Twisted PURSUIT: An anti-ordinary publication.

DON’T LET THEM TWIST YOUR WORDS.

Companies that do a lot of talking need a lot of words.We only need a few. Here’s the quick guide to the Twisted® vocabulary. Our words, like our vehicles, get to the point faster, smoother and more efficiently than others.

Twisted Originals are vehicles defined, designed & built by Twisted’s expert technicians. When we look at a classic vehicle (like a Defender or Jimny) we see through what they are to what they could become. Only once a vehicle has reached its potential is it then made available to buy. A selection of Twisted Originals™ can be seen in our showrooms in Thirsk and Kensington.

/Originals™ Restore. Modify. Preserve.

Verb. repair so as to return it to its original condition.

Twisted® technicians can return a classic utility vehicle to its former glory. These vehicles, without (m)any Twisted Modifications™ remain Classics.

/Commissions™

Twisted Commissions are custom vehicles, designed & built to customer's specifications. We start with a classic off-roader (if you don’t have one, we’ll source one for you). Then, sit down for a coffee (or something stronger) and talk about what you want your Commission to do. From thoughts & sketches to 3d models & progress videos; ordering a Twisted Commision™ is just the start of the journey.

Verb. make partial changes to the way something works.

Enhance your classic vehicle with Twisted® Mods like suspension or steering – parts that are designed, tested & produced to meet Twisted's rigorous specifications.

Verb. maintain or keep alive (esp. a memory or quality).

Whether it’s a workhorse or a work of art, servicing by Twisted® Engineers will help keep a Classic or Twisted Vehicle ready for the road.

They used to say a Yorkshireman could farm from the seat of his Land Rover, checking his stock, watching his crop, peering over hedges and walls. From the driver’s seat of a Defender, you can see out of all four corners of the car. You can look around you and watch a little bit of the world go by. Sometimes it’s great to just.slow.down. We're all in such a rush. We want our orders delivered on the same day. We want information immediately and answers now.

The automotive market is full of products and vehicles that make driving easier and journeys feel quicker.

Why would you want to rush a journey? It shouldn’t always be about where you’re going. It’s about how you get there. Some things take time. Driving a Defender - driving a Twisted - helps you notice what’s around you and savour the journey as much as the destination.

So, pick up this newspaper and take it with you. Pop it in your car. The next time you’re on a journey, take a break and read this little insight into the anti-ordinary world of Twisted.

And remember, some of the best things in life are the old-fashioned things. Things that don’t urge speed and efficiency but encourage you to appreciate what’s around you. Enjoy your summer with the people that mean the most to you. Stay anti-ordinary.

Charles Fawcett TWISTED FOUNDER

“SOMETIMES IT’S GREAT TO JUST. SLOW. DOWN.”

A LITTLE TWISTED

A

NEW TWISTED ORIGINAL™

ADDED TO THE ROSTER. AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS, IT’S NOT A DEFENDER. MEET THE TWISTED JIMNY

Customers interested in the Suzuki Jimny, redefined by Twisted, are invited to register their interest in limited build slots.

Charles Fawcett, Founder and Managing Director of Twisted, commented, “The much-loved Suzuki Jimny is a pure, proper little offroader. It’s evocative, engaging, and endearing. It’s almost a miniature Defender with similar architecture, driveline and analogue feel.

“My first 4x4 was a Land Rover 109, shortly followed by a brown Suzuki SJ (the Jimny’s predecessor). I adored it. A few years later, I had a little LJ80. Land Rover runs through my veins, but I’m lucky enough to have fond memories of other simple 4x4s. The Jimny is one of the very few vehicles still in production with the same driving essence as when its predecessors were launched over 40 years ago. It still makes every journey fun and induces an immediate smile.”

Pricing for the Suzuki Jimny, redefined by Twisted, is £50k + VAT. Alongside full builds, Twisted has confirmed it will tailor customers' vehicles. Twisted’s initial offering will be the two-seater Jimny Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). However, additional variants haven’t been ruled out.

“The Suzuki Jimny feels like a natural addition to the Twisted stable and appeals to anti-ordinary people of all ages that want to inject fun into their day-to-day driving,” explained Charles. “We’re raring to work on what we’ve nicknamed the ‘Little Twisted’.”

The base Jimny LCV has a 1.5-litre K15B engine with 5-speed manual transmission, 863-litre load area compartment with flat floor and safety cargo partition, air conditioning, ALLGRIP PRO selectable 4WD with low transfer gear, Dual Sensor Brake Support, and cruise control with speed limiter.

Charles added, “A Jimny from Twisted has 165 hp, more engaging handling and power delivery, utilising our Twisted wheel and tyre package along with honed progressive suspension. It benefits from extensive soundproofing, upgraded media interface, audio system and our signature custom interior.”

