It feels like a lifetime since we featured Ken Miller’s stretched white-lightning VW Amarok. It was a unique build for its time, as there weren’t many modified Amaroks on the scene – and very few with serious chassis modifications like a longer wheelbase.

In the years since we showed you that 4×4, VW has gone a different way with its midsize ute. It no longer uses its own platform and powertrain, instead partnering with Ford to base the current Amarok on the Ranger – not a bad partner when you consider the Australian-developed Ranger is now the best-selling vehicle in the country and popular in every market where it’s sold.

The Amarok may have lost some of its Volkswagen DNA in the transition, but it’s now a well-proven 4×4 straight out of the box.

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Ken has a thing for Amaroks, having owned six of them, and that enthusiasm hasn’t slowed despite the change of base vehicle. When it came time to replace his old stretched build, he went for a V6 diesel-powered PanAmericana model.

“I don’t like being like everybody else,” Ken told us when we asked why another Amarok and not a Ranger. “You really can’t go past the tech and comfort of a European-based vehicle. The fuel economy and reliability are second to none, as are their capability and price.”

VW has put its own spin on the ute, giving the Amarok unique styling inside and out, bespoke multimedia tech, its own model range and distinct tuning compared with the Ford version. It’s a package that still carries a hint of European style and flair. Ken has upped the ante with his own take on the VW, adding plenty of personal touches and modifications.

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Step one was to lose the factory tub and get the vehicle over to Limitless Chassis on the Sunshine Coast, where it was cut and had an extra 300mm welded in between the front and rear axles. From his previous build, Ken knew the longer chassis would improve ride and handling while moving the rear axle back so it sat directly under the tray load.

Carrying the load is a replacement suspension kit from Outback Armour, providing an extra 50mm of ground clearance and adjustable ride control, while Airbag Man bags assist at the rear axle.

Concept Canopies built the custom tray and canopy for the project, which Ken then kitted out to his needs. The tray features underside toolboxes, an 80-litre water tank and a rear trundle drawer, while the custom-size canopy houses an 85-litre upright fridge, microwave oven, pantry and induction cooktop – all the gear Ken needs to be self-sufficient on his trips away from home.

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Power for the canopy accessories comes from a pair of 100Ah lithium batteries, charged via an Enderdrive DC-DC system and feeding a 3000W inverter.

The Amarok’s drivetrain remains standard, with Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time dual-range 4×4. Ken has added an EVC throttle controller, allowing him to sharpen the response for performance or soften it for low-speed, rough-track driving.

Up front, the Amarok wears a Rhino bumper with underbody protection, housing a 12,000lb Carbon winch and an Ultravision 22-inch LED lightbar. Conventional rock sliders have been replaced with powered drop-down side steps from Off Road Industries.

Further auxiliary lighting includes a 40-inch Stedi lightbar mounted on the Front Runner roof rack, along with Stedi camp lights. The rack also carries Front Runner surfboard mounts – essential for Ken’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle – plus shovel mounts and storage boxes, all from Front Runner.

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The rooftop tent and 180° awning mounted on the rack are both from CSS. The Maxtrax on the rack are another essential piece of kit for a 4×4 that spends plenty of time on the beach, while a Sherpa Big Air compressor handles re-inflating the 295/70 Toyos on Method Race Wheels.

While it might look like Ken has created the ultimate Amarok for his bush and beach off-road adventures, he tells us there’s already a new project on the boil – and this VW Amarok is up for sale. It’ll be interesting to see what he comes up with to top this tourer.

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