What's the news?
The British-based coachbuilding company, Chelsea Truck Company (CTC), which is part of the Kahn Design group, has showcased its take on a Land Rover Defender 110 at the Geneva Motor Show - this triple-axle behemoth is called the Flying Huntsman 6x6 Civilian Carrier.
It probably earns the last portion of that epithet due to the fact it has four rows of seats on board in a 2-3-2-2 configuration, courtesy of 880mm of extra metal - and that additional axle, natch - grafted into its length. Additional features of this nine-seater machine are a Volcanic Rock paintjob, front wings with integrated vents, wider rear wings in a lightweight composite material, plus CTC's 'X-Lander' front grille and headlight surrounds. The front bumper is also new and incorporates LED lights.
Up top, there's a full panoramic roof from the B-pillar back and on those three axles are six 18-inch Huntsman alloys, wrapped in Cooper LTZ 275/55 tyres. Within a cabin shielded by tinted glass, there's a chrome steering wheel, quilted headlining, bespoke leather upholstery, satnav and a host of further trim options for personalisation.
CTC doesn't talk much about the mechanicals of the Flying Huntsman but it's fair to say it's unlikely to have the 120hp turbodiesel found in most late-model 110s; more likely, it will have one of the company's petrol V8 conversions. CTC does confirm that the high- and low-ratio four-wheel drive system with locking differentials makes the cut, while the braking system is upgraded to cope with the 6x6's extra weight.
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."
Anything else?
If you fancy one of these monsters, the CTC Flying Huntsman 6x6 Civilian Carrier starts from £249,995 in the UK - on a pounds-to-euros conversion, that's nearly €280,000, although import taxes and more will likely push this extreme Defender to the wrong side of €300,000!