Twisted has also been working with Front Runner to supply and fit accessories to the Suzuki Jimny (as well as Twisted’s staple offering, the classic Land Rover Defender). With similar brand values to Twisted, Front Runner has a reputation for quality, intelligent design, and durability.

To reserve a build slot for a twisted Jimny, contact info@twistedautomotive.com

THE FAMILY YOU CHOOSE

When needs must, 82-year-old Dorothea is happy to put her Zambezi silver Landy to work on difficult terrain (particularly if you offer to wash the muck off afterwards) and with a towing capacity of 3.5 tons, on one occasion she rescued more than forty caravans from a muddy field. She is, says Charles Fawcett, Twisted’s founder, “the lady every Land Rover adventurer would want to call grandma. She is the matriarch of our anti-ordinary clan.”

Refusing to kick off her two-inch kitten heels when she’s behind the wheel, Dorothea, from North Yorkshire, lives the life that most of us yearn for. Not a suitcase to carry or security queue to dread, she sets off on her travels with her home, a sturdy German-built caravan, trailing behind her TD5. “This is not a dress rehearsal, you don’t get a second chance, so get on with it,” says Dorothea, who road trips with Radley, her Scottish Terrier. “When I’m getting ready to go somewhere he sits at the back door waiting. He loves it.”

Dorothea’s self-assured yet down-toearth presence has a firmness that says, don’t mess, but in 2010 she was targeted by thieves. They stole the dark green Defender her late husband Kenneth bought for her three weeks before he died. “I cried, and cried, and cried,” recalls Dorothea, who has been piloting Land Rovers since the late sixties. “Kenneth said it would be the last one I ever had.”

Determined not to be a victim, Dorothea called upon Charles to help her find a replacement that she could depend on. “I knew what that green Defender meant to her because she brought it to us for maintenance work before it got stolen,” says Charles. “Dorothea was quite upset, but being the strong independent lady

that she is, she got on with it – and so did we. At Twisted we look after our own.”

On a bleak winter's evening, with planes grounded, trains cancelled and roads made impassable due to heavy snow, Dorothea arrived at Twisted’s Thirsk HQ for a test drive. “I were full of cold but I wanted a motor and you’ve got to know how t’handle them when it’s slippy.”

Sat on chunky 18-inch hurricane alloys, the 200bhp TD5 felt slightly more lively than the Defender Kenneth had gifted her, but Dorothea was impressed by its “throaty” 2.5-litre tuned diesel engine. Its upgrades, including uprated suspension and an anti-roll bar, as well as a stainless steel exhaust system, were engineered by Charles, but Dorothea “let the charm and practicality rule her

appreciation of the vehicle.” Dorothea had found the Landy she was looking for. It’s been twenty years since Kenneth passed away, “I would give everything I have, and more besides, if I could have him back for a day,” but Dorothea hasn’t let the decades pass her by. With her wagon hitched to her Landy she’s never in a hurry when she heads off into the sunset. “Better two minutes late in this world than a minute too soon in the next.” This maternal advice from Dorothea is the kind you’d expect a caring mother or grandmother to impart. “It’s an honour to consider her a symbolic head of the family,” says Charles. “At Twisted, we’re the family you get to choose, and what brings us together is our love for the Landy.”

WHEN DOROTHEA SMEDLEY WANTS TO DO SOMETHING SHE GETS ON AND DOES IT. AN EMBODIMENT OF HER GO-ANYWHERE SPIRIT, THE DEFENDER TD5 90 SHE DRIVES CAN CLIMB HILLS SO STEEP ALL YOU CAN SEE IS SKY AND THE END OF THE BONNET.

Meet Dorothea Smedley, matriarch of the Twisted tribe

GUEST WRITTEN BY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST, CHARLOTTE VOWDEN.

/

“This is not a dress rehearsal, you don’t get a second chance, so get on with it...”

Iyou’ve got a soft spot for a soft top, speak with the Twisted team. Alternatively, Twisted techs can convert a hard top (ours or yours) with our heavy-duty hood sticks and custom-made Twisted mohair hoods. Choose a hood in a colour and style that suits your vehicle - with or without windows, zip-up, or even removable sides and back.

There are several options to use the original doors or change for Seriesstyle ones with removable tops.

You might want to make the windscreens foldable for the ultimate ‘flies in your teeth experience’.

We’ll convert the original rear door to a half-height side opening, or we can fit a drop-down tailgate. Each build is as the customer wants it. Your adventures, your Defender. Twisted makes it happen.

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a Twisted Defender, pick up the phone today and let’s get you a coffee. If you have a Land Rover Defender that you’d like the Twisted technicians to service, repair or convert to a soft top, you’ll be in the best hands.

SUMMER DRIVING ISN’T SUMMER DRIVING WITHOUT A SOFT TOP. IT ALLOWS YOU TO ENJOY THE OPEN AIR, SUNSHINE AND VIEWS.

A must-read if you want to go topless this summer.

SOFT SPOT FOR A SOFT TOP?

