What's all this about?
The Chelsea Truck Company (CTC), a subsidiary of British-based coachbuilding company Kahn Design, has taken one Land Rover Defender 110 and, well, turned it into this. The full name of the insane vehicle you're looking at is the CTC Flying Huntsman 6x6 Civilian Carrier.
Civilian Carrier? What is it, an old military vehicle converted to private use?
Not at all. CTC prides itself on developing SUVs and 4x4s into something a little more bespoke and individual. This particular enlarged Landie is called the Civilian Carrier because - thanks to the extra 880mm of length and the additional axle it now sports - there are nine seats onboard, configured in a 2-3-2-2 formation. Thus, the entire family could go rock-climbing in this mutha.
Good lord! Can you tell me more about the 6x6?
We can't tell you much on the mechanicals, safe to say that the 120hp/360Nm 2.2-litre four-pot turbodiesel found in the last-of-the-line Defenders would have a heck of a time hauling this lot about. Thus, it's likely the Flying Huntsman has one of Kahn/CTC's fabled V8 conversions. The most obvious feature of the 6x6, as this title indicates, is its axle count - three in total, resulting in a sextet of 18-inch Huntsman alloys wrapped in Cooper LTZ 275/55 tyres in the arches. CTC does confirm the Civilian Carrier has uprated brakes to haul all this weight to a stop and the usual high- and low-ratio transfer boxes with locking diffs, in order to ensure the 6x6 is as good off-road as a Defender should be.
And what about the aesthetics?
CTC also adds bespoke wings front and rear - the leading items bearing vents, the rears enlarged and blistered compared to the Volcanic Rock paintwork - its own X-Lander front grille and headlight surround, plus a new front bumper with LED lights incorporated. From the B-pillar back, there's a panoramic sunroof that streams light into a cabin that otherwise has obscuring tinted windows. And in said cabin, you'll find a chrome steering wheel (um, yes, really...), a quilted headlining, bespoke leather upholstery for all nine chairs, satnav and a vast array of trim options for personalisation.
Any words from the company?
Afzal Kahn, chief executive of Kahn Design, said: "We are a fully independent car company and it is an exciting time. The Civilian Carrier is a stunning six-wheel drive car, ideal for big families who enjoy spending time together in the great outdoors. With extensive safety features and plenty of clever technology to make driving effortless, the Civilian Carrier could be the best choice for carrying family, friends and their luggage. The Land Rover Defender is one of my top-five favourite cars. There is something about it that makes you smile - it demands respect."
Have you got a price for this most individual of Landies?
Yes. And make sure you're sitting down. For the Flying Huntsman 6x6 Civilian Carrier, CTC will relieve you of at least £249,995. Makes the £240,000 Range Rover SV Coupe revealed at the same show look like a relative bargain...
Matt Robinson - 6 Mar 2018
