Arkonik Reviews 175

Just a quick follow up, since I have had my Defender approximately one year now-
still incredible! I put roughly 1200 miles on a road trip up the Oregon coast and felt famous… Only because every time we stopped into a little town, people wanted to photograph the vehicle. You'll find Defender 110's in movies, but not so much on the highways in the United States. Several different car/truck collectors have looked at my Defender and have noted that it truly is like a brand-new vehicle that just came off the showroom floor. Well actually, I have the photos to prove that it is just that! The build quality was outstanding and the customer service from the time of my initial call to the follow up after the sale has been unequaled. Thanks to Andy and the rest of the team for providing me with a spectacular experience!

I received my 1986 Defender 110 from Arkonik one year ago this month. First of all the vehicle is awesome and will likely be the last vehicle I ever own as I am never giving it up. But more importantly, the team at Arkonik have been better than I could have imagined. I could write a book on how they exemplify customer service.

The buying/customization process with Tom was so smooth and thoughtful. He walked me through each detail and it felt like a trusted friend giving advice. Outstanding. The team was right there with me as the vehicle was shipped and passed customs. Making a large purchase in a different country is always scary. But Tom and the Arkonik team made me feel like they were right down the road.

After it arrived, the Arkonik team was still hands on to make sure everything went smoothly (there’s always a few minor nuances to be made on a 30 year old vehicle). Jasmin and Craig fielded my many questions like pros, directing me to resources and giving technical advice. I was not satisfied with the original engine that Land Rover supplied in the 1986 model so I decided to upgrade the engine and the Arkonik folks helped me acquire a new 200TDI and get it shipped to me. Not only that, but they sent their experts over to install it too! The end result is a Defender that is far and above what Land Rover rolled out of the factory in 1986. The whole Arkonik team is awesome!

I can’t say enough great things about these folks. If you want a Defender, you want to go to Arkonik...and we know you want one!

I've owned a few different models of Land Rovers throughout the years but it wasn't until my most recent deployment to Afghanistan that I got test the Defender's capabilities. I made a decision then and there that I would get my very own Defender. The Defender is truly the worlds most recognized utilitarian vehicle. After spending months researching, I decided to purchase my dream rig from Arkonik. The Arkonik team is the gold standard in rebuilding and customizing Defenders. It was a truly magnificent feeling when my 110 was delivered! With many trips to the coast and the mountains coming soon, we are excited to live to Defender lifestyle and create more family adventures and memories.
The vehicle handover process was smooth and informative as well.
I am using my 110 as a daily driver and will be soon outfitting with some accoutrements to do more overlanding. This is a vehicle we will never tire of and will be passed down to my kids...but not anytime soon!
-Tristan (WA, USA)

Simply outstanding. I purchased Autobiography through Arkonik directly. Specified the vehicle with the team and even visited their facilities on multiple occasions. I like to know who I am dealing with when purchasing a restored vehicle such as this. The Arkonik team were always professional, courteous and expedient in addressing any concerns I had once she was in my possession. They sent their specialist out to ensure a proper handover and instructed me on break in requirements with the new diesel engine. A few minor issues arose which we addressed very quickly. I have thoroughly enjoyed Autobiography and have now purchased another vehicle from the original owner; Sage. She is also outstanding! After 6,800 miles, she is going strong. A few minor niggles to deal with, but again, the Arkonik team gave me guidance on what to address and how, and even sent parts to do repairs even though Sage was clearly out of warranty. I would highly recommend, if you are considering a restored Defender, purchase from the home country from people who understand these vehicles throughout. You will not be disappointed.

Can not express the TOTAL PACKAGE that the Team at Arkonik brings to their work. Reached out to Arkonik as I was having difficulty finding a 200TDI that was ready to drop in as my 2.5TD was experiencing issues. Not only did their technicians hit a home run with the rebuild, but they also ensured all bases were covered getting it shipped safely to me in the USA. A good friend who was able to tour the shop said their head engine mechanic is a horse whisperer when it comes to the 200TDI, and I've got the proof sitting in my 89 110.

Once delivered and installed, they took the time to arrange a phone call to go over the break in period (running in instructions) which they had previously provided. Answered all of my questions and they have continued to keep in touch to ensure all is running smooth.

I'm not able to comment on their actual Land Rover builds, but if it is on par with the service I received they would be my first choice.