TOP OF THE SHOPS Let’s take a look at the best-sellers from the Twisted portfolio.

TWISTED SPORT 18" ALLOY WHEELS

TWISTED STAGE ONE GRILLE SETWORKSHOP FIT

From £690

Designed and manufactured in Italy exclusively for Twisted, the Twisted Sport Alloy Wheel has become the item synonymous with our brand. This fits all Defender models, including early 90/110/130 and offers a deep dish, wider offset.

• 18" x 9"

• Available in Satin Black OR Anthracite Grey

• 1100kg load rating

TWISTED STEERING GUARD

From £348 From £474

Designed and manufactured a stone’s throw from Twisted HQ is the 6mm thick aluminium Twised steering guard. It’s powder coated in black with a laser cut Twisted logo. This popular product protects the steering damper while driving off-road, it also gives a finished look to the front of any Defender.

• Includes chassis mounting plates and fitting brackets and bolts.

• Suitable for all standard Defenders 90,110 and 130

• Available in custom colour upon request.

TWISTED PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION

From £2,154

TWISTED CLASSIC STEERING WHEEL

From £540

The Twisted Classic steering wheel is the wheel of choice. The 15" wheel doesn’t take too much away from the standard but ensures a comfier, more driveable experience. The 14" option is, of course, slightly smaller. All Twisted steering wheels come with the branded Twisted centre and a boss for easy fitment.

Available in black, silver or wood

• Available in 14" or 15"

The most influential Twisted product. It transforms the ride of a Defender. After a two-year development programme in partnership with suspension engineer Rhoddy Harvey Bailey, Twisted springs and anti-roll bars are manufactured exclusively in Germany by Eibach. The dampers are custom valved to suit the spring rates, from Bilstein.

A bias on the anti-roll bars is switched to give more travel on the front axle, resulting in less under-steer and more traction when driving. Comfort on road is enhanced through revised spring rates, softer in the first 25mm of movement, soaking up the normal undulations whilst firmer in the centre of the coil to create a more predictable, communicative drive.

All components are replaced including:

• Custom valved gas dampers

• Steering gas damper

• Progressive standard ride height coil springs

• Front & rear anti roll bars and bushes

Our Stage One Grille has been designed to create a more nostalgic look, giving a gentle nod to the Stage One V8 Series III. Made entirely from nylon-coated stainless steel, the grille has a 1.5mm frame. The 8mm square wire mesh is fully welded to the frame to avoid any unwanted rattling but still allows flex.

This kit has the additional mesh horn covers, air con panel under mesh, and will require both front wings TIG welding and painting, hence the workshop fit description. You’’ also get original Series III style headlight surrounds (as standard in gloss black, which you can paint if you wish, once received) to replace the current standard Defender ones.

• Available in black or grey

• Also available in ‘Home Fit’ variation.

• Only available for air conditioned vehicles.

DEFENDER PROTECT & PRESERVE

DON’T LEAVE IT. GET IT LOOKED AT.

We all want the best for our family.We wish them good health. And if something's not quite right, we get them to the doctor.

What has this got to do with Defender?

Defender are like humans. Each one is unique and has flaws; that's why we love them. Plus, when you own one, it becomes part of the family, often to be passed down through the generations. So, if you class your Defender as part of your family, you want it in the best health. That's where we come in. For twenty years, Twisted technicians have nurtured the wellbeing of Land Rover Defender. Yes, we do complete builds - the full Twisted treatment, if you will. We also apply small doses of TLC to any classic Defender. New wheels and tyres, updated audio systems, servicing and repairs. Whatever your vehicle needs to get back to its best, the Twisted team can do it.

MEET THE TWISTED TEAM

OUR TECHNICIANS ARE THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TO RESTORE, REPAIR AND SERVICE YOUR DEFENDER.

Andy puts his 25 years of experience as a workshop controller and technician at a local Land Rover dealership to good use.

Chris is from a background in motorsport - he used to work for a highly successful World Rally Team. These days he applies his vast knowledge to Defender.

There isn't much about a Defender that Jonny doesn't know. With us for many years now, Jonny has completed several one-off custom builds.

Mark joined Twisted in October 2020 after spending 17 years as a Master Technician for Jaguar Land Rover.

Bringing a wealth of experience to Twisted, Mike spent 18 years as a Master Technician at Jaguar Land Rover.

Nick is a mainstay in the Twisted workshop. He takes charge of some of our larger builds.

Tom is the youngest member of the workshop. He's completing his apprenticeship under the guardianship of the whole team.

Nick is a mainstay in the Twisted workshop. He takes charge of some of our larger builds.

TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Charles became an agent for a small range of power upgrades for all Land Rover vehicles.

Started attending trade shows selling tuning products and packages under the name Twisted Performance.

Development is in full swing. Twisted-developed TD5 exhaust systems are produced and the company is being run out of Charles’ garden shed.

