Official Release:
HIMALAYA INTRODUCES SPECTRE DEFENDER AS TRIBUTE TO WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS SECRET AGENT
CHARLESTON, SC –Amazing movie vehicles capture the attention of viewers in a way that makes them stars in their own right, and the limited-edition Spectre Defender from Himalaya is no exception. The South Carolina bespoke Defender specialists decided to offer collectors a rare opportunity to own one of the most famous Defenders to ever appear in film with the new special-edition Spectre tribute truck. Based on the iconic 4×4 famously featured in the British secret agent’s latest adventures, the handmade Himalaya Spectre is priced at $250,000. (Himalaya’s custom builds start at $165,000 and range up to $250,000.)
“The Spectre Defender uses a rare Crew Cab pickup configuration,” says Himalaya President Greg Shondel. “Himalaya is able to create that very same layout using all-new body panels and frames sourced in England. After that process is complete, our team customizes the powertrain and interiors to the customers’ preferences, as with all of our other builds.”
Himalaya is somewhat unique in the custom-Defender world for combining British styling with American mechanicals. Each project begins with an all-new UK-sourced frame, which is reinforced and also galvanized to fend off corrosion. Himalaya replaces the stock 1961-designed Buick/Rover 182-horsepower 3.9L V-8 engine with modern power, a GM LS3 in this case.
This gives the Spectre 525 horsepower for propelling the oversized 37-inch Toyo mud-terrain tires. The end result is a stylish truck that can step up to even the most daring of adventures on- or off-road. (Himalaya’s other engine options include the Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel and Whipple-supercharged LS3.)
Himalaya then integrates a GM 6-speed automatic transmission between the engine and Rover all-wheel-drive transfer case, which is rebuilt with upgraded components prior to installation. Similarly, the axles are factory housings with strengthened internals (the Spectre model pictured has open differentials). Because the mud tires weigh significantly more than the factory-sized rubber, Himalaya upgrades the brakes with larger Wilwood discs and is currently co-engineering a premium braking system with Brembo. Steering is bolstered with dependable Jeep Wrangler components.
Spectre suspension specifications are fortified as well. Himalaya engineers in four inches of ride-height lift to clear the 37-inch tires. Custom coil springs are inserted, and extended-length control arms are built in-house with articulating Johnny Joints from Currie Enterprises. Ride is controlled by Fox Racing remote-reservoir shocks (Himalaya plans to offer additional USA-sourced geartrain options in the near future).
The bodywork is where the Himalaya Spectre really excels. Because the company starts with an all-new frame that is precision-manufactured to be perfectly square, body-panel tolerances can be made significantly more consistent than original factory. Himalaya goes the extra step of designing and manufacturing their own handles, latches, and catches to exude the highest quality. Liberal amounts of Dynamat sound-deadening insulation and improved door sealing were also used to further assist in providing a more comfortable cabin experience.
The Spectre’s brawny tough exterior presents a slant-back effect, which was achieved with a Safety Devices exo-cage and Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters roof rack. Himalaya further accentuated the angle with a custom bed-mounted rack for the full-sized spare tire. Additional body protection is supplied by a front A-bar-style winch bumper over a Warn Zeon 10S winch, a radiator skidplate, Amp Research Power Step sideboards, and a rear bumper with receiver hitch that Himalaya customized starting with a Poison Spyder Jeep unit. High Beam Offroad exterior LED lighting was also added.
Inside, Himalaya used the factory Puma-level quilted-upholstery trim as an underlying influence. Ruskin leather is the predominate material, and Alcantara was used for the headliner. Other details include Recaro seats, Dakota Digital gauges, a Momo steering wheel, Exmoor interior LED lighting, and a Safety Devices rollcage. Himalaya also installed a premium entertainment system comprised of a Kenwood head unit and JL Audio speakers.
The Himalaya Spectre Edition Defender is just one example of the company’s capabilities. In addition to customer-spec’d bespoke Defenders, Himalaya also performs classic Rover restorations as well as resto-mod builds that are mostly factory-based but with a few strategic upgrades. For more information, please contact Himalaya, (800) 956-9481, drivehimalaya.com.
Himalaya Spectre Defender 110 Specifications
Drivetrain
- Engine: GM LS3 6.3L V-8, tuned Holley EFI, Hooker headers, stainless exhaust, aluminum radiator, electric fans
- Power: 525 HP, 495 Lb-Ft
- Transmission: 6L80E 6-Speed Automatic
- Transfer case: Rover LT230 all-wheel-drive, upgraded internals
- Axles: Rover modified with upgraded hubs, bearings, chromoly axleshafts, trussed rear housing
Chassis
- New Richards Chassis frame: fully welded, boxed, hot-dip galvanized
- 4-inch lift: Custom coils, Fox Racing remote-reservoir shocks, custom long-travel control arms with Currie Enterprises Johnny Joint articulating ends
- Brakes: Wilwood discs, braided steel hoses
- Steering: Jeep Wrangler JK steering box, custom linkage
Tires/Wheels
- Tires: 37×13.50R18 Toyo Open Country M/T
- Wheels: 18-inch Rover Black Sawtooth alloys, 1.5-inch spacers
Body/Exterior
- New panels made from original Rover tooling
- Non-U.S. market Crew Cab configuration
- Custom billet door handles, latches, hinges
- Safety Devices exo-cage, Front Runner Outfitters roof rack
- Amp Research retracting Power Steps
- A-bar front bumper, Warn Zeon 10S winch, custom rear bumper based on Poison Spyder Jeep designs
- Custom rear spare carrier
- Full skidplates
- Bushwacker fender flares
- High Beam Offroad LED lighting
Interior
- Upholstery: Ruskin leather, Alcantara headliner
- Seats: Heated Recaro, adjustable shoulder belts
- Momo Millennium steering wheel
- Dash: OE Puma style, Dakota Digital gauges
- Kenwood head unit with JL Audio speakers: Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, USB, HDMI, Android, subwoofer
- Extensive Dynamat insulation
- Safety Devices rollcage
- Back-Up camera
- Power front windows
- Exmoor lighting
Miscellaneous
- MSRP: $250,000
AutoCentric Media is the fastest-growing all-encompassing digital magazine, catered to automotive enthusiasts from all walks of life, with various interests.
