Arkonik Reviews 175

From my first contact with Arkonik until delivery, they have been great to deal with. Since delivery, they have contacted me several times to ensure everything is going well with my Defender and to see if I have any questions or need anything. The quality of the build is excellent and our family has enjoyed our weekends out exploring in it. Thank you Arkonik for providing excellent service and an awesome Defender!

I had been lusting for a Defender practically my entire life, and when Arkonik called and mentioned they had one available, I jumped at the opportunity. White glove service was provided throughout the ordering and delivery process, with Tom giving exceptional background and information on the vehicle and Eric diving deep on the history, operation, and maintenance of Defenders on delivery.

I've only had the Defender for about a month, but all the other Defender enthusiasts and mechanics have marveled at its build quality. It's clear that Arkonik has a deep passion and knowledge for rebuilding these classics.

If your dream is to own a "brand new" Defender, go with Arkonik. Highly recommended company.

I am about to take delivery of my 4th Defender from Arkonik. The relationship I've had with Thomas Parry and team Arkonik goes about 5 years back. I don't think there's a London Business School class or Harvard business case that comes close to describing what goes on at Arkonik, but having known them now for some time and even having the pleasure of visiting them in person, all I can say is that there's some magic that happens when you put a bunch of super nice people together with a deeply shared passion and experts in their respective field. Each of the builds have been special to me, purpose built and unique in its own way. The latest build is a Defender 110, which we plan to take it across country, maybe even tow an Airstream around, climb up to the roof and just watch the stars on some calm summer evening out in the middle of nowhere. Arkonik markets and sells Defenders, but the real experience is the interaction with the entire staff there who are really excited in sharing each step of the process. Can't wait to build more of these with you guys!

Great post sale customer service and great product. Thanks Arkonik!

One day I got a wild hair to look for and buy a Defender 110. I looked all over the internet at several vehicles all over the US. None on them got me excited. Then I literally stumbled across Arkonik and their website. I started to do a small amount of research and learned about what Arkonik had to offer and that they were the real deal. With ongoing hesitations about Arkonik I decided to put a deposit on a vehicle to get my name in the hat. Next step, my wife and I took a trip over the pond to visit the Arkonik operation and take our order to the next step, which was hand picking every single detail down to the stitching pattern of the thread on the custom seats. Arkonik pocked is up from our hotel and we spent the entire day with the Arkonik team. We met every person that would personally be working on our vehicle. It was then and only then that we knew that we made the right choice. Fast forward through the process.......we got to see our vehicle get built from day one through the day it left to go to the port for its journey over the pond. The client portal that they provide is awesome!! They provided daily updates on the build and kept us informed of step step of the process. The delivery of the vehicle was just as satisfying. It showed up in my driveway and days later the local US rep flew to see me to do a three hour orientation of the vehicle AND went to the DMV with me to help me title and register the vehicle. Talk about customer service!! Overall I would and may do it all over again. Great company and great vehicles. I personally got the Cervus Edition and I will have this vehicle until the day I move on to another life. Hopefully I can take it with me😳

After reviewing companies and talking to people I felt Arkonik was the right choice for me to build up a Defender. After being a part of the thorough process my Apache Edition showed up in perfect condition and is an amazing vehicle. I would recommend using Arkonik if anyone is looking to get a Land Rover Defender.

I have now had my Defender for 6 months and it's as amazing as when it was first delivered and operates impeccably. My build, as with all, had an incredible level of detail (ANEJO) and the process was thorough, professional, and exceeded the vision I had for my vehicle in all regards. Each touch point with Arkonik was better then the prior with all staff members being absolutely passionate professionals delivering on utmost quality and impeccable customer service. I can't say enough positive things about Arkonik and the vehicle they built for me. Due to my level of detail and some of my quirky requests they never missed a beat and executed on each impeccably while politely pushing back on some and offering improvements on others. The collaboration was just amazing!! They listen, research, and execute impeccably!! Initially prior to ordering the vehicle I was concerned how the after care would be handled as they are in the UK and I am in the US. After 6 months and a few minor service calls I can say without reservation that they not only deliver an amazing vehicle but stand behind it better then I could have ever imagined. I highly recommend Arkonik and I will say my main point of contact Tom Maxwell was exceptional as were all staff members I interacted with. I also went with the Ruskin interior and presented I believe a very unique and challenging project brief which they translated in a very timely manner far exceeding my initial vision. Outstanding process, Amazing customer service, Extreme level of detail and quality, and a finished product that words don't give justice to. They are more than the real deal!!!
An extremely satisfied client (just in case you couldn't tell by my review)

