In the automotive world, a lesser-known niche of companies known as specialty vehicle manufacturers exists to push the boundaries of original engineering, poaching vehicles directly from the last conveyor belt at the factory and customizing, upgrading, and tuning them with special equipment at their own facilities.
You may be familiar with Shelby American or Hennessey Performance as some of the biggest names in bespoke manufacturing, famous for vehicles like the GT500 (based on the Mustang) and Velociraptor (based on the F-150 Raptor), respectively.
For us at ONYX Automotive, Overfinch stands out as a specialty vehicle manufacturer for Land Rover vehicles. Compared to the names of Roush, Saleen, Shelby American, or Hennessey Performance, Overfinch vehicles are an incredibly rare sight, especially in Omaha. Fortunately, ONYX has had the pleasure of facilitating a handful of Overfinch sales for clients, coordinating the sale and final delivery of these bespoke vehicles.
At ONYX Automotive, we understand the pursuit of perfection. As Omaha’s premier home for Jaguar and Land Rover, we live and breathe British automotive excellence. Together, let’s explore the fascinating history of the Overfinch brand.
Overview
- Overfinch provides bespoke enhancements including carbon fiber styling, custom interiors, and performance wheels. They are not affiliated with or part of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
- Each edition is released as a package of upgrades available on specific Land Rover models, sometimes for a limited time or limited to a certain number of installations worldwide.
- To buy an Overfinch vehicle, clients must commission a new order, provide their own eligible vehicle for upgrading by the company, or find a pre-owned example either on their own or through the company’s selection of “Approved-Used” units.
What is Overfinch?
If you are new to the world of high-end automotive tuning, you might mistake an Overfinch for a special edition released directly by the manufacturer, a standalone vehicle make of its own, or even the driver’s own choice of aftermarket parts installations.
To Land Rover, they are similar to what Alpina once was to—before being acquired by—BMW or Brabus is to Mercedes-Benz, and they operate without a formal commercial partnership.
The company’s philosophy is distinct; according to their vision statement, their goal is to enhance the aesthetics and dynamics of Land Rover vehicles without compromising the original character that makes them so desirable. And they don’t just add on parts; they re-interpret the vehicle for a client who demands absolute exclusivity.
From Horsepower to High Fashion
To understand the prestige of the brand, one must look at the journey the company has taken over the last five decades.
The Schuler Era (1975–1980s)
The company was originally founded under the name Schuler by Arthur Silverton. In the mid-70s, the Range Rover Classic was a brilliant off-roader, but it lacked highway speed.
Silverton’s solution was radical: he swapped the stock engines for American General Motors V8s and upgraded the transmission to a TorqueFlite automatic.
This transformed the agricultural or militaristic feel of the early Range Rover into a vehicle that could genuinely keep up with sports cars of the era.
Paris-Dakar Victory (1981)
The engineering prowess of the firm was solidified in 1981 when an Overfinch-prepared Range Rover won the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally. This wasn’t just about luxury; it was proof that their modifications could survive the harshest environments on Earth.
The Modern Era
As Land Rover began releasing their own high-performance SVR models, the need for Overfinch to perform engine swaps diminished. Today, the company focuses less on raw horsepower and more on visual presence, weight reduction through carbon fiber, and bespoke interior architecture. They have evolved from a performance engineering firm into a high-fashion house for SUVs.
The Art of Bespoke Enhancement
What separates an Overfinch from a standard Range Rover you might see cruising down West Dodge Road? It comes down to the obsession with materials and details.
Carbon Fiber Mastery
Modern Land Rovers are engineering marvels, but Overfinch finds room for improvement by utilizing aerospace-grade carbon fiber. They add and replace entire body panels, grilles, spoilers, lips, and diffusers with perfectly weaved and hand-laid carbon structures. This aggressive styling gives the vehicle a wider, more athletic stance that immediately catches the eye.
“Bridge of Weir” Leather
Step inside, and the difference becomes tactile. Overfinch completely retrims the cabin. They utilize Bridge of Weir leather, sourcing hides from the Scottish Lowlands. The stitching patterns are intricate, often diamond-quilted or hexagonal.
Bespoke Custom Themes
Veneers can be customized to various distinct themes, such as “Manhattan” with art-deco style multi-layered wood veneer depicting scenes of the Manhattan skyline, or “Mother of Pearl” which adds real pearl veneer trim throughout the cabin.
MANHATTAN
LONDON
MOTHER OF PEARL
Greatest Creations: Iconic Overfinch Models
Over the years, the tuner has released several limited-run vehicles that have become collector’s items. Here are a few that have made headlines in the automotive world.
The Holland & Holland Edition
Perhaps their most famous collaboration, this vehicle was designed for the ultimate gentleman sportsman. This model features a custom cabinetry system in the trunk designed specifically to hold a pair of matching Holland & Holland shotguns. It also includes a bespoke drinks cabinet, making it the ultimate accessory for a countryside estate.
The Velocity Edition
If The Holland & Holland Edition is about tradition, The Velocity Edition is about aggression. The Velocity features a “crushed” carbon fiber weave that reflects light differently than standard carbon. Custom wheels on the Velocity are much wider than factory specification to fill out the wide body arch extensions with carbon fiber reveals fitted by Overfinch. This vehicle was limited to just 10 units worldwide.
The Dragon Edition
The core name “The Dragon Edition” actually represents a series of 8 vehicles released by Overfinch, each with their own unique assortment of enhancements featuring visual cues to the zodiac dragon symbol. Talons and illustrative dragon engravings adorn nearly every surface of the vehicles’ upgraded interiors—the seats even have a scale-y surface made of leather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Overfinch owned by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)?
No, Overfinch is an independent aftermarket tuning company. They are not owned by or commercially affiliated with Jaguar Land Rover, though they exclusively tune vehicles from the Land Rover marque.
Does Overfinch void the warranty of vehicles it modifies?
This is a complex area. Generally, the factory warranty remains intact for non-modified parts. However, if an aftermarket part causes a failure, that specific repair may not be covered by Land Rover. Overfinch typically provides their own warranty on the components they install.
How can I buy an Overfinch Land Rover?
Per Overfinch, there are three main ways to acquiring an Overfinch vehicle of your own.
Commission a New Overfinch:
“Looking for a new, bespoke vehicle? Your dedicated Overfinch representative will order your desired base vehicle from Land Rover on your behalf, before our team of craftspeople complete your conversion. From creating a unique exterior colour to a fully bespoke leather interior, the choice is yours. When your unique vehicle is ready, it will be delivered to you in an enclosed Overfinch transporter.”
Convert your Range Rover
“Enhancement options exist for each model in the Range Rover and Land Rover line-up. If you already own a Land Rover or Range Rover vehicle, whether current or from a previous model year, our team will arrange to collect your vehicle, before enhancing it to your specification.”
Approved-Used
“A range of Overfinch vehicles are available for immediate delivery. All Overfinch Approved vehicles have undergone a comprehensive multi-point appraisal by our factory trained technicians, to ensure their condition both inside and out. Vehicles are covered by the Overfinch One call service and come with an inclusive warranty.
“As its new owner, you are still able to add bespoke touches your new Overfinch. Personalise leather headrests with embroidery and choose from our range of alloy wheels and bonnet lettering.”