Built in Thirsk, our first Twisted black TD5 90 which caught the eye of Land Rover Owner Magazine who became the first publication to test drive a Twisted Defender on Rockingham Raceway.

Worldwide product distribution & first 110 double-cab pickup Demonstrator is built.

The first photographed editorial of a full Twisted Defender conversion is published. One customer's desire to have the best 110 possible showed our founder Charles, the demand for customer involved creations really was there.

2006 saw us build our first full 90 build for a customer with matching Fuel Bowser. Remarkably we saw this build again in 2018 when the owner opted to replace the TD5 engine with an LS3 V8. Quite a monster!

Charles leaves the family business to focus on Twisted full-time. Our TD5 90 took on the Bowler V8 at the Peterborough Speedway.

Our order of 240, last off the line, delivery mileage Defender begin to arrive.

T40, T40S, T60 & T80 models are created to cover all spec options for Defender. We also moved to our current state-of-the-art 12,000 sq.ft HQ in Thirsk.

Our first LS-powered V8 is created for the upcoming Gumball Rally, boasting 480bhp. Based on the TD5 90 we also launched our Red Edition and Retro Editions.

Awareness continued to spread and a 2.4 ‘61 plated Camo 90 was built and distributed to Malaysia. 2011 also saw the launch of the French Edition.

2010 saw the rebrand to simply “Twisted” and the slogan changed to “Think the Unthinkable”.

Our Demo took a trip to Germany’s Nurburgring. Began attending more events to highlight the development of our own products. Including drag racing at Santa Pod and the Worlds fastest Land Rover Event at Bruntingthorpe.

We open our first 2500sq.ft workshop in Thirsk. Three matching 110’s built for a Relentless Energy campaign for Coca-Cola.

We produced 20 classic Twisted Defender, all produced to the same specifications along with the development of our own Classic Twisted Wheels .

We took 20 customers and their Twisted Defender on a 4-day-trip taking in the Yorkshire scenery and driving roads. After high demand for our Classic Series I, we introduced the Classic Series II.

We unveiled our next generation of Twisted Originals™ made up of the Series IIA, Lightweight, Series III and Stage One V8 all giving a nod to their historic namesakes and the foundations upon which Twisted was built.

With Covid bringing the automotive world to a standstill it was the first pause in Twisted production since 2003. Thankfully when re-opened we went from strength to strength and had to increase the workforce significantly to keep up with demand.

We officially open The Old Cinema. our new site in Thirsk. Having outgrown the factory the Cinema provides us a huge showroom space along with our Box Office Café, boutique gift shop and events space where we have our fully licenced Anti-Roll Bar.

After 18 months in development, we launched a new pair of petrol powertrains: TV8, our 6.2l V8 LT1 conversion and TVS, our 2.3l 4 cylinder turbo. Both were incredibly well received at our launch event held in London..

For the first time since 2009, we ventured into a vehicle other than Defender. A

Suzuki Jimny by Twisted was launched, adding to our anti-ordinary offering.

Yorkshire to Monaco (via Russia) in a V8 110

A TWISTED ORIGINAL™

THE ULTIMATE WEEKDAY COMMUTER VEHICLE AND WEEKEND ADVENTURE BUS.

This V8 T110 fits in anywhere.

From a cafe-lined street in South Kensington to an alpine lodge in Verbier, this Defender really is the go-anywhere vehicle.

It can seat nine, and is designed to combine luxury and practicality. Very few vehicles can do as much as this special Defender.

Originally built using one of our ‘last off the line’ vehicles, this T110 has had every key element touched and improved. From the monumental 6.2l V8 under the bonnet and the additional rear air conditioning to the texture-coated brush-out footwells with leather-bound over mats, it has been carefully considered from start to finish.

anti-ordinary people.

Katie Foyle didn’t apply for a job at Twisted. Twisted found Katie. Or rather, Charles Fawcett, founder of Twisted, found Katie. It happened as she led a hack for Charles’ family. The horse Charles’ daughter rode was misbehaving.With her signature no-nonsense approach, Katie dealt with the situation through stern words to the horse and rider.

At this point, we should divulge that the interview for this Anti-ordinary People piece was done via video call, with Katie on reception at the workshop. Charles walked past and dipped in.

“What did you see in Katie, Charles? Why did you think she’d be good for Twisted,” we asked.

“Because she’s bossy,” he replied with a wry smile.

Katie knows Charles well enough to understand it’s her ability to lead with a level head that caught Charles’ eye. In her role as Head of Production (she’s also providing maternity cover for the Events Manager), Katie is the thread that weaves the Twisted technicians, Twisted customers and the Twisted sales team together. She talks with suppliers, books jobs, looks after customers, spots opportunities for growth, nurtures new talent and more.

Head of Production and Interim Events Manager

KATIE FOYLE /

There’s not much Katie doesn’t get involved with. Not in a meddling way. In a way that stems from pure passion for Twisted and to get the best out of everyone and everything.