These adjectives on title gives you a glimpse of what is deal with these guys.
The first thing that I´ve noticed about the Arkonik team is the average age of them.
Young people doing old school work with a love and commitment that surprised me.
I was looking for a company in UK to talk about Defenders and after a good research I start to talk with Arkoniks team. After a quick response of Tom Parry I start to realize that my choice was correct.
I could not expect more politeness.
Id like to treat people with honesty and respect, and when I find people that treats me likewise, the circles close and a solid relation is firmed.
They contact you by any means, and discuss doubts and process with care.
So decision was made and now Arkonik is my choice.

This talking only about the relation with the organic part of the company, not mentioning the cars, the care, the process and the miracle of bringing those Defenders back to life with that level of professionalism.
If your dream is a Defender, those guys will bring them to life.

Thank you guys, these words are happily written, because you just deserve them.

Keep up the good work and keep those Landys alive and well.

Leandro Amorim
Paraná/Brazil

To Whom It May Concern

I dont know Arkonik for long, but even that little amount that i got to spend with the people who are the pillars of the company, I have only seen excellence, professionalism and passion.
I have contacted quite a number of Defender dealers that do their work in the US for my work, but none of them replied and reached out to me so swiftly like them. Thomas Parry and Andy Hayes from Arkonik; from the first email and call, trough my arrival there and later on the departure, were extremely polite, knowledgeable about the field and over the top helpful and hospitable.
While i was at the Arkonik, everyone that i met, shared those same qualities, and that was visible throughout the entire workshop. The gentlemen there have respect towards their guests, suppliers, superiors and their equals. And its not just the people that they respect. They respect their work and the tools they do their work with.
That all starts with the owner. Andy Hayes displays great confidence in the work his team does, and I can see why. From the vehicle selection, its delivery, project planing, the actual build and final assembly, it all gets rigorous controls and inspections, to make sure that it is as true to the original, but way better. Most importantly, it gets checked that nothing that they do, will get the future owner in any kind of unpleasant situation, be it in EU or US or anywhere else in the world.
The ladies and gentleman working at Arkonik are not just employees, but they are a family. And that affection between them, can be seen towards their love to build high-quality, high-end and high-detail Defenders that will turn heads even on events like SEMA or ESSEN.
A man is as valuable as his word is, and my mother says always "you keep a man by his word, and a bull by his horn". You have my word that if you decide to drive around in one of the Defenders that Arkonik made for you, you will be more pleased than riding a one that Land Rover itself build for you (i believe, that any owner of a custom made suit will understand this).
P.S. I have no horns!!

I stumbled across Arkonik (then known as Land Rovers UK) in 2013 when I was seeking advice around importing a potential project Defender from continental Europe. Andy, the owner, was so open and helpful that I eventually had to think about sourcing a finished Defender straight from him. After another year and a half of research and a visit to Arkonik's facility in Somerset, I placed an order for a 110. The observable superior attention to detail and customer testimonials were enough to convince me to invest in their product.

The build process was the closest thing I can imagine to what it's like to have a child. It took about 9 months. Routine check-ins with provided me with progress and development status. Images supplied consistent proof of progress and attention to detail. By the second trimester, I was pretty ready for the delivery. At that point, I didn't even care what it looked like. But Arkonik did. Eventually, it was delivered to my wife and I and we couldn't have be more proud of what 'we' created.

I've had the truck for about seven months. Arkonik has stayed in close contact with me to make sure everything remains operational and well-maintained.

I encourage any interested customer to properly prepare themselves for the responsibility of owning one of these vehicles. My 110 requires constant care. Again, like a child, it sometimes leaks on the floor and requires regular fluid replacements - just part of the engaging responsibility of owning a piece of history.

Five stars - I'd do it again, but I don't have any more room in the garage and I'm having too much fun with the first one.

I recently purchased a 1987 Defender 90 from Arkonik. i was a little skeptical t first, as i live in the USA, and they are in the U.K. Quickly though, my hesitancy and skepticism melted away, and I felt their commitment to me, and my vehicle. They put me at total ease. Even though my car was from the used lot, and not a custom build, my experience as been tremendous. Topping off their tremendous commitment is their Customer Web Portal. I couldn't wait to share my updates with friends and family. My vehicle departed their shop a couple of weeks ago, and the customs agents picked right up where the Arkonik employees left off. i think i am going to purchase my next vehicle with them as well

I read somewhere recently that within the next 20-25 years 70% of all cars on the road will be autonomous. That is to say they will drive themselves. Taxis and long-haul truck drivers will be first to make the transition; but in the not too distant future a car will simply be an integrated transportation system controlled and monitored in much the same way as a computer or cell phone is part of a vast communications network. Is this a bad thing or a good thing? I guess it depends on your perspective. But no matter what your thoughts or feelings are on the subject it makes no difference…the end of an era is upon us.

