Overfinch

Overfinch, founded in 1975 under the name Schuler, is a British company which specialises in enhancing Range Rovers and is based in Leeds, England. With modifications made to both appearance and mechanicals, Overfinch’s cars are often noticeably different from standard Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports. The company offers bespoke builds which are commissioned to the customers specification. Overfinch enhancements include Carbon Fibre Body Styling Packages, Forged and Cast Alloy Wheels, Interior Styling packages which include Bridge of Weir Leather & a range contemporary wood & carbon fibre veneers and also Overfinch Performance Packages which includes a variable valve exhaust system.

History

1975-1979

Overfinch started out as part of Schuler Presses Ltd in 1975 and was founded by Arthur Silverton. The company’s first development project was when it fitted four Dellorto carburettors to a standard Range Rover, along with some external modifications. A year later they installed a 4.4 litre Leyland P76 V8 (manufactured by Leyland Australia) into a normal Range Rover, replacing its standard block.

In 1978 Schuler Ltd used the Welsh Rally to test the new Schuler/Ferguson Formula transfer gearbox. It was also the first time the company tested what is now commonly known (and indeed used across the motoring industry) as an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Two years later, the company began development, with Land Rover’s involvement, of the five-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmissions.

1980-1985

In 1980, to test market acceptance of automatic gearboxes, Land Rover commissioned Schuler to fit Schuler/Ferguson Formula chain drive transfer cases and TorqueFlite automatic transmissions to 25 Range Rovers. It became a factory-approved option retrofitted by Schuler.

In 1981, a Range Rover fitted with the Schuler/Ferguson Formula gearbox, entered by Land Rover France, won the Paris-Dakar Rally. In the same year, Schuler equipped a long wheelbase Range Rover with a Jaguar V12 engine, and the vented brake option was introduced.

Schuler’s success in rallying led to the creation of a mid-engined four-wheel drive rally car, the focus of the 1982 Strange Rover project.

Overfinch was officially born in 1985, after Schuler handed over control of the Range Rover division to the UK managing director (who changed the name to Overfinch).

1985-2010

Since 1985, Overfinch has enhanced every version of the Range Rover, and latterly the Range Rover Sport. The company also produces a number of options, such as wheels, interiors and aerokits.

In 2003 the Overfinch 580 S was launched – this flagship model was the first Overfinch not to have a General Motors-derived engine. Since then, Overfinch has been tuning the standard Jaguar V6 and V8 engines, rather than replacing them with Chevrolet blocks.

In 2005, Overfinch won the Ford “Special Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Design” award for the SuperSport styling package.^[1]

In November 2010, Overfinch was placed into administration, under the control of administrators Wilson Field.^[2] Autobrokers Ltd of Leeds (who had traded for the previous four years as the Overfinch Vehicle Retailing Division under then name 'Overfinch Leeds'), ensured Overfinch's future by acquiring the business and assets.^[3]

In 2010 The Holland & Holland Range Rover by Overfinch was conceived with a single intention; to create the ultimate all purpose, all season luxury supercar for the discerning few. The vision is a quintessentially English take on the Grand Tourer.

2011-Present

After this in 2011 Overfinch introduced a Facelifted Vogue GT and Sport GTS. The new Overfinch Sport GTS was the latest progression of the Overfinch styling package, with a striking new face delivered by the dynamic lines of the new front bumper. The Overfinch Sport GTS is commanding and sporting with unmistakable on road presence, enhanced further by the introduction of LED Daytime Running Lights.

2012 saw the return of the Overfinch Defender rendering it even more desirable. The Overfinch Defender retains the iconic bodyshape and purpose, whist introducing new exterior features for a distinctive appearance. Overfinch also introduced a whole new styling package for the Evoque. A new model in the Overfinch line-up; individuality and luxury remain as strong as ever.T he Overfinch Evoque GTS was unveiled at the illustrious Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012. The Overfinch Sport GTS-X was also unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed, the most powerful pre 2014 Range Rover Sport derivative to date.

In 2013, the company revealed the Overfinch Defender SVX. A limited edition soft-top Defender.

Alongside this was the release of the all-new Overfinch Range Rover. The luxury enhancements included a bodystyling package produced in hand-laid carbon fibre for strength and durability; and to remain in-keeping with the Range Rover’s new weight-saving ethos. The exterior styling allows the customer to tailor to their package with the options of different carbon fibre and paint finishes, creating an individual appearance. ^[4] Inside the vehicle, Overfinch offers a range of leather and veneer options for the customer to create a truly bespoke interior. Two seat designs are available to customers which are Solitaire and Mercury. Both designs use Bridge of Weir premium leather chosen for its quality and beauty. ^[5]

2014, The Overfinch Range Rover Sport was revealed. The aim was to accentuate the sporting focus of the standard car, enhancing the vehicle with standout looks and exclusivity with superlative performance. Overfinch offer bespoke conversions on the vehicle, including trim, accessories and colour finishes can be created to a customer’s exacting specifications. For the Overfinch Sport, the Overfinch Body Styling Package is manufactured in carbon fibre for strength and lightness, with different weaves chosen for their visual or structural quality. The Overfinch design concept aimed to accentuate the Range Rover Sport’s imposing stance, apertures such as the front air intakes and rear diffuser are flared which visually widening the car. The interior of an Overfinch Range Rover Sport can be further enhanced, crafted by hand to the customers specification. The application of Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, with a choice of seat design, stitch patterning and hide colours, enables the customer to create a reflection of their style. ^[6]

Celebrity status

Overfinch is becoming increasingly popular with celebrities and other high net worth individuals.

In March 2009, Liverpool and England football star Steven Gerrard sold his Range Rover Vogue-based Overfinch on Autotrader,^[7] and sold another in September .^[8] A year later he bought a new model with an estimated £30,000’s worth of modifications .^[9]

Models

• 1986 - Overfinch 570 S (Sport) with GM 700 four-speed automatic transmission
• 1987 - further development on 570 Sport
• 1988 - Overfinch 500 E, 500 S
• 1989 - Overfinch 570 S2
• 1990 - Overfinch 500i and 570 TPi
• 1991 - Overfinch 570 Ti
• 1993 - 10th Anniversary 500i and 570Ti – built to celebrate 10 years of GM-engined Range Rover production
• 1998 - Overfinch 460i engine conversion for Classic Range Rover, Discovery and new SV 50 Land Rover
• 2000 - Overfinch 630R Anniversary model (to celebrate company’s 25th year)
• 2003 - Overfinch 580 S ^[10][11]
• 2010 - Overfinch Vogue GT (based on Range Rover), Overfinch SuperSport (based on Range Rover Sport),^[12] and Holland & Holland Overfinch ^[13]
• 2011 - Overfinch Facelifted Vogue GT and Sport GTS
• Current - Overfinch Defender, Defender SVX, Evoque, Sport GTS-X, Overfinch Range Rover and Overfinch Sport

References

External links

• Official website