This 1987 Land Rover Defender 130 Custom Pickup represents a total reimagining of the classic British workhorse. Every panel and bolt has been reconsidered to create an overland vehicle with unparalleled capability. Finished in iconic Keswick Green, it hides a wealth of modern American power and advanced suspension technology. It is a purpose-built machine designed to survive the most punishing environments on the planet while keeping its occupants in absolute comfort.
High Performance Chassis and Portal Axle Engineering
The foundation of this build relies on heavy-duty Currie axles equipped with custom 74Weld portals. These portals provide massive ground clearance by offsetting the wheel centers from the axle tubes. Furthermore, front and rear ARB air lockers ensure that power reaches the ground in low-traction situations. Fox long travel triple bypass shocks manage the movement of the massive 40-inch Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 tires. This combination allows the truck to float over obstacles that would stop a standard 4×4 in its tracks.
Advanced Recovery and Utility Features
Utility is a core theme of this 1987 Land Rover Defender 130 Custom Pickup, featuring a Front Runner bed rack and a custom locking bed slide. A custom-welded exo cage provides essential protection during rollover events or tight wooded trails. For easier entry, Rockslide power steps deploy automatically to bridge the gap between the ground and the lifted cab. Hutchinson beadlock alloy wheels ensure the tires stay mounted even when running extremely low pressures for sand or deep mud.
A Tailored Interior with Porsche Inspiration
Inside, the cabin has been completely restructured with a custom-fabricated bulkhead that adds significant legroom. Specifically, the driver gains three inches of space while the passenger enjoys an additional six inches. The seats are Exmoor highback units upholstered in a striking mix of green leather and Porsche Pepita fabric. Vintage Air climate control keeps the interior cool, while Dakota Digital HDX gauges provide precise engine data. Interestingly, the entire interior has been waterproofed to handle deep crossings or open-air adventures.
Technological Integration for Remote Navigation
Navigation and safety are handled by a high-tech suite including a Lowrance GPS and a FLIR forward-facing thermal camera. This thermal imaging allows the driver to spot wildlife or terrain hazards in total darkness or heavy fog. An Alpine touch screen head unit manages the audio, though the mechanical soundtrack is often more than enough. The build also features a central tire inflation system powered by ARB compressors for on-the-fly pressure adjustments. These details prove that no expense was spared in creating a truly modern digital cockpit.
Turbo Diesel Power and Mechanical Specs
The heart of this 1987 Land Rover Defender 130 Custom Pickup is a Cummins R2.8 turbo diesel inline 4-cylinder engine. This powerplant features cryo-treated internals and a custom performance tune for maximum reliability under stress. A 6-speed automatic transmission handles the power, providing smooth shifts whether on the highway or crawling over rocks. To bring this massive rig to a halt, the builders utilized R1 Concepts calipers and a Wilwood master cylinder. This setup provides the clamping force necessary for a vehicle riding on oversized 40-inch rubber.
Custom Overland Build Summary
Crossed at the Glendale 2026 auction on Saturday, March 21st, this Defender stands as a pinnacle of custom fabrication. It successfully blends the soul of a vintage Land Rover with the reliability of a modern Cummins drivetrain. The use of stainless and coated hardware throughout the build suggests a vehicle designed for longevity. It remains a rare opportunity to own a fully sorted, turn-key expedition vehicle that looks just as good on a showroom floor as it does in the desert.
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Source: mecum.com
