In the world of retro-modding older Land Rover rigs into modern, high-performance vehicles, Arkonik of Somerset, England stands out. They create cost is no object, no limit vehicles for the Hamptons jet set.
As much as I appreciate traditional 1950s Series II and 1960s Series 88, compared to modern vehicles, they are more tractor than modern SUV.
But the tin that lays beneath makes a great platform for renovation: There are Defender 130s, 110s, and 90s that have all been given the retro-mod treatment. They are the closest thing you can get to a modern version of the Defender short of the new Range Rover Defender itself.
The one below is powered by a Corvette 6.2-liter LS3 V8, driving all four wheels through an automatic transmission. It rides on beefy 18″ Kahn 1948 wheels, TAROX brakes, Bilstein and Eibach suspension components. Additional equipment includes a Front Runner roof rack with ladder, Warn winch, Fire & Ice side steps, LED lighting, sunroof, and heated front bucket seats.
The last time I showed an Arkonik-powered Defender was in 2020 and I was astounded at the $100k+ pricetag. Last week, this one went for $222,110.
Source: Bring A Trailer