You may think that I am a pessimist, but I am not. On the contrary I am quite optimistic about the future and what it portends…more leisure time, longer lifespans, new and astounding technologies. For those of us who cherish the sensation and freedom of driving the old fashioned way, it means more free time to be with our Defenders! More time spent off road away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; more time camping, fishing, spending time with our loved ones in the great outdoors.

So we intrepid few who desire to meet the elements head-on, of getting our hands greasy, of meeting life’s challenges face-to-face…we intrepid few who laugh in the face of old man winter whilst driving in our parkas, hats and gloves…we intrepid few who scoff at 40C temperatures as if it were just another day…we intrepid few will keep the spirit of the Land Rover Defender alive.

And it is because of Arkonik that we can do so! Arkonik is solely and uniquely dedicated to keeping the Defender spirit alive and well. There are others that try to, but cannot match Arkonik’s spirit, enthusiasm and passion. I would not trust my dream of owning and operating such a magnificent driving machine in the hands of anyone else but Arkonik! Trust me…I was searching for over a year for my Defender. I travelled many hours and hundreds of miles in search of one, but in the end I was always finding myself back on the Arkonik website. I was never pressured, cajoled or forced to make a hasty decision. Arkonik’s team along with their combined experience in restoring classic Defenders is
unparalleled. No other company out there has the depth and breadth of knowledge and exemplary customer service as Arkonik. No matter what Arkonik was always at my beck-and-call…as if I were their most important customer. Thank you Arkonik…thank you for making it possible for the intrepid few to turn our dreams into reality.

So I embark on my journey not to live in the past, but acknowledge the future by paying tribute to the memory of the greatest production vehicle of the last 77 years (statistically speaking that’s longer than
most people live). Won’t you join me and Arkonik for the ride?

The experience during the build was a fun adventure but the end product is what really matters. When I got her home, I was amazed that she looked even better than the pictures that were taken during the final photo shoot at a large estate in England. The one word that is consistently said about her when people see her for the first time is, "Beautiful".

Having read all the comments and impressions from the side of people who have purchased Defenders reborn by the hands of LAND ROVERS UK Ltd/ARKONIK I would like to add my comments not only as a client but also as a supplier of this company.

Our cooperation started about a year ago when Andy bought two of my personal Defenders so as to turn them into custom builts for his USA based clients.

This first contact resulted into meeting one of the most trustworthy persons I have met in my life. During this period both Andy and all the people at Arkonik have proven to the undersigned that they are people who have deep knowledge about the Land Rover Defenders and are passionate about them. They know and love their business and succeed into turning a Land Rover Defender into a civilized, extremely beautiful and reliable vehicle. And while they do so they remain professional, attentive to the needs of their clients, supportive and precise with their suppliers and most importantly of all retaining business and human ethics that are very rare in our times and especially in the car trade.

In my capacity as the founder of the Land Rover Club of Greece I had the opportunity to see a lot of rebuilt, remanufactured and "tuned" or "customized" Defenders. What I saw and experienced with the way ARKONIK gets its vehicles reborn was a revelation and a joy for my eyes and soul.
Their moto of "Born in Solihull, reborn in Somerset" is absolutely true and I can attest to the fact that the Defenders they create are not plainly reborn but reborn more beautiful, tailor made to the needs of their new owners and with a level of quality of built and attention to detail that I have NEVER before seen in my life not only on a Land Rover in general or Defender in particular but even on high end prestigious and luxury vehicles. Photos and descriptions fall short of the actual quality and workmanship provided by ARKONIK and the people who manufacture those vehicles. And plain words and comments cannot carry and express the kind of support, knowledge and level of attention to service that the managerial and assisting stuff of ARKONIK provide to the people who chose to cooperate with that firm not only as its clients but also as its suppliers. And all those is a way that is not only polite but more importantly friendly, trustworthy and heartwarming. Chosing ARKONIK to build your Defender will not only provide you with the BEST DEFENDER MONEY CAN BUY but also with new and reliable friends who have not only provided you with a car but will continue to support you and your Defender.

Having had the opportunity to experience both sides of receiving and providing services and goods to and from ARKONIK I am 100% satisfied with them and hopefully will continue to cooperate with them for the coming years both for my Land Rovers and for those that they may need from me.

