The Defender Pickup by Heritage Customs and Urban Automotive marks a bold evolution of one of the world’s most recognizable 4x4s. This collaboration has produced the first coachbuilt Defender Pickup , merging tradition, craftsmanship, and 425bhp of modern V8 power.
Two Visions, One Legendary Platform
Built upon the Defender 130, this project combines two distinct identities. Heritage Customs brings its signature coachbuilt elegance, while Urban Automotive adds a modern, commanding edge. The result is a vehicle that reflects both timeless sophistication and contemporary strength.
The Heritage Edition
Refined and authentically classic, the Heritage Edition pays homage to traditional design cues and Land Rover’s legacy. Its styling echoes the craftsmanship of early coachbuilt Defenders, offering understated elegance with meticulous detail.
The Urban Edition
Powerful and unmistakably bold, the Urban Edition embodies Urban Automotive’s OEM+ design philosophy. Aggressive lines, strong stance, and modern aesthetics redefine what a luxury performance pickup can be , maintaining Defender DNA while pushing boundaries in style and capability.
Power, Engine, and Performance
Both editions share the same foundation , a Defender 130 platform fitted with a 425bhp V8 engine. The combination of muscular torque delivery, refined ride comfort, and commanding presence makes this pickup as thrilling on the road as it is off it. It blends power with poise, offering a fresh interpretation of performance luxury.
Behind the Collaboration
The partnership between Heritage Customs and Urban Automotive, both part of AM Group, reflects a shared vision of innovation through craftsmanship. Patrick Meijer, CEO of AM Group, described the Defender Pickup as a project that “pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in luxury vehicle modification.”
Heritage Customs CEO Jan-Pieter Kroezen added that the idea came from reviving a “forgotten” Defender body style. Inspired by the classic 110 crew cab, the team set out to capture that spirit using the Defender 130 , and succeeded in creating something that bridges past and present seamlessly.
Exclusive Launch and Upcoming Debut
The Defender Pickup was officially unveiled on 30 October 2025 during an exclusive event at Heritage Customs’ headquarters in The Netherlands. Attended by select clients and partners, the reveal showcased both versions of the pickup under one roof for the first time.
The Urban Edition will make its UK debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, giving enthusiasts a closer look at this reimagined icon. The design was first teased in concept renders, previewed ahead of the event, and can now be seen in full in Urban Automotive’s latest video.
Summary
The Defender Pickup by Heritage Customs and Urban Automotive redefines the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. By blending the Defender’s rugged heritage with contemporary aesthetics and V8 performance, it stands as a bold new chapter for an enduring legend , equally at home in the city or the countryside.
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Source: Urban Automotive