“People see me at the front desk at the Twisted factory and think I’m the receptionist. It’s a natural assumption. However, my role is more than staffing the front desk. I oversee production. I also believe in the company and what it stands for, so I can see the bigger picture when a decision needs to be made.”

A straight-talking Yorkshire lass, Katie doesn’t seek the limelight or make things about her. She listens, thinks and gets on with the job. Her colleagues describe Katie as the beating heart of the Twisted workshop.

Yet Katie fended off an official leadership role for many years.

“People would come to me to get things done, but I didn’t want to be a manager because I didn’t want people to think I was saying I knew more than them.

I couldn’t do my job without Andy, the Workshop Manager, and all the techs,” she explained. “I make things happen, but it’s their expertise that creates the magic of the vehicles.”

When questioned whether her “bossy” nature is innate, she nodded.

“I’m the one out of my groups of friends that arranges everything. In every job I’ve had, I’ve gravitated to being the one that organises everyone. I can’t help it. That, combined with the work ethic my wonderful parents gave me, means I just get on with things. If something needs doing, it gets done.

Little girls are often criticised for being assertive and leaders. “Bossy” is a negative word. It shouldn’t be. Every business needs do-ers. To the little girls labelled bossy, I say never change; it’s your superpower.”

If you book your vehicle in for a commission, rebuild, servicing, part replacement or detailing with Twisted, you’re likely to deal with Katie. You’re in good hands. Call +44 (0)1845 574 990 or email info@twistedautomotive.com

BE DARING, BE DIFFERENT, BE IMPRACTICAL, BE ANYTHING THAT WILL ASSERT INTEGRITY OF PURPOSE AND IMAGINATIVE VISION AGAINST THE PLAYIT-SAFERS, THE CREATURES OF THE COMMONPLACE, THE SLAVES OF THE ORDINARY.

CECIL BEATON

“TO THE 'BOSSY' LITTLE GIRLS, NEVER CHANGE. LEADERSHIP IS YOUR SUPERPOWER. ”

Why does one put an X between two independent brand names? My nine-year-old son told me this X means they collaborated on something for a specific purpose. Most of you already know that Twisted takes standard newish old Defenders and improves them. That is, without a doubt, the most understated line I have ever written. Let me try that again. They make them loads better, so much so that they are admired and purchased by Defender fans worldwide. As for the Front Runner, their story began in 1999 with some friends sitting under a baobab tree somewhere in Botswana, discussing the need for Africa-proof expedition gear. Fast forward nearly 25 years, and today, you can buy a durable and trusted Front Runner roof rack and accessories anywhere in the world. Their modular and lightweight aluminium rack has a reputation for being among the toughest.

I was part of the team who made this joint venture happen, and as a reward, I was given the keys for a couple of days to enjoy the first fruit of the collaboration, a 2015 Twisted T110 UTE TTD 2.2 MAN.

So how does Twisted make a standard old Defender better? When I got in and turned the key, I looked around me. The word premium immediately came to mind, a word Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s design chief, likes to use a lot when taking you on a walk around the newest Range Rover.

When you pay £95,950 for a limited edition Series IIA Twisted Defender, you can rest assured that no stone has been left unturned in turning it into a premium product with a twist. The Twisted seats are leather, so too the smaller-thanstandard steering wheel, it now does not feel like you are trying to steer a ship. Dash and cubby box have also received a lavish leather makeover. As for the headlining and visors, they are both black Alcantara. The whole cabin just smells and feels like a posh leather shop.

Most of my Defenders have always had performance petrol engines, specifically the straight-six petrol BMW M52. I find standard Td5 and Tdi engines a little slow on the uptake. Great for crossing Africa if not in a hurry but not as your daily driver when you have to cover a fair few miles in it at the best speed. As for the 2.2 TDCi engine in this, you can immediately feel that it has been given Twisted’s P6 performance upgrade. Gone is the sluggishness of standard old Defender engines, and hello to a Defender that can quickly make its way through the six gears, and before you know it, you are comfortably cruising along at the speed limit of 70 mph.

The progressive suspension system and weight on the roof rack ensure hardly any body roll when going into corners hard and fast, even with all the Front Runner accessories on the roof. Regular Defenders are not easy or comfortable to drive every day, but this one could work as my daily driver. I was now getting the whole Twisted ‘making an old Defender better’ mantra. Only an ignorant old Defender driver needs to be cold, uncomfortable, sluggish and wet; remember, the doors leak.

When the Series I was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, the world saw it as a farmer or soldier’s utilitarian saviour. Defenders were made to carry loads and work. This Twisted x Front Runner collaboration can do just that. If you don’t want to throw your bags or gear onto the lovely leather seats

and premium carpet, the customisable Slimline II rack offers endless adventure gear-carrying opportunities.

