Monarch Defender vs Kahn / Chelsea Truck Company
A styling package changes how a Defender looks. Monarch changes what it is: new body, new chassis, up to 650 hp.
About 60 builds a year
Brand-new aluminum body
Built near Chicago
The short answer
The short answer
Written by Akif Bulent Keskin, Founder & CEO of Monarch Defender. Updated August 20, 2026.
Side by side
| Monarch Defender | Chelsea Truck Company | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A complete ground-up vehicle | Styling/coachbuild package on a donor |
| Powertrain | Modern GM V8: 430 to 650 hp | Donor's factory powertrain retained |
| Body & chassis | Brand-new aluminum body, new chassis | Donor body and chassis retained |
| US ownership | Built and supported in the US | UK-based; import for US buyers |
| Warranty | 2-year bumper-to-bumper, published | Not published |
| Entry cost | Complete vehicle from ~$250k | Kits from ~£25k on top of a donor you own |
| New Defender (L663) styling | Not offered | Yes |
| House style | Bespoke to you | Signature Kahn wide-body look |
Verified against chelseatruckcompany.com and press coverage, August 2026. Figures are approximate; confirm current terms with each builder.
Changing how it looks vs changing what it is
Kahn has been styling vehicles since 1989, and Chelsea Truck Company's wide-body kits and coachbuilds on classic and new L663 Defenders are instantly recognizable. The model is a package: you bring or buy a donor, the factory drivetrain stays, and the transformation is visual, from roughly £25,000 for a kit-level build.
A Monarch is not a package on a donor. It is a ground-up vehicle: brand-new aluminum body, new corrosion-protected chassis, GM V8 at 430 to 650 hp, FOX suspension, Wilwood brakes, and a hand-finished interior, built to one owner's specification in Illinois.
For a US buyer, the practical math
Chelsea Truck Company's full-vehicle pricing is on application, its builds are UK-based with import logistics for American buyers, and no build warranty is published as of August 2026. Monarch publishes its band, $250,000 to $350,000 and up, builds and services in the US, and covers every truck with a two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Where Kahn is the better fit
If you own a Defender, love its mechanicals, and want a bold new look, or you want to style a modern L663, which Monarch does not touch, Kahn is the specialist. If you want the classic Defender rebuilt from nothing into a modern-driving V8 truck with one company accountable for all of it, that is Monarch's entire business.
What People Say
Real Google reviews from owners and shop visitors
"They have the best custom Defenders I've seen. I personally visited them, and the owners were very welcoming. Mr. Akif personally showed me around and walked me through their custom vehicles. I definitely plan on buying one for myself."
"My husband bought a car from this company. I love this car, really. I attached some photos of my favorite builds which inspired my build."
"Love my Defender! Great communication from the team."
"We visited the facility and I was thoroughly impressed with the operation and the people involved in the builds. They have a continuous improvement mentality towards their work. They are always developing new ways to make the best vehicle on the market."
"These guys are such professionals!! From the superb artistry and attention to detail to the easy sit down to make the deal, I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant experience. If you want a show stopping custom vehicle that is sturdy and will last, look no further! Thanks again!!"
"I recently had the pleasure of working with Monarch Defenders, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Their expertise in customizing Land Rover Defenders is truly impressive. GREAT PEOPLE! Super professional! The team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. If you're looking to transform your Land Rover Defender, look no further than Monarch Defenders. They are a dedicated team that genuinely cares about their clients and their vehicles! Thank you, Monarch Defenders!"
Built like they never were
Everything below is standard. The full equipment list is at the bottom of the page.
Performance
A 430 HP GM LS3 V8, six-speed automatic, FOX suspension, Wilwood brakes, and power steering. It drives like the modern truck it mechanically is. The 460 HP LT1 and 650 HP LT4 are available if you want more.
Comfort & Technology
Ice-cold AC and heat, an 11 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium audio, backup camera, power doors and windows, USB-C throughout. Nothing about the cabin asks you to rough it.