Pantelis Giamarellos
LAND ROVER CLUB OF GREECE
(founder and international liaison officer)
www.lrcg.gr

I am another US buyer who currently has a defender 110 being custom built by LRUK. Rather than being a very risky venture -buying a car essentially on line- this process been fun, informative, and well supported by the staff at LRUK. They have gone, and continue to go, above and beyond my expectations in terms of customer service and support. The constant flow of pictures during the build is great to keep an eye on things as the defender is built. The pictures truly show the complexity of the job but also how good these guys are at what they do. I am happy to have found this company and cannot wait to receive my new, custom built, defender 110!

My experience to date with Landrovers UK has been nothing short of exceptional. Once I committed to the purchase and import of a Defender 110 the communication, trust and follow through has been great through all departments of the LRUK team.

I am at the point in the process now that I am receiving daily photo updates as the 89 Defender 110 is working its way through their process. Being in the US, I always look forward to the updates when I get up each morning. The attention to detail and quality of the components ensures that the vehicle will be everything I envisioned, aethetically as well as mechanically. LRUK has gone above and beyond to accomadate my design criteria and color schemes and always been able to provide the quality and accessories that I desired. Each vehicle is unique to what their customers design and select.

I look forward to the completion of the project and ultimately receiving the vehicle later this summer.......

Great job Andy, Ryan, Scott and all the guys in the shop that have been part of the build thus far- I am anxiously awaiting the shipment and arrival of the vehicle.

I have been thoroughly impressed with my Defender, and the great follow up after the sale. These guys immediately respond to any questions or mechanical issues that I encounter (these rigs are nearly 30!) They know these vehicles inside and out and they are the biggest asset to my owning one. Everyone comments on the quality of the finish and attention to detail. I think it is the best value out there.

Buying any car remotely is a challenge. Buying a 14-year old Defender with 90,000-odd miles on the clock remotely could be considered insane. But I could find no negative publicity on LRUK and with good reason - they are experts at Defender refurbishment and attentive to customer service. A call with Andy about my proposed purchase was as it should be - relaxed, comfortable, no questions avoided and importantly to me, without any sales pressure. Truck subsequently bought and she surpassed my expectations. Now the proud owner of a Defender!

I've been looking to purchase a vintage Defender for about 15 years and Andy and his team at Land Rovers UK made the process enjoyable, easy and intimidation free! And now as I work my way through the California Registration process, the Land Rovers UK staff including their man on the ground here in LA are right by my side helping me with every detail! It's been an absolute pleasure and I'm so happy we made this decision! And my kids love it!!!

My first 110 is currently under construction but I can say with hand on heart that dealing with Landrovers UK has been one of the easiest processes I have ever undertaken. From initial discussion regarding the use of my future car and my ideas for it we moved onto discussing specific options. The advice I have been given has always been honest and I believe has led towards the creation of the perfect car for me. I think the last part of that sentence is the most important, this company doesn't mass produce cars for the general market, they work with their customers to build the car of their dreams, personalised to their customers needs and wants in every respect. This sort of service, experience and attention to detail can not be understated! From discussing various interior options to the ever so important choice of colour the team at LRUK have been friendly and approachable providing both advice and a knowledgeable ear to my ideas. I could not recommend LRUK enough!

We have been dealing with Land Rovers UK and they have been absolutely amazing. Very friendly and helpful, we are in the US and our bank has been asking for a lot of documentation to get our loan for our Truck. The staff at Land Rovers UK has been so helpful and not once did they ever seem annoyed that we needed so much information from them. We were dealing with Andy and he is a great guy. They are a very friendly and professional company. If you are looking to get a one of a kind Land Rover this is the place to go.

Investigating different options for my next vehicle for 6 months I zeroed in on wanting every kids dream vehicle of a Defender 110. I never thought I would have to go to another country to get one though. After several discussions with Steve and the Land Rover UK crew all of my concerns were cleared away and all of my wants and expectations were incorporated into my dream vehicle. At the time of this review my 110 is still under construction, but my experience with the Land Rover UK team has been nothing but exceptional. The only negative thing I can say is that seeing all the new creations from LRUK makes me want my 110 even faster and I have already started planning my next 110 without even experiencing my current purchase. I look forward to enjoying my 110 for years to come and strengthening an already family-like relationship with Land Rover UK. Keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing more about your US expansion.