When you think of a Land Rover Defender, you probably imagine a muddy trail, a dog in the back, and a driver who says things like “I prefer the scenic route.” But Urban Automotive and Heritage Customs have just rewritten that rugged script—by turning the iconic Defender into the world’s first coachbuilt Defender Pickup. Yes, you read that right. The off-road king just got a truck bed—and a serious attitude adjustment.
Two Masters, One Mighty Defender
This Frankenstein of finesse was born from a creative collision between two very different philosophies under the AM Group umbrella.
- Heritage Customs brought the old-school coachbuilder charm—think Savile Row tailoring on four wheels.
- Urban Automotive, on the other hand, added modern swagger—like a designer hoodie paired with that bespoke suit.
Both creations ride on the Defender 130 chassis, powered by a 425 bhp V8, meaning your hay bales might just get delivered faster than a sports car pizza run.
Heritage Edition: Elegance That Could Tow a Yacht
The Heritage Edition is the gentleman farmer of pickups—refined, classic, and timeless. It’s the kind of truck that could pull a horsebox in the morning and roll up to a vineyard lunch in Tuscany by afternoon. Heritage Customs calls it a rebirth of the “forgotten Defender pickup,” and if the original 110 Crew Cab were still around, it’d probably nod in approval—before politely asking for a ride.
Urban Edition: Power Dressing for the Modern Trailblazer
Meanwhile, the Urban Edition looks like it just left a fashion week runway—with fender flares. Bold, contemporary, and unapologetically aggressive, it’s a Defender that says, “Yes, I off-road, but I also valet park.” Expect carbon touches, big wheels, and a presence that makes parking attendants nervous.
The Big Reveal: From Dutch Workshop to Goodwood Glory
The first official unveiling took place on October 30, 2025, at Heritage Customs’ HQ in the Netherlands—a private event attended by a handful of very lucky guests and one or two probably pretending to be “press.”
The Defender Pickup will then thunder into Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, where the Urban Edition will make its UK debut. Expect crowds, camera flashes, and possibly a few farmers rethinking their life choices.
A Word From the Makers
Patrick Meijer, CEO of AM Group, summed it up best:
“We’ve combined the soul of Heritage with the spirit of Urban to create something the Defender’s never been before—unmistakably unique.”
And Jan-Pieter Kroezen of Heritage Customs added,
“After doing the convertible, we knew it was time for the pickup. The 110 Crew Cab was always my favorite, and now the 130 finally gets the glory it deserves.”
The new Defender Pickup is what happens when British heritage meets Dutch craftsmanship and a touch of urban mischief. It’s equal parts utility, luxury, and lunacy—a proper pickup that might never see a farm but will definitely see a lot of Instagram.
Because when it comes to redefining icons, sometimes the only way forward… is through the tailgate.
