The Land Rover Defender->ke1858 has lived a long and glorious life that began back in 1948. The Defender is set to retire in 2015, following 67 years of production. Seen as an example of highly rugged British engineering, the Defender went on to conquer the world, thanks to its go-anywhere ability.

Land Rover->ke46 plans to replace the Defender with a new model, based on the DC100 Concept. That said, the legacy of the original Defender has rendered it with "classic" status.

A. Kahn Design specializes in the customization of Land Rovers->ke46 and its latest creation is based on a Defender 2.2 TDCi. Kahn likes to call it the Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCi SW 90 Chelsea Wide Track.

Kahn retained the classic shape of the Defender, but the subtle detailing make this Kahn Design Defender rather special.

Click past the jump to read in detail about the Land Rover Defender by Kahn Design

2013 Land Rover Defender 2.2 by Kahn Design

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Land Rover Defender 2.2 by Kahn Design
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 122
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior styling package designed in house at A. Kahn Design transforms the classic Defender into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Almost a fashion statement, in fact. The small additions to the exterior further accentuate the capabilities of this product. The wide wings and extended wheel arches give it a bold stance.

Details like the mesh stainless-steel front grille, Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, Kahn prototype logos, side and -hood vents, and the 16-inch 1948 Defend wheels all add up to create a blend of rugged, yet sophisticated, appeal. The fungus green theme is finished off with a white roof.

Interior

The interior of the Kahn Defender is almost as special as its exterior. And when I say "special", Afzal Kahn has an eye for meticulous detailing which can be experienced inside the cabin on the Defender SW90 Chelsea Wide Track. It may have sports seats, but the quilted leather with tweed inlays exude classic style. The grab handles have Harris Tweed on them and so do parts of the dashboard. Even the instrument binnacle is lined with Harris Tweed. Additionally, the single spoke steering wheel gets a leather wrap.

Being an off-road vehicle, hard wearing front and rear cabin floor mats suit it well. Churchill time clock facia insert in red and vented foot pedals in machined aluminum seems like the perfect place for a wealthy Land Rover enthusiast.

Drivetrain and Suspension

The A.Kahn designed Land Rover Defender derives its power from a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine. The four-cylinder engine puts out 122 horsepower, which is managed by a manual gearbox. All-wheel drive and heavy-duty suspension components come as standard fitment.

Conclusion

As always, Afzal Kahn design offers exclusivity without dissolving the essence of the product. The Land Rover Defender is an iconic vehicle and the little personal touches added to the package make it really, very special.