Heritage Customs & Urban Automotive Unveil the World’s First New Defender Pickup

Heritage Customs and Urban Automotive have joined forces to create something entirely new: the world’s first coachbuilt Defender Pickup. The collaboration merges British and Dutch design philosophies into two distinct interpretations of Land Rover’s modern icon, each shaped by its creator’s unique design language and vision.

Two Distinct Visions of a Modern Icon

Built on the Defender 130 platform and powered by a 425 bhp V8, the new Defender Pickup has been developed in two contrasting versions. Heritage Customs, known for its coachbuilt refinement and timeless aesthetic, has created the Heritage Edition—a study in elegance that pays homage to Land Rover’s original craftsmanship. Urban Automotive, by contrast, presents the Urban Edition—a bold, contemporary take that amplifies the Defender’s presence with assertive lines and modern detailing.

Patrick Meijer, CEO of the AM Group (the parent company of both brands), said, “Following the success of our Defender Soft-top collaboration revealed at Goodwood, we wanted to go further—something that would truly surprise even seasoned enthusiasts. The Defender Pickup is the result of two creative forces interpreting the same platform in entirely different ways. Together, they represent the next frontier of luxury vehicle personalization.”

Heritage Customs: A Modern Classic Reborn

For Heritage Customs, the Defender Pickup revives one of Land Rover’s most desirable body styles—the classic crew-cab pickup. CEO Jan-Pieter Kroezen explained, “After completing the convertible project, it felt natural to return to another forgotten form of the Defender lineage. The 110 Crew Cab has always been a personal favorite, and reimagining that spirit through the new Defender 130 has been a dream realized. We’ve captured the same honesty and authenticity, now elevated with modern craftsmanship and engineering precision.”

Hand-built at Heritage Customs’ facility in the Netherlands, the Heritage Edition embodies understated sophistication. From its sculpted aluminum bed to refined coachwork and bespoke detailing, it reflects the brand’s mastery of traditional design and craftsmanship—tailored for collectors who appreciate the Defender’s timeless appeal.

Urban Automotive: Redefining the Modern Off-Roader

In contrast, the Urban Edition injects a bold, performance-oriented aesthetic into the Defender Pickup’s form. The design combines Urban Automotive’s signature OEM+ styling with aggressive visual cues and an elevated stance. The result is a pickup with commanding road presence—equally suited to city streets or mountain passes.

The Urban Edition will make its full UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026, offering enthusiasts their first in-person look at the production version. A preview of the design is already available through Urban’s official YouTube channel, where the brand has released a detailed walkaround video of the prototype.

A New Chapter for the Defender

The official unveiling took place on October 30, 2025, at a private event hosted by Heritage Customs in the Netherlands, attended by select clients and industry partners. The project represents a rare collaboration between two custom houses that share a commitment to individuality, craftsmanship, and the redefinition of modern luxury vehicles.

By combining Heritage Customs’ classic design discipline with Urban Automotive’s contemporary vision, the Defender Pickup project captures both sides of the Defender’s identity—heritage and modernity, adventure and luxury—reimagined for a new era.

For more information, visit www.urban-automotive.co.uk and www.heritagecustoms.nl.