Himalaya Hue 166 Is A Fully Redesigned $300K Defender

Himalaya, located in Charleston, unveiled its latest creation, Hue 166, which is based on a fully restored Land Rover Defender. The one-of-a-kind restomod is based on the initial version of the famous 4×4, which was debuted in 1948, but it features considerable enhancements in performance, driveability, and a luxury cabin, similar to earlier Himalaya initiatives.

Himalaya chose subtle changes for this job to keep true to the Defender's iconic appearance. As a result, the Hue 166 has the traditional "Grasmere Green" color with a 110 body style and a white-painted top.

Wider bespoke fenders hide the retro-inspired 18-inch wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich tires. Underneath the metal bumpers, the SUV has rock sliders and underbody security. Handstitched leatherette and contemporary conveniences greet you as you enter through the retractable side stairs.

A superior sound system and dual-zone temperature control are included, as well as a JVC infotainment touchscreen placed in the center console that enables Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility. The Hue 166 may appear to be a traditional Defender on the exterior, but it is a whole different beast on the inside.

It has Dynatrac axles, four-link coilover suspension, and Brembo disc brakes, and is built on a unique latter-frame structure. Under the hood is a 650-hp supercharged LT4 V8 engine borrowed from a Corvette. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

Himalaya claims the Hue 166 is the “most sophisticated vehicle to come off the line from the South Carolina-based maker yet,” delivering the “smoothest driving interpretation of a vintage Defender to date” as a result of all of this. Himalaya Hue 166 costs $300,000, which may be justified by the four years of work and a massive amount of labor that went into this restomod. Similar constructions will be commissioned based on the same foundations.