Before we get to the first Grenadier Roof Conversion in Australia, we must start with how the Ineos Grenadier came to be. 4x4 enthusiast, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, lamented the discontinuation of the original Land Rover Defender. Seeing a gap in the market for a simple, rugged utility vehicle he approached Land Rover to buy the old Defender tooling, but was turned down. This led him, over a pint at a London pub called The Grenadier, to create a modern replacement.

The Ineos Grenadier is a story of purpose-born design. Conceived as a no-nonsense, back-to-basics heir to a legendary legacy, it arrived as a dedicated platform for exploration with a ladder frame, solid axles and torquey powertrain.

But this isn't the story of a great car, but how Alu-Cab made a great car even better. The Silenus Rooftop Conversion respects the Grenadier’s robust DNA while elevating its function. Silenus provides a swift, secure and incredibly comfortable retreat. It offers seamless integration, where aerodynamics, weight distribution and weatherproofing is paramount.

For one pioneering owner, it’s the perfect partnership. The go-anywhere Grenadier below, and the instant shelter of a Silenus above. Racin Jason has the honour of the first Grenadier Roof Conversion in Australia, and we sat down with him to talk about his build and why the Silenus is the ultimate key to unlocking the Grenadier’s potential.

The Juggle and the Magic

For Jason, the 4x4 lifestyle is a vital counterbalance. “Juggling family priorities foremost, our two beautiful kids and my gorgeous wife, while running a business and then somewhere in the middle there trying to find the time to chase the magic,” he explains as something requiring constant effort. That precious time in the wild is, in his words, “literally medicine for the soul.”

It’s a philosophy that goes beyond recreation. “It's time to slow my mind down, reconnect with mother nature and enjoy the simple life,” he says. “Watching the most incredible sunsets disappear off in the distance. Reflecting on the day's adventure. All while being mesmerised by the Bush Telly.” This deep, grounding need for connection is behind every gear choice and route plotted.

Evolving a Platform

Jason’s previous rig, a Nissan Navara known as “The Little 23,” was a beloved and capable setup featuring an Alu-Cab canopy and Gen 3-R RTT. It served him well on epic trips, including a crossing of the Simpson Desert via the Madigan Line.

But the Grenadier represented a fundamental shift. “The Greni is a weapon!” he says. “It's so incredibly comfortable to drive long distances that pushing twelve hours in the saddle is a dream.” He cites the powerful drivetrain, solid axles and twin lockers as game-changers. “A weapon on paper and on the tracks. I LOVE this rig!”

A Conversion Born from Conviction

The Silenus conversion was the plan from the start. “I always had the Silenus Roof Conversion as a major part of my build,” says Jason. After experiencing a Gen 3-R Rooftop Tent, he wanted to take his adventures to the next level. “A full roof conversion was the dream!”

Having followed every step of the Silenus' development, Jason was convinced that this was the answer for his Grenadier. “I was watching the prototyping very closely. Pausing videos and trying to understand how the conversion was installed.” His conclusion was absolute: “I was convinced this would be the dream for the Greni.”

Solving Real-World Problems

So, what does the Silenus deliver that solidifies it as the centrepiece of Racin Jason's rig? It's a list of tangible, daily benefits that transform the overland experience.

The response on the trail has been immediate. “I've been stopped a bunch of times by like minded people inspired by the integration and styling of the Silenus.”

Plan Once, Build Right

Jason’s approach is refined and deliberate, born from lessons learned. His gear philosophy is simple. “Less is more. Buy high quality items once.” This applied to his entire Grenadier build, which was the result of intense pre-planning. “I sketched out all my ideas, spent months tweaking and improving,” he says. “So I was ready when the Greni arrived.”

And when it came to the monumental task of the conversion itself? Trust. “Cutting your roof off on a brand new car would be daunting for many. I didn't even blink. Honestly, Alu-Cab have been doing roof conversions for two decades now. They are the best in the business.”

Chasing the Magic

With his build now complete, Racin Jason plans to show off his rig at shows and is eager to inspire other Grenadier owners of what's possible. Otherwise his focus is on the next adventure. “Vic High Country here I come. I just love chasing the magic in this rig.” Jason emphasises the Silenus’ role in that joy. “It makes life on the tracks so easy and comfortable.”

Jason's message to fellow Grenadier drivers considering the plunge? “Trust me when I say you will fall in love with your rig even more once you do this conversion."

Welcome to the Alu-Cab family, Jason. And congratulations on owning the first Grenadier Roof Conversion in Australia. Your rig is the result of when form meets function, where quality meets passion, and your outlook is fuel for the soul. We’ll see you on the track.