Upgrades, tributes, restorations. Land Rover’s Defender still casts a mighty shadow across the 4WD landscape.

Himalaya’s handmade 4x4 Hue 166 4WD is a Defender, and yet not. It is the South Carolina company’s newest venture in 4WDs, moving away from old-school and into a fully modern vehicle that retains the Defender’s look.

The reference to ‘Hue’ dates back to 1948 and the first Land Rover to roll off the Solihull assembly line. The new vehicle’s ‘Grasmere Green’ colour scheme is likewise a tribute to that first Landie.

That first Landie marked the dawn of the Defender as a world class truck known for its dignified durability, handsome styling, and dependable performance even in the harshest conditions.

Of course, the original truck’s simplicity and driving dynamics wouldn’t meet the expectations of today’s buyers, especially when they are mulling over a purchase price of up to $300,000.

Made by a team of dedicated technicians and expert designers with decades of experience restoring and rebuilding Defenders from every era, the new truck has been four years in the making.

It represents a strategic shift to a decidedly more modern vehicle platform where only the classic styling of the exterior Defender body remains. Powered by an LT4 Chev Corvette engine driving through an eight speed auto transmission, the new truck produces 484.7 kW (650bhp).

The Hue 166 build is about introducing a classic Defender made for modern everyday driving and even rolls on wheels to replicate the classic steel wheel look, but with Brembo disc brakes tucked underneath. 

Modern features include custom fender flares, rock sliders and power folding step-boards for easy vehicle entry and exit. The new truck has a modified Jeep power steering box.

Incorporating dual air conditioning systems, a state-of-the-art audio system and a hand-stitched interior, the Hue 166 is best considered a ‘restomod’ – old made new.