Kingsley Re-Engineered unveils definitive Defender series at Salon Privé Blenheim Palace Concours [Photo Gallery]

Kingsley Re-Engineered has unveiled its definitive Defender model line at the prestigious Salon Privé Blenheim Palace Concours event today. Situated just five miles from where it was meticulously engineered, handcrafted, and assembled, this all-new Kingsley Defender is designed for the modern driver. Created in the UK and made for custodians worldwide, Kingsley’s Defender sets a new standard for this Great British icon.

Fastidiously redefined for adventurers and international luxury seekers, Kingsley’s Defender series is available in both short-wheelbase (D90) and longer-wheelbase (D110) configurations and is crafted with a passion for precision, unleashing the customer’s personality and celebrating the joy of Defender ownership. Emphasising performance and driving experience, while retaining the characteristics so favoured by city dwellers, country estate lovers and beachgoers, the Kingsley Defender merges yesterday’s masterpiece with today’s and tomorrow’s know-how to create the definitive variant.

Leveraging its two-decade-long legacy with these iconic British 4x4s, the definitive Defender line-up sees Kingsley enter a new era of bespoke, cutting-edge customer builds, transforming automotive heritage for the next generation. Utilising an original Land Rover Defender as the basis of this reimagination, Kingsley leaves no stone unturned, with its skilled craftspeople handcrafting each Kingsley Defender from its UK-based facility in the heart of the nation’s automotive valley. Available in D90 and D110 configurations, alongside a multitude of customisable options for customers to make the vehicle their dream Defender, the Kingsley Defender is built to deliver Range Rover levels of sophistication and comfort to this Great British icon.

The short-wheelbase Defender 90 model epitomises agility and versatility, with its compact footprint and nimble handling making it ideal for both urban environments and challenging off-road terrain. The D90’s shorter wheelbase – while still able to accommodate between two and six seats – and lower weight provide a more focused and engaging driving experience, while its iconic styling secures its place in both glamorous urban settings and rugged landscapes. The D110 model, with its extended wheelbase and capacity for between two and nine seats, offers enhanced space and versatility, making it the perfect choice for those who require additional capacity without sacrificing the Defender’s legendary off-road capabilities. The D110’s longer wheelbase ensures a smoother ride and greater interior space, ideal for both adventurers and families alike.

Established in 2001 in Oxfordshire, UK, adjacent to the heritage site of the classic Defender, Kingsley has previously worked on Defenders as part of individual and special projects for customers. With the introduction of this definitive Defender series, Kingsley is now offering its first series of overhauled Defenders as a cohesive collection. This new line embodies the essence of Kingsley’s craftsmanship, combined with the benefits of extensive research and development to create a unified product offering for customers worldwide.

John Sawbridge, Managing Director of Kingsley Re-Engineered said: “Reimagining the Defender is not just about preserving its legacy, but about enhancing it for the modern driver. We take great pride in our meticulous approach to restoration and customisation, ensuring that each vehicle not only honours the past but also embraces the future with innovations and comfort – all while staying true and representative of Kingsley for a new age. Our goal is to deliver a Defender that resonates with the same spirit of adventure and robustness, but with the sophistication and driving dynamics that today’s discerning customers expect.”

An icon for a new era
The new Defender line is not just a restoration; it is a re-imagining of the iconic Land Rover model. Each vehicle is crafted with an estimated 1,500 hours of meticulous attention to detail, all done from Kingsley’s UK headquarters. This comprehensive process includes significant upgrades to performance, comfort, and durability, making the Defender a true modern classic. While as standard the Kingsley team uses an overhauled, original powertrain, the D90 shown at Salon Privé today features the all-new Kingsley high torque 4.2-litre V8 engine. In this configuration, the top speed exceeds 100 mph and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 9.5 seconds. Overall, this powertrain delivers 220 bhp and 360 Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm. Kingsley will also offer an optional four to eight-speed automatic gearbox conversion, alongside the other optional Chevrolet LS3/LT1 V8 engines.

