Custom and Hybrid Vehicles
Custom Vehicles
Custom vehicles are classed as being of one model type, but with non-standard changes to appearance and mechanicals.(does this not sound like most Land Rovers?) For example :
Customised Series III vehicle.
The Australian Army's 'Armygeddon'
This 6x6 Perentie based machine was used at shows etc. as a recruiting tool. Starr Performance were commissioned to build the vehicle. It was completed in November 2005, and included a 7 litre engine and a twin-screw supercharger, this combo capable of producing between 900 and 1000 horsepower.
'Armygeddon'.
Doug Knight's Bobtailed Rangie
Doug has owned this early Range Rover for around 8 years now. When he bought it, the vehicle had already been bob-tailed, but it was in need of much restoration. Currently on it's 3rd engine, the Rangie has an LPG kit fitted, fuel injection, external roll cage, snorkle, steering guards and sumo steering bars. A stainless steel fuel tank was fitted inside the cage and numerous other tweaks.
Doug Knight's Bobtailed Range Rover.
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles are made from more than one model of the same marque, for example, Series III Body and Defender underpinnings, like on Dave's Machine.
The Vantagefield Coyote
The Vantagefield Coyote is an unusual vehicle resulting from a cross between a Land Rover 110 and a Range Rover Classic. Just two of these hybrids were built by Vantagefield International Ltd.
The general look of the Coyote is very close to the Land Rover 110. However, nearly every panel has been changed in some way to incorporate the Range Rover Details.
The concept of this hybrid came about in 1989. David Linder and Graham Chalkley, the founders of Vantagefield, decided to build a luxury version of the 110 Station Wagon. Vantagefield were already well known for their specialist stretched, convertible and 6x6 models of various vehicles, including Range Rover.
The project started with the purchase of two Land Rover 110 V8 Station Wagons. The body was totally removed, leaving the chassis, engine and drivetrain exposed and ready for it's new body. The company then started the work of adapting and refinishing the various panels and adaptation of parts. Many months were necessary before arriving at the final result, the Coyote.
The new body was re-installed, having integrated various elements of the Range Rover. The best example of this interbreeding is the view of the front of the vehicle, where the skilful melding of 110 and Range Rover come together. The wings of the 110 were kept and re-cut. The aluminium bonnet was made specially for the vehicle. The radiator grille, headlights, bumper and spoiler came from Range Rover stock, and were adapted to suit. The wheel arch extensions were adapted to allow them to fit nicely on the new bodywork. The back bumper (which now has a footboard) and rear (Range Rover) light cluster panels were made just for these vehicles. To allow better visibility when reversing, the wheel carrier was lowered further down the back door. Attention to detail was the key, and even the door handles were replaced with Range Rover items.
The interior of the vehicle underwent a luxury makeover. Each of the four seats were clad in high quality fabric, and fitted with armrests. The rear side-facing bench seating was upgraded too. The dashboard was covered in black leather, and a new leather covered Range Rover steering wheel was fitted. The cabin was now also equipped with a sumptuous fitted carpet, in-car entertainment, sunroof, quality headlining and remote central locking - a new feature on any Land Rover at this time. No locks were installed on the front doors - only the back door has a lock. In the event of a problem, it is enough to enter the unlock code by using the key in the lock of the back door.
There are only two Land Rover Coyotes in the world:
A left hand drive vehicle with air conditioning, red seats and completely black body, and a right hand drive model with a black and silver body (as seen below).
This was used as a promotion tool by the company.
The Vantagefield Coyote.
Owner Chris Payne emailed in to let us know that the vehicle was still around, if a little scuffed due to an accident. It will be repaired.
Chris Payne's Vantagefield Coyote.
Your Machines
If you own a custom or hybrid Land Rover, we'd like to hear from you.
We're always looking for more information to add to the site - on any Land Rover topic.
In the first instance, contact us at admin@lr-mad.co.uk.
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