Craftsmanship
Hand-stitched Italian Nappa leather, custom veneers, billet aluminum hardware, stainless trim. Every surface is chosen by you and finished by hand.
Capability
Atlas transfer case with true 4WD, Ford 9-inch axles, and BFG all-terrain tires. Winch, lift kit, and roll cage available. It is still a Defender.
Warranty & Aftercare
Two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The first year, everything is on us. The second year, you only cover shipping. The GM crate engine carries GM's own factory warranty on top. And white-glove delivery anywhere in the world, with direct support from the team that built your truck.
A shop that builds them right
Monarch is a team in Grayslake, Illinois that builds about 60 Defenders a year. Every truck is commissioned by its owner, built from the ground up over 6 to 12 months, and delivered anywhere in the world.
You work directly with the people building your truck, from the first rendering to the day it rolls off the trailer.
The Build Process
Transparent and collaborative, from first conversation to final delivery
Design
Pick your model, colors, and materials. We turn it into full specifications and renderings.
Donor & Body
We source the donor Defender and build up the brand-new aluminum body.
Paint & Trim
Paint, then the interior: leather, veneers, and hardware, all to your spec.
Powertrain
The GM V8, suspension, brakes, climate control, and electronics go in.
Test & Delivery
Road testing, final inspection, and white-glove delivery anywhere in the world.
Let's Talk
Build slots, pricing, and options. For the quickest response, call or text +1 (847) 961-2392.
For Immediate Response
Let's Talk
Build slots, pricing, and options. For the quickest response, call or text +1 (847) 961-2392.
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See the full equipment list
Standard on every build
- Brand-new Aluminum Body
- GM LS3 Engine - 6.2L V8, 430 HP
- GM 6-Speed Auto Transmission
- Ford 9-inch Axles
- FOX Suspension System
- Atlas Transfer Case (2WD/4WD)
- Wilwood Performance Brake Kit
- Electronic Emergency Brake
- Power Steering
- AC/Heat Climate Control
- 11" Touchscreen Screen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Premium Stereo
- Back-Up Camera
- USB-C Outlets
- Italian Nappa Leather
- Power Doors
- Power Windows
- LED Lights
- Billet Aluminum Hardware
- Stainless Exterior Accessories
- BFG KO3 All-Terrain Tires
- White-glove service
Popular upgrades
- GM LT1 Engine - 6.2L V8, 460 HP Upgrade
- GM LT4 Engine - 6.2L V8, 650 HP Upgrade
- Roadster Chassis Upgrade
- Wood Floors
- Veneer Interior Trims
- Heated/Cooled Seats
- Warn Winch
- Roll Cage
- Roof Rack
- Wide Body Kit
- Panoramic Side Windows
- Power Sunroof
- Moonroof
- Skylight Headliner
- Power Side Steps
- 5" HD Lift Kit
- Carbon Fiber Interior Trims
- Carbon Fiber Exterior Package
- Door Pouches
- Seat Pouches
- Woven Leather Upgrade
- Matching Bag Set
- 2nd A/C
- Fog Lights
- Hidden Gun Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Monarch Defender and Chelsea Truck Company?
Chelsea Truck Company (Kahn) sells styling and coachbuild packages on donor Defenders, classic and new, keeping the factory powertrain, from about £25,000 plus the donor. Monarch Defender builds complete ground-up vehicles on a brand-new aluminum body with GM V8 power from $250,000 in the US.
Does Kahn change the Defender's engine?
Kahn's packages are styling-led and retain the donor's factory powertrain. Monarch installs a modern GM V8 at 430, 460, or 650 hp as part of a full ground-up build.
Looking for an alternative to Kahn or Chelsea Truck Company?
If you want a complete vehicle rather than a styling package, Monarch Defender builds new-body, single-owner V8 Defenders in the US with published pricing and a two-year warranty.
Chelsea Truck Company and all other company names are trademarks of their respective owners, referenced for identification and comparison only. Monarch Defender is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Chelsea Truck Company. Competitor figures are drawn from public sources and are approximate; confirm current specifications, pricing, and terms with each builder directly.