The Legacy Begins
Sam Fane, better known as Seen Through Glass to his 600k+ YouTube subscribers, isn’t just a content creator; he’s a true petrolhead with a deep appreciation for the stories that live within our vehicles.
A Family Heirloom
His latest project is one that’s especially close to home: restoring his late father’s Land Rover 90. A genuine, low-mileage example that’s been in the family since new, this Defender holds more than just nostalgic value; it’s a symbol of connection and memory. Despite his father not being much of a car enthusiast, he developed a fondness for the character and charm of this humble 4x4, keeping it well-serviced and occasionally treating it to new accessories.
We were honored to welcome Sam to Arkonik HQ for an initial appraisal. His Defender was reviewed by our longest-standing team member, Craig, who quickly identified the usual suspects; chassis corrosion around the rear cross member, front rails, and outriggers, along with worn wheel bearings and tired brake lines. Nothing unusual for a UK Defender of its age, but enough to warrant a serious plan of action.
Decisions, decisions…
Now, Sam is at a crossroads: preserve the patina and refresh the mechanicals, give it a cosmetic facelift, or go all-in on a full nut-and-bolt restoration?
Our recommendation? A brand-new mild-steel raptor-coated chassis to create a solid foundation, one that could handle anything from a respectful refresh to our full-on SVO makeover (did someone say 6.2L LS swap?).
Stay tuned as this journey unfolds, and catch Part One of Sam’s Land Rover 90 story here.
