To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Land Rover in 1998, Land Rover South Africa built a special edition 50th anniversary fitted with BMW’s M52 2.8i petrol engine. This straight six-cylinder engine produces a unique soundtrack and 192hp with 207lb of torque through a 5 speed manual gearbox. Identifiable by its Santorini Blue paintwork, color-matched wheel arch moldings, spot lamps, A-frame bull bar, ‘freestyle’ alloy wheels finished in silver paint, and trimmed with leather upholstery. This rare 1 of 26 built, will undergo the extensive Twisted Original build in which we tastefully honor its heritage and completely transform its on-road enjoyment.

Our Master Technicians will dismantle the vehicle into its component parts and meticulously inspect every item. The chassis will be restored and protected while the body undergoes a complete panel-off restoration before being repainted in its original Santorini Blue. Painstakingly reassembled with particular detail given to panel alignment. It’s sealed against water ingress, soundproofed, and sound-deadned before being lined with our premium black carpet.

The engine will be disassembled, thoroughly inspected, and completely rebuilt and the driveline upgraded with new driveshafts, half shafts, and differentials. Our Twisted stainless steel exhaust will enhance the wonderful engine note and stopping power will be upgraded with our 6-piston calipers at the front and 4-piston rear calipers giving a massive upgrade over the standard Land Rover offerings.

To retain as much originality as possible, our trim shop will use the original seats including the four tip-up rear seats, fitted with new seat foams throughout. The interior will be trimmed in Black leather with Square Quilt Ebony Alston Seat centres, with a Santorini Blue stitch on the seat bolster. The original headlining and sun visors will be retrimmed and the final modern touch inside is a full audio upgrade including an appropriate single din head unit which includes satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Finished in Santorini blue paint with matching roof and wheel arches, our nod to its origins will be highlighted with a set of Twisted Classic alloy wheels finished in Silver and shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires with matching silver side steps. Externally the vehicle will include a subtle but extensive series of upgrades including LED headlights and tail lights, our Twisted designed double front bumper incorporating Lazer LED daytime running lights and driving lamps. Our Twisted Stage one front end, inspired by the 1970’s Land Rover V8 which includes 8mm stainless steel mesh front, side, wing top and horn grills finished in satin black paint as well as Series III headlamp surrounds painted in matching body color.

Riding on Twisted Progressive suspension and complemented by our performance exhaust, upgraded brakes, and interior refinements, this will be a one-of-one, South African 50th Anniversary.

True to its origins but ready for the new world. A glimpse of its past, waiting for new adventures to be made.