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Exporting defenders to USA & Canada Since 2011.

FAQs

Here you will find the answers to the most common questions we are asked. If your query is not listed below, please contact us and we will be happy to answer via telephone or email.

  • All of our Defenders are exported to the USA or Canada. Our whole infrastructure is set up for this market and we have perfected this process for over fifteen years. We are the leading company in this field and to date, we have successfully imported hundreds of Defenders into North America.

  • We would love you to. We are based in the UK, approximately two hours west of London in the picturesque village of Mells, Somerset. There is a train link from London Paddington to historic Bath Spa, where one of our Arkonik representatives can meet you at the station and bring you to our premises. On your arrival, we will give you a guided tour of our facilities and talk you through the process from start to finish. At any one point there are over 20 Arkonik Defenders in production, so always lots to see and can provide inspiration for your own build. For overnight stays, we always recommend The Talbot Inn – a traditional yet stylish coaching inn located just 5 minutes from us, set in some of Somerset’s most stunning countryside. The Talbot offers great food in a classic pub environment with all the comforts of a luxury hotel.

  • Currently 18 months.* Due to the care and attention needed for an Arkonik restoration, we limit our production to completing five Defenders per month. For SVO builds please contact us for up-to-date information.

    *Correct as of Winter 2022.

  • You will be shown every aspect of your Arkonik Defender by one of our handover specialists via video, or in person at our Charleston facility.

    The handover starts by running through the relevant paperwork, such as the vehicles’ title and customs documents. Next up is a thorough explanation of the engine compartment, covering everything from the VIN tag position to levels, tensions, and warm/cold starting procedures.

    Then follows an introduction of the major underbody components including general description and locations of all moving parts and their functions: tire inflation and pressure, wheel condition, torque settings and spare wheel changing procedures are all covered. This might sound simple, but, as we all live in a digital age, it’s worth remembering that the Defender harks back to an analog era.

    As you will be spending most of your time behind the wheel, a lot of time is spent going through the various switchgear and controls, the engine start-up procedure, air-conditioning, seats, battery and fuse locations along with regular care and maintenance to ensure the maximum enjoyment of your Arkonik Defender.

    After the excitement of finally being in the driving seat, you hit the open road. Our representative explains the running-in procedure, any periodical adjustments that need to be made, the handling characteristics, and the principals of the Defender’s unique four-wheel-drive system.

    You are now the proud owner of an Arkonik Defender and will be comfortable with its inner workings. It is now yours to cherish and enjoy with the reassurance of our comprehensive warranty and a lifetime commitment to you and your Defender.

  • The price will be dependent on the wheelbase of your truck. The base price for a Defender 90 is $145,000*, while the Defender 110 is $165,000*. The total cost will vary on your chosen specification. See our featured builds for a guide.

    *Price is correct as of Winter 2024 and is subject to change without prior notice.

  • We offer four stage payments of 25% each. Your initial deposit secures a slot in our build program. The three remaining payments coincide with production progression.

  • Each Arkonik Defender is delivered with a 12-month, bumper-to-bumper warranty. You’ll also receive a lifelong after-sales support service for you and your Defender.

  • We can offer test drives, including our LS3 conversions, at our Charleston facility in South Carolina. 

  • Absolutely. Once your Defender enters production you will be updated with regular photos of the progress via your online portal. When the build is complete we commission a professional photo shoot and supply high-resolution images to keep for posterity.

  • We have a pre-approved list of specialists across the USA and Canada. Our team will research and approve the best third-party service point at a convenient distance from you.

  • The short answer is yes! Underneath every Arkonik Defender is a highly capable, fully restored platform. We can enhance this further and build 100% expedition-ready vehicles with a plethora of overland accessories such as a WARN® winch, Front Runner® racks and raised suspension packages. Check out our Adventure builds for some inspiration here. On the flip side, some buyers prefer to specify a road-biased build, with options like a 2 inch lowering kit, road-tuned suspension and larger diameter alloy wheels.

  • We tool and fabricate many body panels ourselves, including bulkheads and rear tubs. Our parts are sourced directly from Land Rover and other high-quality manufacturers. The complete interior of your Defender is also replaced for new. We work very closely with our trusted upholsterers here in the UK to echo our mantra for excellence. You can read a detailed description of the Arkonik build process here. If you require more information, please contact our sales team for a further breakdown of exactly what we replace during a restoration.

  • Authenticity is a key part of our Defender builds. To conform with strict importation requirements to the USA and Canada, we use the original mild steel frames with the authentic factory stamped numbers to confirm the date of manufacture, engine type, gearbox type and drive side, etc. While we retain the original mild steel frame, we go above and beyond to ensure our Defenders are appropriately protected to stand the test of time. We use etch primer and Raptor coating on our frames which are a vast improvement over factory finishes. Additionally, we Waxoyl® the internal ladder beam. This is just the beginning of the preventative measures we undertake on every build.

  • Absolutely. Please contact a member of our sales team if you would like more information.

  • We can fit a variety of modern engines, including the mighty Chevrolet LS3/LT1 & 4 6.2L V8’s. Please contact a member of our sales team if you would like more information.

     

  • Yes. You’ll need a deposit to get started and you will be able to agree on a payment plan of up to seven years. Each package will be tailored to you and your specific requirements on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a member of our sales team to find out more about your vehicle finance options.

  • Horsepower figures vary depending on the engine type. The 200Tdi Turbo Diesel engine produces up to 120bhp with a gutsy 190lb.ft of torque at 1800rpm. The 3.5L V8 Gasoline with fuel injection produces close to 200bhp and 210lb.ft of torque. We also offer brand new GM® crate engines with up to 690HP. Please contact a member of our sales team for more information.

  • Our 200Tdi engines will achieve around 26-28mpg*. The 3.5L V8 gasoline engines will achieve around 16-18mpg*. Please note that this is intended only as a guide as driving conditions, climate and terrain all contribute to fuel economy.

    *Based on UK figures.

  • Each Arkonik Defender comes with a unique identification number. Should you have any queries, please reach out to our team with the vehicle’s VIN number for confirmation.

  • Yes, we do. Please click here to learn more and contact our knowledgeable Sales Team to discuss your specific requirements.

  • We’re sorry but no, we do not sell parts. Check out our trusted suppliers which include WARN®, FrontRunner®, ARB® and BFGoodrich®.

  • Absolutely, we have successfully registered and titled a number of our Defenders in CA. For further information please contact us here.

  • Yes we do. Please contact our Sales Team for more information on the models that we can offer.

  • All of our builds are equipped with air conditioning. Air vents are installed in the front and integrated into the dash. We can also install heated seats in the front and center rows.