Elektiar

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Category: Range Rover

Last Updated on Sunday, 29 January 2012 15:00

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Range Rover Elektiar

Founded in May 1979, Elektiar Ltd were based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a London office in New Bond street. Their main sales thrust was to supply Range Rover conversions built by Glenfrome, another well-known Range Rover conversion company, to the middle Eastern market. However, they soon decided that an exclusive model was required.

The six-door 'Elektiar' model was introduced in 1983 with an extended wheelbase of 136in (3.454mm) and addition of a third door on each side. The Elektiar had three seat benches and in the back twin inward-facing occasional seats, allowing this conversion to carry up to twelve people. The occasional seats could be removed and the rear seat bench could be folded flat, making the Elektiar a five-seater with enormous carrying capacity.

The facia was totally rebuilt, with burr walnut, leather and Jaguar instrumentation. Central locking, rear-door mounted spare wheel and heavy duty suspension were standard features. The upholstery could be of Connolly leather or a combination of leather and Dralon inserts. Two air conditioning units were fitted - one for the front and the other for the rear passenger space.

The Elektiar company closed around 1986. The Elektiar car showrooms in Riyadh are still used for car sales.

Chameleon Car Co

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Category: Range Rover

Last Updated on Sunday, 08 January 2012 19:37

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Chameleon Car Co (UK) Ltd were a London based conversion specialist with showrooms in Park Lane. In the early eighties they produced various special conversions for middle eastern customers. Scans of brochures from 1982 and 1983 can be found on the internet, although there's not a lot of detail in those.

Here's the text of the 1983 brochure and some promotional pictures.

Chameleon policy is to tailor the Range Rover to the exact requirements of the client, using only the best craftsmen and the finest materials. No matter what the requirement, Chameleons unique fund of experience makes it possible. Just let us know what is needed, we will happily do the rest to give the owner the best all purpose vehicle in the world. For those who prefer it we can also work on the Mercedes Benz G Wagon.

- 4 or 6 Wheel Drive 
- 120" or 135" Extentions 
- Full Length Sun Roof 
- Video and TV 
- Bar 
- Hydraulic Rising Seats 
- Choice of Fine Velours and Leathers 
- Fully Convertible or Landaulet 
- Special Alloy Wheels 
- Nudge Bars Front and Rear 
- Full Hunting and Desert Equipment
- 'High Top' Body Modification 
- Superb Chameleon Paintwork 
- Occasional Folding Seats 
- Special Walnut Dashboard 
- Sports Steering Wheel 

If you can provide more info on these vehicles, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Panther Westwinds

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Category: Range Rover

Last Updated on Sunday, 29 January 2012 11:34

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Panther Westwinds Ltd were a UK-based company - founded by Robert Jankel, of Jankel Group fame - who produced many Range Rover conversions. Jankel sold Panther Westwinds in 1979 to a Korean buyer, who continued production of vehicle conversions until 1987.

Panther 4 door conversion

(Taken from the Panther brochure) In recognition of growing worldwide demand, our Special Product Division have made arrangements to convert the world famous Range Rover to 4 door specification, and the unit has been given proprietary approval by British Leyland.

Whilst the basic 4 door conversion now gives this remarkable and proven 4 x 4 vehicle total versatility, we can also make whatever other detailed modifications to new or used Range Rovers which may be individually required.

Dash or roof-mounted air conditioning, an electric sun-roof, luxury interior trim, special paint finish, stereo installation and hunting specification are examples of the work which can be done be the same highly skilled craftsmen who hand build the illustrated Panther automobiles.

We also undertake special conversions for military and police applications, including the following:

Additional rear facing seat, field radio communications equipment, bonnet-mounted spare wheel, interior grab rails and running boards, writing desk, filing cabinet, secretarial equipment, drinking water system with hand basin and electrically powered water supply with outlet, twin 3 cubic foot capacity refrigerators, sleeping berths, dining equipment, cooking equipment with six gas burners, utensils and unbreakable crockery, storage compartment, wardrobe and elevating roof.

Our products have been universally acclaimed as being the best finish and having the highest quality obtainable at any price.

These automobiles from our production range, which are all air conditioned, are examples of Panther's superb craftsmanship. They are hand coachbuilt in aluminium to whatever specifications our clients may require, with the interiors appointed in only the finest quality leathers, suedes and carpeting.

Panther 6 wheel conversion

The Panther 6 wheel conversions had fully open wheel arches, not seen on other similar 6 wheels conversions, and were available with a widened vehicle body if required. These vehicles were given electric windows, central locking, Air-conditioning, two batteries, Wolfrace wheels, and uprated engine giving a 20% power increase.

One of these 6x6 versions was reserved by king Khaled (Khalid) of Saudi Arabia. For this conversion the suspension was reinforced, underbody protection fitted, and uprated air filtration fitted. The interior was done in blue Connolly leather and Dralon, with Wilton carpeting. The rear passenger space boasted independent air-con settings, colour television and a Betamax video recorder.

Carmichael Highlander

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Category: Range Rover

Last Updated on Saturday, 04 February 2012 19:20

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Carmichael Fire and Bulk Ltd (now AMDAC Carmichael) are reputed to have produced over a thousand vehicle conversions based on the Range Rover Chassis. In this field the manufacturer were most famous for their six wheeled chassis conversions, generically known as the Carmichael 'Commando'.

Carmichael Custom Cars 
In the late 1970s, Carmichael set up a separate division (called Carmichael Custom Cars) to build luxury customised Range Rovers on their own six-wheel Range Rover chassis. The 'Wolf Race' Range Rover, pictured below, was one of this company's creations.

Carmichael Highlander 

One of the special models offered by Carmichael Custom Cars was the 'Highlander' with its raised roof.

 Carmichael was the first company to convert the two-door Range Rover into a 6 wheeled vehicle when they converted Range Rover VIN number 35500002 in 1971. Carmichael made their six wheel version mainly for the commercial market as fire tenders and rescue vehicles on airport duty, the undriven third axle (6x4) conversion providing extra carrying capacity and space for rescue equipment in a relatively light and fast off-road capable package. The civilian Commando version and of course the Highlander model were built to tap into the then lucrative custom Range Rover market. The Highlander model with it's raised roof allowed a third row of seats to be installed with plenty of headroom available, making the vehicle essentially a go-anywhere MPV, years before such things were fashionable. As can be seen from the brochure above, there was a long options list, including a four door conversion.

Carmichael Highlander two-door

Carmichael Highlander two-door

Carmichael Highlander four-door

If you can provide more information on these vehicles, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Emil Frey Ambulance

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Category: Range Rover

Last Updated on Monday, 23 January 2012 19:05

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Swiss coachwork company 'Carosseriewerk Emil Frey' from Safenwil, Switzerland, produced several two and four door ambulances, plus a van version of their design.

The ambulance versions were mainly used for operations in difficult terrain and in adverse weather conditions in the mountains of Switzerland. Especially for winter driving were the other emergency vehicles could not be used.

These Range Rover conversions were produced from around 1984 and through 1993/94 and were mainly used in Switzerland. The ambulance had standard front doors and used a body extension between front and rear door. Rear side doors were also extended in length for easier access to the patient, but used the normal shut line at the rear wheel arches. The body was also lengthened behind the rear wheels. The roof and the rear side doors were also heightened for better space.

Total ambulance length: 528 cm (standard Range Rover: 447 cm), Width: 181 cm

Total height, incl. light beacons: 230 cm (standard Range Rover: 180 cm)

Empty weight: 2400 kg and 300 kg load capacity.

Passenger Capacity: Seating for 4 plus 1 stretcher.