This Dutch Defender Is the Crew Cab Land Rover Didn’t Dare Build

Netherlands coachbuilder Heritage Customs has designed a modern interpretation of the Land Rover Defender pickup, adding some extra rugged utility to the 4×4.

Based on the longest-wheelbase Defender 130, the rear section of roof and glass has been removed to create a spacious load bed. Access comes by a side-hinged tailgate stamped with the company logo. Any lost rigidity is replaced thanks to the fitment of a sturdy roll bar.

Known as the Valiance Pick Up, it pays tribute to the earlier Land Rovers which were available in this load-hauling format, but loses none of the luxurious accoutrements that come with the current Defender. If anything, it adds to them with a wide range of options from custom wheels sized up to 22 inches, LED light bars, roof racks and side steps, along with a wide variety of decal kits. Paint choices are, effectively, unlimited, while inside, a complete re-trim is offered in leather and Alcantara to match.

The starting point for the conversion is the Defender 130 X Dynamic SE, available with a three-liter diesel or five-liter supercharged V-8 engine in Europe, with the U.S. version coming in three-liter gas, mild hybrid and V-8 forms. Pricing starts at €155,000 plus taxes or around $167,000—adding around $50,000 to the sticker, and the build time is three months.

Should you prefer something a little more compact, Heritage Customs grinder artists also tackle the short-wheelbase 90, turning it into a convertible, complete with power-retractable canvas roof. Again it’s a throwback to the Defender’s past, but a rollcage built to current FIA standards takes care of structural integrity and, like the pick up there’s a whole host of custom options to personalize the car. Supply your own vehicle and the cost of conversion is around $91,500.

The designer behind Heritage Customs is Niels van Roij, best-known for his stylish shooting brake takes on Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and even Tesla. Maybe Land Rover’s design guru Gerry McGovern should give him a call?

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