You can access the rack via the rear access ladder. Or just stand on one of the Defender’s side steps and hold onto one of the racks’ available illuminated grab handles. We added loads of barely visible but valuable accessories, such as the bottle opener and hidden lightweight under-rack table, which is quick and easy to slide out for deployment. Perfect for your mid-greenlaning brew stop on the Yorkshire Dales. The awning has been attached to the rack with Front Runner’s Quick Release System. Then if mother nature spoils the views with some rain or unbearable sunshine, you can quickly deploy the 2m Easy Out Awning. The need for extra storage space has been solved by adding: a Typhoon expedition

bag, the dust and water-resistant Wolf Pack Pro storage box, a 42-litre water tank with hose and a double Jerry can holder with two black 20-litre cans. Each of these has been safely secured to the rack with simple-to-use systems. The great thing about this setup is that removing any gear in seconds is easy.

This Defender is for the discerning adventurer, someone who wants the creature comforts usually associated with some of the other Land Rover marques, such as performance and heated seats but still wants to look ready for the Camel Trophy when heading out on a family camping or ski trip. This collaboration has put the utility and adventure back into the Twisted Defender.

Patrick Cruywagen (The Bush Editor)

HOW DO YOU MAKE A SOUGHT-AFTER TWISTED DEFENDER EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE? EASY. BY FITTING A RUGGED FRONT RUNNER SLIMLINE II ROOF RACK AND SOME OF THE MORE THAN 55 ACCESSORIES, THEY MAKE FOR THE RACK

When Front Runner meets Twisted.

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS...

UNEXPECTED ADVICE FROM A MASTER TECHNICIAN.

Mark joined Twisted in 2020 after spending 17 years as a master technician for Jaguar Land Rover. With a wealth of knowledge of the Defender, Mark is the technical lead for the entire workshop.

This article was supposed to be about Mark’s approach to working on Defender, but it turned into thoughts about learning and leadership in all walks of life. Here are six things Mark has learned in his two decades as a mechanic.

Try to understand how things work.

Don’t be afraid to take things apart and figure out how to put them back together. That doesn’t have to be an entire car! Start small and work your way up. It’s more of a curious mindset than a practical nature. The more you do, the more you learn. Don’t be afraid to understand how things work. Don’t let things daunt you.

It takes time to be good at something.

Only when you truly understand something can you do it confidently - and, importantly, teach others.

Lead by example.

Don’t tell people what to do, lead them to find their solution. Share ideas and discuss options.

In the Twisted workshop, we do this day in, day out. We share ideas on anything from the best way to fit a washer to how the steering and suspension should feel. When we all agree we’ve found the best solution, it goes into the best practice folder, our go-to handbook.

Everyone does things differently. Embrace it.

Defender is Marmite; you either love it or hate it.

For me, it’s a dream toy that will do anything. At Twisted, nothing is left untouched, and you can physically see, hear and feel the difference we make to every vehicle. It’s a team effort, and we get as much pleasure from the final result as the customer.

Mark and his team offer servicing, part replacements and detailing to classic Defender, as well as commissions and rebuilds. If you’d like your treasured Land Rover to benefit from decades of experience, we’d be happy to chat.

MARK LAMB /

I didn’t feel like I’d mastered mechanics until ten years into the job. I’m almost 20 years into the trade and still have lots to learn. In the workshop, I try to lead a culture of patience and craftsmanship in favour of speed and flying through the ranks. As a small team, we teach and learn among ourselves all the time - you can’t rush mastering a skill.

Technical Lead

One way of teaching is to instruct someone exactly how to do it. I don’t work like that. I prefer to involve the person in what they’re learning and encourage them to take ownership

People will be cynical of whatever you do. Do it anyway. Don’t let what others think hold you back.

I was hands-on with the T-VE, the electric Land Rover Defender by Twisted. To us, it makes sense to have an EV as part of our offering. However, people were cynical. Now, it makes people smile, and it’s one of our most talked about vehicles. People will always have an opinion on what you do; do what’s right in your opinion.

THE THIRSK FACTORY IS THE BEATING HEART OF TWISTED AUTOMOTIVE. COME IN.

THIS IS WITHOUT

TWISTED EXISTS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO LEGENDARY VEHICLES.

For twenty years, Twisted Automotive has worked on the Land Rover Defender.

Understanding every nut and bolt. Applying craftsmanship, design, engineering and attention to detail, to produce a vehicle perfect for adventure. A special place to be. Something antiordinary.

“This can apply to any mode of transport,” thought Charles Fawcett, founder of Twisted Automotive. “It’s a lifelong dream of mine to work with speed boats.” The idea for Twisted Marine was born. However, things worth having don’t often come easily.

Twisted Marine was just an idea. How did it become a reality? The short answer is determination. The full story is here.

Charles looked for an engineering company to facilitate his Twisted Marine ambition.

