Ambanis Chop Multi-Crore Land Rover Defender's Roof For Use As Vantara 'Safari Vehicle' [Video]
Mukesh Ambani and his family have one of the largest private collections of cars in India. While the exact number is not publicly disclosed, it is known that they have at least 200 vehicles in their garage. Like many millionaires, they continually update their collection with new additions. The latest vehicle to join their garage is a Land Rover Defender. However, this isn't just any Defender; it's a modified version with a chopped-off roof, purchased to be used at Vantara.
A video shows the modified Land Rover Defender SUV on a trailer. The exact location of the vehicle isn't specified, but it's possible the truck was spotted near Gujarat, where Vantara is located. The SUV in the video has been completely modified for safari purposes.
While Mahindra SUVs like the Bolero and Invader have been converted into safari vehicles before, this is likely the first time a Defender has been adapted for this purpose in India. The trailer appears to be parked on the side of the road. As part of the modification, the Defender's roof has been removed, and metal bars have been installed in place of the B and C pillars. The doors have also been altered to complete the look.
These metal bars are extended to a height that allows passengers to stand inside the vehicle comfortably. The open sides provide occupants with a 360-degree view of their surroundings. A roof has been added to offer protection from the sun, positioned high enough not to obstruct the occupants' view. The SUV is finished in a beautiful shade of blue, though it's unclear whether this is a custom paint job or a wrap.
What is Vantara?
For those unfamiliar, Vantara is a large-scale wildlife rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center established by Reliance Industries. This sanctuary spans 3,000 acres within the Reliance Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The initiative was spearheaded by Anant Ambani. Launched on February 26, 2024, Vantara features dedicated facilities for elephants and state-of-the-art accommodations for various animals, including lions, leopards, tigers, and crocodiles. In addition to meticulously designed animal enclosures, the facility includes hydrotherapy pools, a spacious elephant jacuzzi for arthritis treatment, and numerous water features.
Land Rover Defender
The SUV featured in the video is based on the Defender 110 variant. Given the customizations, it's uncertain if it retains all the features of a standard Defender. Typically, a Defender comes equipped with amenities such as a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, automatic climate control, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, connected car features, a premium Meridian sound system, electrically adjustable front seats, electronic air suspension that can be adjusted at the touch of a button, a 360-degree camera, heated front seats, blind-spot assist, front and rear parking sensors, six airbags, ABS, traction control, leather upholstery, rubber flooring, and more.
The Land Rover Defender is available with 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter petrol engines, as well as a 3.0-liter diesel engine. Land Rover has also introduced a 5.0-liter V8 petrol engine option for both the Defender 110 and 90 versions.