Dutch coachbuilding company Heritage Customs has unveiled a luxurious pick-up version of the Land Rover Defender 130. The company, led by renowned designer Niels van Roij, aims to build on the success of its recent Defender 90 convertible. Priced at £131,000 before taxes, or £157,000 in the UK, the Valiance Pickup is significantly more expensive than any factory-produced Defender model. This price includes the Defender 130 X Dynamic SE donor car.
The Valiance Pickup is based on the longest version of the Defender and boasts a heavily reworked bodyshell. According to Heritage Customs, the vehicle has been designed in-house with meticulous attention to detail and offers high levels of customization. Owners can choose from carefully curated color and trim packages, allowing them to express their individuality. The company claims that the customization does not compromise the Defender’s trademark off-road capability, stating that owners can “feel like the king of the road – and desert.”
While full technical details of the conversion have not been provided, the Defender 130 has a boot capacity of 1232 liters and a towing capacity of three tonnes. Land Rover has previously hinted at the potential for a Defender pick-up but has not confirmed any plans for production. In contrast, Heritage Customs has not disclosed how many Valiance Pickups it will build but previously stated that it would produce only five examples of the shorter Valiance Convertible.
This announcement from Heritage Customs showcases their commitment to providing unique and exclusive vehicles for discerning customers. By offering a pick-up version of the Land Rover Defender 130, they cater to individuals who desire both luxury and practicality in their vehicle. The high level of customization options allows owners to create a truly personalized driving experience. With its attention to detail and focus on individuality, Heritage Customs sets itself apart from factory-produced models.
The Valiance Pickup also taps into the growing trend of luxury pick-up trucks. While traditionally associated with utilitarian purposes, pick-up trucks are now being embraced by consumers who desire both functionality and luxury. By combining the rugged off-road capability of the Defender with the bespoke craftsmanship of Heritage Customs, the Valiance Pickup offers a unique proposition in the market.
Furthermore, this announcement raises questions about Land Rover’s future plans for the Defender. While Heritage Customs takes the initiative to create a pick-up version, Land Rover has yet to confirm any plans for production. This leaves room for other custom coachbuilders to fill the gap and cater to customers’ demands. It also highlights the potential for collaboration between established automakers and coachbuilders to create limited-edition or specialty vehicles.
In conclusion, Heritage Customs’ unveiling of the Valiance Pickup demonstrates their dedication to crafting exclusive vehicles that combine luxury and practicality. With its meticulous attention to detail, high level of customization, and unique design, the Valiance Pickup offers a distinctive driving experience for those seeking a truly individualized vehicle. This announcement also sparks discussions about the future of the Land Rover Defender and the potential for collaboration between automakers and coachbuilders in the creation of specialty vehicles.