Arkonik has mastered the Defenders. I just had a 1988 D110 delivered this December and it is just perfect. Not only was it built well but the service and attention to detail in making sure the broader experience is exception is unmatched. Eric meets you at you home to walk you throught the ins and outs of the vehicle, helps you with registration, and any other questions. If anyone is seriously looking at purchasing a Defender, there is no one better!

Arkonik provided a great client experience from the beginning of the build process to delivery. Tom was instrumental in making my decision to purchase a 110 and was there to help with any questions we had during the process. The portal provides an up to date viewing of the build out and I would recommend this to anyone purchasing from Arkonik. As the 110 began to take shape Tom and Team are there to guide you through customs and delivery.
A great Defender 110 was delivered along with an exceptional client experience.

Tom was super helpful and informative. Great product and a great company!

I have driven Land Rovers for years and have always loved them, but it seams as of late that they are making more car type vehicles and less focus on a great 4 wheel drive. Too much lipstick and not enough napalm. I spent some time in New Zealand a few years ago and part of that time was touring around the mountains of the south island in a 110. Loved it from the get go and thought that I need to get one of these in the states some day. Have seen some of them roll through the local LR dealer, but always in OK shape, not great, with a hodgepodge of various US parts holding them together.

Started looking serious about 2 years ago. Met with the local LR dealer and visited a few car shows but never found one in great shape. Saw one at the Sun Valley car show that was going for 50k and the doors were literally falling off of it. Found Arkonik on the web and from the gun I was impressed with what they were doing with the 110. Ended up calling one day on a whim and talked with Tom Maxwell. Was impressed with Tom and his attention to detail and answers. Made arrangements to go to the Elite Show in NY to meet Tom and drive the trucks and that sealed the deal. Drove two 110's and was impressed all around and placed an order right away.

When Tom and I got down to brass tacks on the details we spent two hours on the phone. I had paint samples, leather samples, and spec sheets all of my desk and we got so focused on every thing on the car it was great. At one point I told Tom I wanted different buttons for every set of lights on the vehicle, and wanted them all to operated independent of one another. Tom got an electrician on the phone and he mapped out the whole thing for me, each light and the placement of each button, it was wonderful.

I am waiting for my 110 to arrive but I am already very impressed with the group at Arkonik. Are there going to be issues, yes, but that is the case with anything. My SVR has issues, my wife's AMG has issues, but I just bought a vehicle that I will always have. And the issues with my 110 are at least the kind you solve with a SAT phone, a .44 magnum, duck tape and the winch on the front. I bought a vehicle that is very rare in the states and a vehicle that I will create memories with my family that they will never forget. My kids will all learn how to drive stick on this vehicle, my kids will all hang out the windows with the dog, as we float through the mountains out west, hide in it when it rains while camping and it will be the symbol of some great times together as a family for years to come.

Thanks to Tom and the Arkonik team, I cannot wait for my 110 to arrive. Tom even invited me to come over the factory, said I could stay at his place and eat out of his fridge, which I think he would do, because that is the way these guys approach this deal, and I appreciate it.

I had never done anything like this before, and I'm not a car expert. Even though Arkonik is in the U.K. And I'm in the US their service really made the difference. They helped me configure the vehicle in the beginning so as to help insure I didn't "over do" it. Once the vehicle was delivered they had someone on site to help go over the maintenance. The vehicle drove wonderful. Everyone who has seen it was impressed. At about 1500 miles I did have an engine issue. Arkonik helped me navigate and took full responsibility to install a new engine. I couldn't me more impressed. I'm at 2500 miles now and everything is great.

