Twisted T90 Soft Top TD5 Manual - Certified Bahama Gold

Our Born model is the purest and most beautifully crafted vision of what this iconic vehicle stands for. It is understated sophistication at its best and will deliver any new owner a driving experience like nothing else. Used in promotional material for our sister company - Twisted Marine and having been based on the South Coast for a few months it is now time to find a new home where it can be enjoyed.

Originally hand-built by the men and women of Solihull in 2005, this TD5 90 has been re-built meticulously from the ground up with nothing left untouched. It has been a labour of love with Charles, Twisted’s founder’s vision and then Andy’s obsessive attention to detail that has left us with this most wonderful celebration of the best Defender can offer.

Beginning with one of the best TD5 Defender that was Guernsey registered, hence the low mileage. The vehicle was stripped back to its bare bones with the chassis stripped, galvanized and then coated to ensure it was in the best condition to begin this special build. Replacing every rusty nut and bolt and fitting new bushes throughout, you can be confident that nothing has been forgotten and you are buying something that has demanded blood, sweat, tears and endless cups of Yorkshire tea.

With the chassis completed every component of the drive train has been updated or upgraded. The transfer box has had its ratios altered, differentials pegged and CV joints and half shafts replaced with heavy duty offerings better suited to this vehicle. The all-important handling has been transformed with our full progressive suspension system, giving a more controlled and predictable experience whilst delivering the most engaging drive. Stopping power has not been forgotten and our Twisted by Alcon 6 pot front and 4 pot rear brakes have been installed giving a massive upgrade over the standard Land Rover offerings. Finally, our 18” Rostyle wheels have been finished in our sand texture coating and shod in BF Goodrich tyres providing both incredible on and off-road control but also enhancing the styling in a subtle and non audacious way that only we at Twisted can.

Having only covered just over 27500 miles from new (just over 1600 a year) the original 5 cylinder TD5 engine provides the most wonderful and unmistakable soundtrack. Having undergone a full rebuild and the clutch and flywheel being replaced at the same time we are confident that this engine is the perfect unit to last for many years to come and to handle the extra power and torque that it now boasts. This additional performance has been provided by our tailored engine remapping, hybrid turbo, boost control, full stainless exhaust system, silicone hoses, EGR deletion and a performance intercooler all being fitted. With Twisted having made its name originally for tuning Defender, we felt it only right that this vehicle made use of its 20+ years of experience and could deliver wolf in sheep’s clothing performance.

The entire body has been off the vehicle and each panel brought up to scratch before being re-painted in Bahama Gold, replicating Charles’ own Retro edition 90. We have converted it to a beautiful sand coloured soft top making it the perfect vehicle to enjoy with the sides rolled up and the sun beating down. Taking it one step further, you could remove the hood completely and the doors are series style so have removable tops for the ultimate summer experience. It also benefits from LED headlights alongside our Twisted daytime running light bumper, giving superb visibility even on the darkest of country roads. All of the exterior fixings have been replaced with stainless bolts and our stage one front end means the styling is timeless. The rear looks purposeful with its full width step bumper, coated cross member and of course the all-important Twisted Yorkshire plaques.

Moving inside the Defender it has been fully stripped, our unrivalled soundproofing installed and then texture coated in Bahama Gold over the top. We have converted this 90 to include four tip-up rear seats so the whole family can enjoy the ride. The whole interior has then been re-trimmed in saddle leather adding a beautiful contrast to the Bahama exterior. To compliment this leather work we also raise the armrest on the cubby box lid to provide a useful leaning point as the standard offering has always been too low. 

This is one of the most incredible builds to leave our workshop and is now proudly on display in our showroom, The Old Cinema in Thirsk. It is truly a one-off, a piece of history and one of the biggest celebrations of an icon. This car begs to be used and enjoyed every day or kept as a special vehicle for high days and holidays. We’d love to talk you through the vehicle or show you it in the flesh if you fancy a cup of tea and have ten minutes to spare.

Having covered just 27,540 miles from new, this was a perfect candidate for our entire restoration. Now covered less than 500 miles since we completed our work. 

For more information on this build, please contact the team on: 01845 574 990 or email info@twistedautomotive.com