{"id":3115,"date":"2026-07-15T22:53:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T22:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nile1.com\/en\/?p=3115"},"modified":"2026-07-15T22:53:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T22:53:50","slug":"twisted-range-rover-classic-restomod-review-a-500-hp-analog-masterpiece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nile1.com\/en\/2026\/07\/15\/twisted-range-rover-classic-restomod-review-a-500-hp-analog-masterpiece\/","title":{"rendered":"Twisted Range Rover Classic Restomod Review: A 500-HP Analog Masterpiece"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nostalgia is a powerful force in the automotive world. We routinely look back at vintage machinery through rose-tinted glasses, conveniently forgetting the vapor lock, the structural flex, the lack of sound insulation, and the build quality that could best be described as casual. This is precisely why the restomod industry has exploded. Enthusiasts want the timeless aesthetic of their childhood dream cars, but they want them to drive with the precision, power, and reliability of modern engineering.<\/p>\n

Enter Twisted. Based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, the outfit has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of the bespoke British utility vehicle. Founded by Charles Fawcett at the turn of the century, Twisted began as a side hustle selling parts for Land Rovers. It quickly evolved into a world-class operation dedicated to building the ultimate, idealized Defenders. By laser-scanning body panels to correct factory alignment issues, installing comprehensive sound deadening, upgrading steering boxes, fitting modern suspension systems, and dropping in potent V8 engines, Twisted set a high benchmark for the industry. While Defenders remain the firm’s bread and butter, they have occasionally strayed into other territory, including a beach-ready Volkswagen Beetle and a modified Suzuki Jimny. Now, however, they are tackling a true icon: the Range Rover Classic.<\/p>\n

British Roots, American Soul<\/h2>\n

While they are not the first restomod shop to reimagine the original luxury SUV, Twisted’s approach is uniquely focused on driving dynamics and analog purity. The project is currently represented by a single, highly developed prototype finished in a striking Bahama Gold. The color is a deeply personal choice for Fawcett; it is a direct nod to his father’s original Range Rover, a vehicle that was a constant presence in his childhood and a frequent subject of backyard wrenching.<\/p>\n

Walking around the vehicle, Fawcett points out the inherent flaws of the original factory assembly. Panels designed for rapid mass production left uneven gaps and awkward shut lines. For a bespoke build commanding a premium price tag, these imperfections are unacceptable. Twisted plans to smooth out and reform these areas across its production run, leveraging Fawcett’s extensive network of automotive businesses to ensure flawless fit and finish.<\/p>\n

Inside, the cabin rejects the modern trend of digital overload. There is no massive aftermarket touchscreen cluttering the dashboard, and Apple CarPlay is conspicuously absent. The goal is to eliminate distractions and keep the focus entirely on the mechanical symphony under the hood. That mechanical symphony is provided by a naturally aspirated Chevy LT1 6.2-liter V8, massaged by Twisted to produce approximately 500 horsepower. It is mated to a GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic gearbox, which has also been custom-calibrated by Twisted to suit the unique weight and driving characteristics of the vintage SUV.<\/p>\n

\"Twisted<\/p>\n

Firing up the prototype is an acoustic event. Turn the key, and the American V8 barks to life before settling into a deep, muscular burble. It is a delightfully anti-social sound coming from a vehicle that originally rolled out of Solihull, and while it may raise the eyebrows of absolute purists, the sheer character of the powertrain is undeniable. On the move, the GM transmission swaps cogs smoothly and deliberately. You feel the shifts because Twisted wants you to; this is designed to be an engaging driver’s car, not an insulated sensory deprivation chamber. There are no electronic drive modes to alter the throttle mapping or steering weight. Your right ankle serves as the sport mode, and in the absence of modern electronic driver aids, it serves as your autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system too. In a world dominated by digital drive-by-wire systems, this is a beautifully analog machine.<\/p>\n

Designed to Drive<\/h2>\n

The original Range Rover Classic was famous for its exceptionally soft, long-travel suspension. While brilliant for low-speed off-roading, it resulted in comical amounts of body roll on the pavement, where cornering at speed felt like trying to steer a listing cargo ship. Twisted has thoroughly addressed this. The prototype corners with impressive flatness, maintaining a controlled stance without sacrificing daily usability.<\/p>\n

\"Twisted<\/p>\n

While there is still a touch of suspension compliance, the excessive body roll is gone. The front springs on the prototype are currently a bit stiff, a detail Fawcett notes is already slated to be softened for the final production specification. Under hard acceleration, the rear suspension squats gently, giving the driver a clear sense of weight transfer without making the front end feel light. The steering rack has been completely reworked to be smooth, progressive, and communicative, offering genuine feedback from the front contact patches.<\/p>\n

With 500 horsepower on tap, the Twisted Range Rover Classic is deceptively fast. The speedometer needle sweeps upward with an urgency that demands constant vigilance, accompanied by a raw, metallic exhaust howl under load. Fortunately, the braking system has been comprehensively upgraded to handle the massive increase in performance.<\/p>\n

Properly Bonkers<\/h2>\n

Despite the supercar-rivaling power and the $477,000 (\u00a3350,000) price tag, Twisted has preserved the core utility of the original design. It remains a highly practical, spacious vehicle that can comfortably haul friends or cruise down the highway without drama. It bridges the gap between retro luxury and modern performance in a way that feels entirely cohesive.<\/p>\n

The Twisted Range Rover Classic represents a bold new chapter for the Thirsk-based outfit. If this early prototype is any indication, the finalized production versions will be nothing short of spectacular.<\/p>\n

Twisted Range Rover Classic Specifications<\/h3>\n