Builds Own Land Rover Defender That's Better Than the Real Thing

Himalaya, a US- and UK- based custom vehicle shop that focuses exclusively on rebuilding Land Rovers, recently unveiled its latest offering: a doppelganger for the Defender built especially for the 2015 James Bond film  "Spectre" and it's faster, stronger, and more beastly than anything that ever rolled out from the Land Rover production line.

Though it may look like a normal Defender from the outside, almost all of the components on the Himalaya Spectre did not come from the Land Rover factory. In fact, each body panel was crafted in the Himalaya factory using original Land Rover tooling. The frames, chassis, and engine aren't stock units either.

The frame, built by British company Richards Chassis, arrives fully-welded and galvanized for corrosion resistance. According to Himalaya, it's stronger and lighter than what you'll find in today's Land Rovers.

Under the hood is a 6.3-liter LS3 Corvette engine that pushes out 525 hp and 670 Nm. The vehicle itself has got a four-inch lift reinforced with Fox Performance Shocks and Extreme Currie Hi-Flex Suspension supported by 18-inch gloss black Sawtooth Alloy Wheels and 37-inc Toyo Open Country tires.

Inside, driver and passengers get to enjoy the comfort of custom Ruskin Leather Recaro seats and matching Puma dash. A Momo leather steering wheel and custom audio with Alpine HALO touchscreen further adds to the car's luxury feel.

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According to Himalaya's official website: "The Defender 110 has a humble origin, a truck designed to serve as a go-anywhere vehicle to meet the demands of farmers and explorers alike. While the Defender's classic design and ability has withstood the test of time, today's drivers expect more. Himalaya's 'Spectre' 110 Crew Cab is the truck for those who want to be seen, and heard while driving."”

Who would've thought that the already impressive Land Rover Defender could be made a whole lot better? Well, the guys at Himalaya sure did. Unfortunately, all these improvements add up to a whopping USD200,000 (around PHP10.487 million) price tag, which is basically double the amount of an original Land Rover.