Range Rover Restomod Packs Supercharged Cadillac V8

Jan. 20, 2018 4:58 PM ET by Martin Bigg / 11 Comments

The Defender isn't the only Land Rover getting the restomod treatment.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Land Rover is reviving the iconic Defender SUV in a limited-run of 150 special edition models fitted with Jaguar's contemporary 5.0 liter V8 engine developing 400 horsepower. And now the Range Rover Classic is also getting the restomod treatment, except this isn't an official project made by Land Rover. It's the work of Jensen International Automotive, which was formed in 2010 to revive the Interceptor sports car.

In truth, this restomod, dubbed the Range Rover Chieftain, shares very little in common with the original Range Rover. Beneath the classic body panels is the integrated body-frame platform from a third-generation Land Rover Discovery and adjustable independent air suspension. Replacing the Range Rover's famously unreliable powertrain is a supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 taken from a last-gen Cadillac CTS-V developing 552-hp. This unit is paired with a GM-sourced six-speed automatic transmission and transfer case. If this sounds disrespectful to Land Rover's British heritage, don't forget that the original Range Rover Classic was powered by a Rover V8 derived from a Buick engine.

Inside, the interior has been updated with luxurious leather upholstery, built-in satellite navigation system, and custom switchgear. No prices have been announced for the Range Rover Chieftain. Alternatively, if you want something more authentic you can have your Range Rover Classic painstakingly restored to its former glory as part of Land Rover's Reborn program, but it will cost at least $170,000.

Jensen International

Range Rover Restomod Packs Supercharged Cadillac V8

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Range Rover Restomod Packs Supercharged Cadillac V8

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