In 2020, Salcombe Marine Services was for sale following the retirement of the incumbent director. Charles put in an offer for the business.

So did a man named Jake Cronk. Jake is a fully qualified marine engineer. He worked for Mercedes AMG HPP (in Formula 1) but yearned to own a business.

He knew Salcombe Marine Services of old, having completed an engineering apprenticeship there many years before.

Charles bid more than Jake but needed someone to run it.

Collaboration is always better than competition. The two men went into business together to start the journey. Jake became MD of Twisted Marine.

Twisted Marine was born. But a business is nothing without people. A brand without a soul is pointless.

The soul of Twisted Marine is the team of passionate engineers and marine industry enthusiasts. From a modest workshop in Salcombe, their only goal is to make awesome boats.

Boats.

Twisted Marine needed a product. A boat offering to sell. Welcome the Twisted 450 RIB, launched at the British Motor Yacht Show (Swanwick Marina) in May 2022. Despite the business’ infancy and intense product development, Jake and Charles were hungry for growth.

In a bid to expand the South coast territory, Twisted Marine targeted West Marine Services, a successful and wellestablished marine engineering company in Brighton Marina.

The idea behind the east coast expansion was to grow the marine engineering side of the business and increase main agency links for other OEM suppliers.

For the boat owners of Salcombe, Brighton and everywhere in between, the expansion means they can get their boat serviced and maintained by Twisted.

With a growing presence came a growing product offering. The Twisted 300S sports boat was launched at Southampton International Boat Show in September 2022.

This brings us to today. Let’s fold the corner of the page and ask, what’s in the next chapter?

Scarab is the main character. Rarely seen in UK waters, Twisted Marine imported a Scarab from Ohio. The essence of the project is to create ultimate reliability AND blistering Miami Vice-like performance.

• 1999 vessel

• Reworked from bow to stern

• Two new 6.2-litre Volvo Penta 430HP V8 petrol engines with DPS outdrives

• Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) standards

• Trailblazer for the marine industry

At the same time, we’re physically rebranding Salcombe and Brighton Marine Services to Twisted Marine. It’s the same experts and the same services, but now visually part of the Twisted family. As for setting a scene on the South coast, a Twisted showroom in Salcombe will open in summer of 2023. This is a story without an end.

TWISTED MARINE AND ARCHIPELAGO EXPEDITION YACHTS COLLABORATE TO CREATE A LUXURY CATAMARAN CAPABLE OF EXTREME ADVENTURE.

THE TWISTED T47 EXPLORER CATAMARAN BLENDS ROBUSTNESS AND OCEAN-GOING CAPABILITY WITH COMFORT AND LUXURY TO DELIVER A VESSEL OFFERING ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE.

TWISTED MARINE Postcards from Salcombe

For twenty years, Twisted Automotive has worked on the Land Rover Defender.

Twisted Marine and Archipelago Expedition Yachts (Archipelago), a highclass leisure-boat builder, have revealed the Twisted Commission™ T47 Explorer concept.

The Twisted T47 Explorer is based on the Archipelago 47, an all alloy motor catamaran designed with naval architect Chartwell Marine and built on the Isle of White.

TWISTED T47 EXPLORER KEY

FEATURES:

• Range of up to 2000 nm+

• Accommodation for up to eight people

• Speed of up to 30 knots

• Prices of this Concept will start at £1.6m - Each will be built under the Twisted Commission™ process

• Ocean-capable

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES AND CUSTOM MODIFICATIONS

INCLUDE:

• Higher cruising speed with Volvo Penta or Yanmar engine propulsion options

• Twisted styling with bespoke Twisted colour options and matching top sides

• Reconfigured interior and cockpit styling, focusing on improved ergonomics and technology enhancements.

• The latest technology, including nightvision cameras for easy docking

• The T47 Explorer will be a truly tailor-made product.

The T47 Explorer answers the call within the market for luxury, yet oceancapable multihulls, a combination so far typically dominated by monohulls.

Conceived as an “explorer’s catamaran”, the 47-foot vessel is designed to deliver distance whilst balancing the desire for speed and performance.

Jake Cronk, Managing Director of Twisted Marine commented: “The collaboration with Archipelago is an excellent match for Twisted Marine due to the craft's aluminium hull construction, long-range and adventure capabilities. We believe that the base product from Archipelago fits our lineup well and that our modifications and performance enhancements will make

for a genuinely unrivalled craft. The catamaran will be capable of impressive speeds and will be built to the custom requirements of each user. The design of the T47 Explorer makes the world a playground. From Arctic Circle expedition trips to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean.”

Dr Stephen Weatherley, Founder and Managing Director of Archipelago, has a lifelong history in boating and a passion for creating more opportunities for the next generation of luxury yachts.