To preface this review, I've been following Arkonik for several years now on various social media channels and have consistently been a fan of the quality that they have produced. Recently, I left my home in California to begin a photography trip around the world which has led me to the U.K. I had the idea in the back of my mind that I would contact Arkonik upon my arrival and see if they would be kind enough to allow me to pop in and have a look around. When I arrived in London, I dropped them a line asking if I could come by and take some photos for them. A short time passed and I received a warm response email from Andy Stacey thanking me for reaching out and graciously inviting me over to Somerset to come visit, even going so far as to arrange for a personal pickup for me from nearby Bath. From the moment I stepped foot into Arkonik HQ, I was greeted with smiles and handshakes, from literally everyone. When I was given the tour around the multiple offices and work bays, everyone seemed to have known I was coming. "You're Spencer, right? It's lovely to meet you finally." I truly have never known hospitality like this. I honestly have less welcoming relatives. After the tour was over, I was given carte blanche access to the entire operation to photograph whatever my heart desired. This even included setting up a fairly involved piece of equipment in the sanding bay which the boys all happily worked around. Around 1 p.m., Lauren from the office tapped my shoulder and informed me that a recently completed Defender 110 was due to be taken out and photographed in a nearby picturesque patch of woodland. I absolutely jumped at the opportunity! I opened the rear hatch and placed my equipment in the back and what a sight I was greeted by: immaculate diamond plate flooring, beautiful leather seating, rugged dials and handles, a truly incalculable number of beautiful nuances; a truly awe-inspiring creation. On the excursion, I was joined by the in-house photographer, Sam, and the managing director of Arkonik, Andy Hayes. It was absolutely astonishing to me that the CEO of the company hand tested every single one of the vehicles to make sure it met his exacting standards of quality. During the drive out to the shoot location, Andy passionately spoke about the philosophies that drive his company: an unceasing attention to detail, a strong belief in his product, and handcrafted perfection down to the last nut and bolt. It was the strong, innate impulse within him to take things old and breathe new life into them that has formed Arkonik into what it is today. That, and an amazingly gifted set of boots on the ground in each bay and office. At the end of the day, Andy was really interested in my input as a fresh pair of eyes, and to that end, this is what I saw: Everyone at Arkonik is open-minded to new ideas and to growth. They operate as a tight-knit family and the overall mood in the building is one of jovial comradery. Each Defender is a beautifully made labour of love crafted exactly to each customer's specific tastes. I couldn't be happier about sending that email, this is an experience I'll treasure for years to come. Truly the highlight of my time in the United Kingdom.

I purchased a Defender 110 which came in with a paint problem. ARKONIK worked very hard to fix it but it still took months away from enjoying my Defender after waiting a year. Always worried if the problem would surface later on other parts of the vehicle. Before I received the 110 I purchased a ARKONIK 90 from a owner in the US. The quality of the 90 was not great. Although it only had 2000 miles on it things continued to breakdown. That made me concerned if after a while would I have the same issues with the 110. I thought about buying another one but felt they became to expensive to risk the money.

I have had my Arkonik Defender 110 going on 1.5 years, the quality of build, and the wonderful people at Arkonik that made it happen was truly an exceptional experience, the best I have ever had when purchasing a vehicle. I have owned 76 cars. They are trust worthy, caring and responsive. What else would you need when you know they delivery what they promise, are there for you when, or if there is an issue and help you resolve it without any hesitation. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. I called one day, asked where do I send my deposit, I want one and we were off. Never missed a beat sending money across the pond to to complete strangers, never was I worried, they were in constant contact. They are simply the best.

My build was fantastic! I have enjoyed my Defender 90 so much since its delivery 18 months ago. This is a well built machine that catches every eye as it goes by. The name is "Fury", and she is every bit full of it. As a former Army Apache helicopter pilot, I can say that this is the second best machine that I have ever operated.

I purchased an Arkonik build second hand. Originally dubbed "Urban-Flo". I'm truly impressed and am unsure why original owner of the 110 gave it up. I'm told he had to liquidate a portion of his car collection. Regardless, I'm lucky to now own this truly remarkable restoration!

