As the aftermarket modifications market for the classic Defender heats up (even years after it went out of production), Land Rover’s in-house off-road tuner, Bowler, is getting in on the action, offering a big and burly “Defender Extreme” modifications suite.
The new Bowler Extreme Defender debuted at Caffeine and Machine, the automotive-focused cafe/pub/bed and breakfast near Stratford-upon-Avon, England. It’s become a major hub of Britain’s motoring scene, growing to the point where you need to book tickets to get your vehicle in the parking area on weekends. While some fancy seaside hotels might charge you extra for a water view room, Caffeine and Machine considers the parking lot to be the prime view.
The Extreme is very much in the vein of the Defender 110s used in the opening scene of the 2015 James Bond film, SPECTRE, which became the template for many Defender builds since. Big chunky 35” BF Goodrich Mud Terrains wrap bead-lock alloy wheels, with wide fender flares covering them up. It all holds up a suspension with a 2-inch lift.
The truck is armored all around, with an external roll cage, rock sliders, Bowler’s iconic sill protectors, a steering guard, and a Bowler lightweight road bumper. Inside, there’s a custom interior, where the buyer can pick the color of the leather Recaro seats. The exterior is also painted to specification, with upgraded billet aluminum bits on top of whatever color you choose.
The trucks all come with a Fast Road engine package, which includes a tune of the original diesel motor for more horsepower and torque to power the rumbly big tires. There’s also a big brake package, designed with Alcon.
The Extreme can be built on any Defender, either one Bowler source or one the buyer sends to them for changing over. Pricing depends on the base vehicle, and the package can be applied to a 90, 110, or 130. If you’ve got the money and the interest, get in touch with Bowler, and they’ll be happy to talk.
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