Stephen said: “When I conceived the idea for the Archipelago 47, I used naval architects/designers who specialise in the commercial world. The idea was to marry a commercial “go anywhere, do anything” vessel with a luxurious familyfriendly interior. Twisted’s ethos of taking a “real” working vehicle (not just a showpiece) and making it better, aligns with this approach. It feels right. We’re all very excited about the collaboration.”

Blending the sea-keeping prowess of a high-power multihull commercial craft with an exciting new design embodying a spacious, family-friendly luxury yacht, the Archipelago 47 sets the bar. Its sustainable aluminium double-hull form allows for more stable seafaring, providing a smoother ride

and comfortable and extra living space. Sustainability and accessibility are at the heart of Archipelago’s philosophy – with hybrid and customisable options available - delivering more environmentally-friendly adventuring for future owners.

Andy Page, Director and Naval Architect at Chartwell Marine, added: “When it comes to accelerating technical capability in line with sustainability in the maritime industry, cross-application of experience is key. Naval architecture expertise is not siloed within individual industries; the knowledge, tools and capabilities can be utilised across the maritime sectors, taking learnings from one vessel class to elevate another.”

The Archipelago 47 can be seen at Ocean Village in Southampton.

Customers interested in the Twisted T47 Explorer Concept should contact Twisted Marine on +44 (0)1845 574 990 or sales@twistedmarine.com.

WORDS TO FIND...

COLOUR ME IN...

ISSUE XV • SUMMER 2023

GET IN TOUCH:

NORTH YORKSHIRE SHOWROOM

The Old Cinema 38 Long Street

Thirsk

North Yorkshire

YO7 1AW

United Kingdom

Opening times:

Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Sat-Sun: Appointment only

+44 (0)1845 574 990 info@twistedautomotive.com

The Old Cinema showroom/gallery/coffee-shop. A space for meeting our customers and friends, and a space to keep some of the last Defender to roll off the production line. It’s also the home to some more ‘unusual’ vehicles and boats - but you’ll have to pay us a visit to see what’s here!

NORTH YORKSHIRE FACTORY

Unit 1 & 2

Sussex Court

Thirsk

North Yorkshire

YO7 3TA

United Kingdom

Opening times:

Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Sat-Sun: Closed

+44 (0)1845 574 990 info@twistedautomotive.com

Our North Yorkshire Factory is the beating heart of Twisted Automotive. Nine vehicle ramps and nine technicians are constantly busy creating our unique builds which, over our 21 years in business, have seen Defender shipped, flown or driven to all four corners of the world.

LONDON SHOWROOM

21-23 Radley Mews

Kensington

London

W8 6JP

United Kingdom

Opening times:

Appointment only +44 (0)203 908 2995 london@twistedautomotive.com

MARINE

Bringing a small section of Yorkshire to the capital, our showroom is positioned in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Home to a select few Twisted builds, it provides the opportunity for test drives by appointment and a commissioning space for Twisted customers.

SALCOMBE WORKSHOP

Twisted Marine Lincombe Boatyard

Salcombe

Devon

TQ8 8NQ

United Kingdom

Opening times:

Mon-Fri: Appointment only

Sat-Sun: Appointment only

+44 (0)1845 574 990 info@twistedmarine.com

BRIGHTON WORKSHOP

Located in Lincombe BoatYard, our Salcombe Workshop facilities and team of Marine engineers are second to none. With constant access to an onsite slip-way every Twisted Original™ and Twisted Commission™ is perfected before it leaves the meticulous hands of our Twisted Marine team. Along with servicing, winterising, repairs and storage, Twisted Marine Salcombe is a one stop facility for all South Hams boating needs.

MARINE MARINE SALCOMBE SHOWROOM

6 Marine Trade Centre

Brighton Marina

BN2 5UG

United Kingdom

Opening times:

Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Sat-Sun: Appointment Only

+44 (0)1845 574 990 info@twistedautomotive.com

Located in Brighton Marina Village. We are proud of our OEM partnerships with Mercury Marine, Volvo Penta, and Yanmar Marine. We take great pride in our obsessive attention to detail and engineering rigor, which sets us apart as the best. Our convenient marina location enables us to serve the South East, from Brighton to Bournemouth. Our team of product specialists and skilled GRP technicians can provide a comprehensive range of services, including complete refits, vessel preparation services, and diagnostics and repair.

Twisted Marine HQ Brewery Quay Island Street

Salcombe

TQ8 8DP

United Kingdom

Opening times:

Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Sat-Sun: Appointment Only

+44 (0)1845 574 990 info@twistedmarine.com

Our boutique showroom on Salcombe’s waterfront in Island street is now open. This space will create an opportunity for you to see Twisted products for land and sea, grab a coffee, take some time to soak up the Twisted atmosphere, experience our products and design, create your perfect craft or arrange a demonstration.

Suzuki Jimny conversions carried out by Twisted Automotive are not official Suzuki conversions. JIMNY is a trademark and brand of Suzuki Motor Corporation | DEFENDER is a trademark of Jaguar Land Rover Limited