Upon acquisition, I had many unanswered questions. I purchased from an exotic auto dealer without personal inspection. I felt confident in doing so, because it was an Arkonik build. They've earned credible reputation. However, the dealer did not have answers. I called Tom in the U.K., explained the scenario, and I was astonished at his willingness to provide answers. The Arkonik team went so far as sending me some parts I desired for a steering wheel upgrade. I wanted the iconic wooden steering wheel, and it ultimately was delivered to my front door from across the pond expeditiously.

To say I'm OCD would be an understatement. I took truck to local Ziebart for undercoating, since we live in the rust belt. When they put it up on the lift and inspected the underside, they felt it was more than sufficiently protected and didn't feel right taking my money. They're remarks further solidified my assurance that this truck can indeed be a daily driver and not just a garage queen.

Overall, I'm more than satisfied with the 110. As many have stated, the defender draws so much attention! It's one-of-a-kindness adds to my pleasure of owning it. I would endorse Arkonik to US customers. If you're contemplating a defender, there's no other agency that will deliver a better product through the appropriate legal importation process. I would pay a premium for such peace of mind. Thankfully, they don't charge such premiums. Similar work would be more costly stateside. Custom auto shops here are not as familiar with defender nuances and the work may negatively reflect that.

From the first phone call two years ago, to present day, has been an awesome journey. I cant believe my dream SUV is now in my garage. There are days when I go down stairs turn on the lights and just stare at my beautiful 110. When I drive her, I know I'm smiling from ear to ear. So many land rover drivers give me a thumbs up as I pass them by, around town. Many times my gas station visit ends up taking an hour because guys are asking me "what the heck is that, Its really cool looking?" You guys have created a dream for me that I get to ride in every day.
The staff was great to work with. The web portal was cool so I could see each step of the build process and the delivery day was like a kid waiting on Santa to put gifts under the tree. I was so excited the night before I could not sleep. Thank you, thank you , thank you for creating the goose bumps on my arms every time I put my hands on the steering wheel!!!!!

Land rover enthusiasts,
D.Shane Conner

A Work of Art with an Engine -

We just spent two days at the Arkonik headquarters, body shop and garage and found the team to be top notch - very professional, knowledgeable and ultra accommodating. Due to some travel challenges on our part and a rather late arrival, Thomas Parry and Nathan Davis were willing to stay well past closing to walk us through the design-build process and begin our selections. Throughout our time together every question was thoroughly addressed and a tremendous amount of patience was displayed as we vacillated on varying selections.

Jeremy in QC meticulously inspects each Defender from top to bottom and bumper to bumper. He is equally gifted test driving from the left or right hand side to make sure the engine is properly tuned and ready for the customer in whatever part of the World the Defender will be delivered.

The experience was fun, enjoyable and quite a learning process. I truly believe the Arkonik team does build every Defender for themselves first and allows us to adopt their masterpiece.

The entire team takes great pride in turning out a classic. We anxiously await delivery of our Arkonik Defender 110.

"Nice Jeep!", "Awesome Land Cruiser Dude!", "What is that? It is Amazing!", just some of the daily responses of passers-by who know little of the Land Rover world but appreciate the quality and beauty of the bespoken Arkonik built Defender 110. I ordered "Pennine", re-dubbed "Old Ben" after the wise Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, over a year before we received it. My wait time was not normal, but I really wanted the 200tdi engine and am so happy that I waited for the release of that specific engine for import over the previous diesel model. Throughout the build process the Arkonik team kept me up to date on various aspects of vehicle acquisition, sent overnight color and seat samples, and kept me abreast of new options. They worked with my wife and I to help us build the Defender I've wanted ever since I was 17, delayed gratification at its finest. Now that I've put over 3000 miles on the engine, and have taken the cub scouts, boy scouts, and numerous groups of kids on varying adventures around the Puget Sound. I am even more fascinated by Old Ben today than when he arrived, and look forward to our daily drives and weekend adventures. Arkonik has been a dedicated provider of a top quality vehicle. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to create more than just a shiny toy (although it does turn a lot of heads) but a true off-road and work vehicle that will be with you and your family for many years of adventure.