Range Rover

Make
Land Rover
Segment
SUV

It's been more than 50 years since the launch of the original Range Rover Classic, so it's not surprising that Range Rover restomods are more popular than ever, combining the original SUV's styling with modern technology and luxuries. Last week in Florida, E.C.D. Automotive Design unveiled the world's first Tesla-powered Range Rover Classic.

Now, Jensen International Automotive, which is best known for building Jensen Interceptor restomods, has unveiled another Range Rover Classic restomod called the Range Rover Chieftain. Unlike the electric version we saw last week, this latest attempt to modernize the original Range Rover is combustion-powered, but that doesn't make it any less special.

Under the hood, the original Range Rover's 3.5-liter V8 has been replaced with a more powerful 6.2-liter LS3 V8 from a Chevrolet Corvette, paired with a new six-speed automatic gearbox modified to work with the Range Rover's original transfer case. As standard, the LS3 V8 produces 430 hp, enabling the luxury SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. if that's not enough power for you, a supercharger package increases the output to 700 hp, which makes it more powerful than a Lamborghini Urus. An even more powerful version will be available later, too, as Jensen is planning to launch an electric version of the Chieftain with four electric motors producing a combined 1,000 horsepower.

On the outside, the restomod stays faithful to the original SUV, but Jensen International Automotive can build you one with flared fenders, a restyled front bumper, and a new grille with vertical slats.

It rides on 17-inch wheels as standard, but these can be upgraded with three-spoke 18-inch wheels featuring a retro design inspired by the original SUV. Like the exterior, the interior changes are subtle. Jensen has retrimmed the interior with a new wood veneer applied to the dashboard, but if you want a more comprehensive update the cabin can also be updated with diamond-quilted leather seats, a new sound system, and piano black trim. Other available modern tech upgrades include cruise control, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera

Mechanically, the modified Range Rover features modern, double-wishbone suspension, upgraded brakes from a Range Rover Sport, a new power steering rack, and anti-roll bars to improve the handling. In the UK, the Range Rover Chieftain starts at £147,500 ($204,482) - and that's before you start adding optional extras such as LED headlights, chrome bumpers, a new exhaust, and privacy glass.