Overfinch - A history of Land Rover Re-Mastering since 1975
As Overfinch approaches it’s a 50th birthday, we take a look at the origins and chronology of one of the world’s most well established purveyors of bespoke and specialised Land Rovers.
There are not many vehicle tuners dedicated to a single marque who can say that they have been in the vehicle modification business for half a century. Overfinch is able to lay claim to that title as it has been tuning, modifying and redefining Land Rovers since the mid 1970’s.
The story of the company began in 1975 when Yorkshireman Arthur Silverton, an entrepreneur with a passion for automotive engineering, established Overfinch Bespoke Vehicles in Farnham, Surrey under the name Shuler Presses.
Images source: Overfinch
With higher performance at the focus of Silverton’s vision, Silverton got to work on improving the performance of Range Rovers with a host of engine modifications that increased power output and efficiency, thus laying the foundation for the company’s evolution. In 1979, Shuler developed the first 3 speed automatic gearbox as a replacement for the standard Range Rover gearbox and coupled this with the introduction of an upgraded manual 5 speed option with closer ratios for customers looking for a gearbox more suited to higher performance and long distance driving.
In 1981, a Range Rover fitted with a Shuler gearbox won the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally, thereby further establishing the Shuler brand as a global leader in high performance Range Rovers. A few years later in 1984, the company developed the first Range Rover air suspension system which transformed on-road handling and enhanced the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The name Overfinch, was adopted in 1985 as the Range Rover division of Shuler separated from its German origins, establishing Overfinch as a UK based operation and the leading aftermarket Range Rover modifier. This sentiment was echoed by the UK government who commissioned Overfinch to build armoured Range Rovers, most likely for transporting VIP’s and senior politicians around.
1988 saw the launch of the company’s high performance Defender, the 110 570 – powered by a 5.7 V8 and a GM700 automatic gearbox and a new suspension system. The fitment of Recaro seats and further interior enhancements saw Overfinch essentially establish the market for modified Defenders – a path that has been well trodden by numerous Defender refinement companies ever since and a niche that is still very much alive and well today.
Images source: Overfinch
The 90’s saw the launch of the range topping Overfinch 570CI – a completely redefined Range Rover which had supercar credentials thanks to its 5.7 V8 and comprehensive suite of suspension, braking and handling upgrades. Later in the same decade, the 460I (using a 4.6L V8) was introduced tailored to customers who were looking for a better balance between power and economy, with all of the tuner’s enhancements (such as its specially built Recaro seats) that the company was becoming known for.
To commemorate its 25th year in 2000, Overfinch launched the 630R based on the P38 2nd generation Range Rover, which used a mighty 6.3L V8 and was limited to 25 vehicles. A year later, the company’s Active Ride Technology was introduced which saw Overfinch successfully complete a 50mph slalom test – unfortunately the standard factory Range Rover couldn’t achieve the same outcome. In recognition of Overfinch’s Supersport package, the company was awarded the Special Recognition for achievement in Design by Ford at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in 2008.
The same year saw a collaboration with the world famous gunmaker Holland and Holland which saw the creation of special editions with numerous exterior and interior enhancements inspired by the rifle manufacturer.
Images source: Overfinch
Unfortunately however, as the pressures of the 2008 global financial crisis of took full effect, the company was placed into administration in November 2010 as a result of one off non-trading costs which impacted the company’s cash flow. Autobrokers of Leeds, which had been Overfinch’s largest retailer (and had operated as Overfinch Leeds) purchased the business and the company’s assets following a competitive bidding process.
With a new owner at the helm and renewed investment, 2013 saw the unveiling of the complete enhancement package for the new L405 Range Rover, with enhancement options being released for the LWB and Sport variants in 2014. The same year saw the company open its flagship showroom in the heart of St Johns Wood, London.
To commemorate the end of Land Rover’s production of the Defender in 2015 and to celebrate Overfinch’s 40th birthday, the company launched an exclusive edition of the Defender which was limited to just 5 vehicles worldwide, making it one of the rarest Defenders ever produced.
2016 saw the tuner reach across the Atlantic with the opening of a US based product development and engineering facility in Danville, Virginia, alongside the launch of its ‘Manhattan Edition’ LWB Range Rover featuring an Art Deco styled interior inspired by the New York skyline.
Images source: Overfinch
Redefined by Overfinch got a new look in 2018 with an all new carbon fibre body kit which was developed for the new Range Rover Sport. A year later saw the company release its offering for the Range Rover Velar alongside the launch of the Velocity package – a set of carbon fibre enhancements and alloy wheel options for the standard, LWB and Supercharged Range Rovers. The Sandringham Edition, limited to just 5 vehicles, was commissioned in 2020 to mark the company’s 5th anniversary in the USA.
Images source: Overfinch
The introduction of Overfinch Heritage in 2021, saw the creation of a new organisational division with a specific a focus on the restoration and modifying of classic Land Rovers to satisfy the growing global demand from collectors and enthusiasts for restored and re-invented classics. This work extended a year later with the release of a re-mastered 110 Defender, based on the original 1992 version and powered by a V8 powertrain.
Today, Overfinch is continuing to offer its customers distinction and exclusivity with a new design for the new 2024 (fifth generation L460) Range Rover. This year also saw the unveiling of a special interpretation of the L460 Range Rover to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
Overfinch’s timeline is a rich assortment and more importantly an evolution of a vehicle refinement company, that has stood the test of time for almost 50 years.
As the company looks to the future, one thing is certain: the legacy of luxury and innovation that has defined the brand for almost five decades will continue to inspire and captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world. With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Overfinch is poised to remain at the pinnacle of Land Rover refinement and modification for years to come.
The history of Overfinch is a testament to Arthur Silverton’s original vision and to the enduring appeal of personalized luxury vehicles and the passion of those who strive to redefine the boundaries of automotive excellence. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global icon, Overfinch has left an indelible mark on the automotive world, shaping the future of Land Rover vehicles one bespoke creation at a time.