Since 1975, a British company called Overfinch has been making already-special Range Rover and Land Rover motorcars even more distinctive, with bespoke upgrades to both performance and appearance.
It was Overfinch, for example, that first gave buyers of these vehicles access to five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions, plus enhanced power from small-block Chevrolet V-8 engines. In 1981, a high-endurance Overfinch Range Rover won the notoriously difficult Paris-Dakar Rally.
Although its success has led to imitators, Overfinch remains the market leader in the conversion of these tough-but-tender British icons. Pricing isn’t an exact science, because each car is one of a kind, drawing from option lists limited only by the customer’s imagination.
Overfinch cars have long been available in Great Britain—where they’re popular with footballers and celebrities—and to “overfinch” your ride has become a popular verb that implies upgrades and customization. Now, the luxury models are making the Atlantic crossing for American buyers.
The latest Overfinch Range Rover leads off with a deep, carbon-fiber-trimmed front spoiler with dramatically lower air intakes. The body, which gains signature LED running lights, is subtly flared to make it look wider—but never bulky. The rear bumper and air dam echo the theme, and are set off with a sound-enhanced and performance-tuned exhaust featuring special-cast Overfinch tips. The driver can even change the system’s sound signature with a phone app.
The car’s body is appointed with high-grade carbon fiber. The Overfinch design ensures that the Range Rover’s built-in technology—from cruise-control radar and high-end infotainment to 360-degree digital cameras and built-in parking sensors—are perfectly integrated.
Overfinch’s own lightweight wheels—in the latest “Centaur” design—are either cast 22-inch or forged 23-inch rims.
Inside is the new “Lumière” seating, with perforated Scottish Bridge of Weir leather center panels, framed in special hexagonal stitching. Back-seat passengers enjoy heated arm- and footrests. But just say the word and Overfinch will style your own exclusive seating in any material you desire, even shagreen.
This being British luxury, the leather is complemented by a wide choice of wood veneers.
It goes without saying that there are many other options, including carbon-fiber rocker panels, tailgate badging, and a huge palette of colors and trim choices. “We invite special commissions from all our customers,” says Overfinch chairman Kevin Sloane. And, of course, this Range Rover is a serious off-roader, too.
The Land Rover Defender has been discontinued, but Overfinch has prepared its own tribute to the beloved 4x4. The bodywork is enhanced with a special signature hood and grille, and the front bumper is transplanted from the SVX. The distinctiveness continues with unique integrated running lights, satin-black quarter panels, and diamond-plated rocker panels.
The Overfinch Defender sits on 18-inch custom alloy wheels, which complement specially painted rearview mirrors.
The upgrades create a distinctly new Defender, but they’re also practical. The car gains aluminum gas and brake pedals, and a rear step with an electric tow bar. The interior is all leather. Driver and front passenger sit on Recaro seats with 40th-anniversary stitching, and the useful rear seats fold down. Also making the cabin better and more modern are an Alpine satellite-navigation system, a Bluetooth-ready stereo, and a backup camera.
There’s also an enhancement package for the all-new Range Rover Sport, and a very exclusive one for the SVR. That one comes with a special sport-seat interior with diamond-quilted paneling, contrast micro piping, and stitching. Carbon fiber is used extensively, as it is in all Overfinch models. Just 25 SRVs will be made.