Designed to be both a sanctuary and a command centre, the interior of a Kingsley Defender is crafted with care to offer unparalleled comfort, advanced technology, and bespoke luxury, all while staying true to the iconic Defender spirit. Whether opting for a complete refurbishment of the original trim or a full reimagining with high-quality Nappa leather and Alcantara accents, Kingsley ensures that the interior of the Defender reflects both the rugged heritage of the vehicle and the refined tastes of its owner.

The D90 demonstrator, available for test drives in the UK and showcased at Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace this year [2024], features exclusive sandstone leather with Spinneybeck leather weave seat centres, offering both comfort and style – though owners have the freedom to choose any material and colour combination they prefer. The Kingsley upgraded instrument cluster and smaller diameter steering wheel enhance the driving experience, while modern conveniences, such as wireless Apple CarPlay, are seamlessly integrated.

Each Kingsley Defender will feature bespoke exterior colour combinations, with a core palette of Heritage hues available. Unlike many of its peers, Kingsley completes all paintwork on-site, meaning that production, paint and build are never more than a few hundred yards away from each other. For those seeking a more personalised touch, bespoke colours and finishes are available on request, including options for custom PPF and ceramic coating, ensuring a truly unique and durable finish.

Suspension and braking systems have also been significantly upgraded. The Defender comes equipped with electronically controlled active damping suspension at standard ride height and Stage 1 upgraded brakes with larger front callipers, ensuring optimal handling and stopping power. With all-terrain, TA Goodrich tyres on 18-inch lightweight wheels in anthracite and an upgraded engine cooling system, featuring a full alloy radiator and electric cooling fans, the Defender ensures reliable performance – both inside and out – under all conditions.

John Sawbridge, Managing Director of Kingsley Re-Engineered continued, saying: “Every Kingsley build goes through a meticulous restoration process – we leave no stone unturned. This includes everything from removing corrosion from the donor chassis to ensure long-term durability and protection for future custodians, to full internal wax protection of the chassis and panels, alongside our proprietary future-proofing techniques. We don’t just build cars for today – we build them for tomorrow and generations to come.”

Bespoke customer optimisation
Customisation options are extensive, allowing customers to tailor their Defender to their specific preferences in both D90 and D110 configurations. Roof choices include hard top, panoramic glass, open top with bikini cover, and full canvas covering. Other enhancements include heated seats, tyre pressure monitoring systems, and various audio solutions, ensuring each build is uniquely tailored. Additional options such as big brake kits, and other petrol powered V8 engine choices provide further personalisation.

Since its inception, Kingsley has restored, rebuilt, and maintained over 500 classic Range Rovers and iconic Land Rovers, establishing itself as a leader and specialist in the field. Now, under new ownership and management, Kingsley is poised to usher in a new era of classic automotive excellence. With significant investment in product lines, customer experience, and bespoke specifications, the company is set to elevate these iconic vehicles further. This comprehensive investment programme is already underway, with the new line of Defenders powering this new chapter in Kingsley’s second decade of operations

Building on this momentum, Kingsley’s new group ownership are dedicated to merging the fundamental attributes of bespoke builds with a world-class standard, ensuring unmatched, customisation and functionality. The newly appointed custodians, deeply passionate about classic Range Rovers and the iconic Land Rover marque, are committed to not only elevating Kingsley’s legacy and craftsmanship but also to extending its brand and focusing on continued innovation. This forward-thinking approach ensures limitless possibilities for bespoke personalisation, offering a sense of freedom for experienced clients with a global outlook.

Debuting the new Defender series at this year’s prestigious Salon Privé Blenheim Palace Concours 2024, the D90 model will be on display from today to 31 August 2024. This exclusive event, renowned for showcasing the finest in automotive luxury, provides the perfect platform to unveil Kingsley’s reimagined Defenders to a discerning audience. Guests will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the craftsmanship, engineering and customisation that define Kingsley’s approach to restoring and re-engineering this British icon.

The new Kingsley Defender series, available in both D90 and D110 configurations, is now available to order for worldwide delivery. Prices start from £140,000 plus VAT, with all builds continuing to be hand-crafted from Kingsley’s Oxfordshire-based HQ. To build your own, explore the bespoke options of a Kingsley Defender using the online configurator here. For any enquiries, or to book a test drive, please contact the sales team at +44 (0) 1865 884 488 or email [email protected].