Ares Design Breathes New Life Into Classic Land Rover Defender 110 SW With Spec 1.2 Limited Edition

Italian coachbuilder Ares Design has uncovered a new project, the Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2, based on a classic 110 SW donor vehicle.

Following in the footsteps of the 2018 model, it’s been extensively modified, sporting carbon fiber body parts, custom bonnet, fender flares, new rounded LED lights at both ends and tinted windows.

The off-roader rides on the coachbuilder’s 18-inch five-spoke wheels, shod in 305/70 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires, and it also features underbody protection, side exhaust, 35 mm (1.4 in) lift kit and new adjustable suspension with two settings: soft and sport.

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An upgraded braking system, with larger performance discs and six-piston calipers, provides the stopping power, while setting it in motion is the same 4.7-liter V8 engine used in the 2018 project, rated at 280 HP and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque, and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

“We created our first Defender Ultra V8 in 2018 so we have a great knowledge of the vehicle and that has led us to create a second edition with an even more distinctive style and refined finish”, said founder and CEO Dany Bahar. “Powered by the same V8 engine, the Ares for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 retains the characteristics of the new Defender design but beautifully reimagined to express modernity and luxury.”

Bathed in leather and carbon fiber trim, the cockpit offers seating for up to nine, with the inward-facing jump seats in the load area. This Defender also features a custom steering wheel, modern levers for the lights and wipers, push-button start, electric windows, infotainment system with Bluetooth and smartphone integration, electric parking brake and new air conditioning unit.

While no pricing has been announced yet, expect to pay at least the same as Ares Design’s 2018 Land Rover Defender project that started from €215,000 (around US$260,000 at today’s rates) with buyers having to produce their own donor vehicle.