This Defender Bakkie blends practicality and off-road capability in one neat premium package, but there’s a catch…
The Land Rover Defender has been a massive success story for the brand and there really is a Defender for almost every customer profile. Well, almost every customer profile that is, until now. If there was one type that was missing, it would be the humble pick up!
The original Defender from back in the day offered this body style and we do wonder why it hasn’t made a comeback. Officially Jaguar Land Rover doesn’t make a Defender bakkie, but modified vehicle specialists Heritage Customs based in the Netherlands has created one.
Using the Defender 130 as the starting point, Heritage Customs modifies the rear passenger area and converts it into a classy bakkie. Useful for those who enjoy the great outdoors, the load bin looks substantial enough to carry items such as camping gear, farming implements or anything dirty that will ruin the Defender’s plush interior. Muddy wellington boots would be a great example.
Defender Bakkie Powertrain
As far as engines go, we assume that any powertrain from the Defender lineup is compatible, but the vehicle you see here is powered by the 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8. That makes an impressive 368 kW and 610 Nm, giving it both commendable performance and one fantastic soundtrack.
The conversion process from 130 to Defender bakkie takes between 2-3 months, with Heritage Customs promising constant progress updates.
How much does the Defender bakkie cost?
Exact figures are hard to pin down, as Heritage Customs charges a build slot deposit of €15k Euro to start the process. The complete conversion costs “lies around €65k Euro” and at the time of writing, there were two available build slots for early 2026 at €10k Euro. It is not clear if you will have to supply the Land Rover Defender 130 as a base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What body styles are available for the Land Rover Defender in South Africa?
The Land Rover Defender is available in three primary body styles in South Africa:
- Defender 90: The compact, 3-door model, often with optional jump seating for a flexible 6-seat configuration.
- Defender 110: The classic 5-door, mid-size SUV, offering up to seven seats (optional).
- Defender 130: The extended 5-door model with a longer rear overhang, offering three rows of seating for up to eight passengers.
What engine options are available in the South African Defender range?
The Defender range offers a variety of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains in South Africa, often denoted by their power output (PS or kW). Common options include:
- **Diesel:** 3.0-litre Inline 6-cylinder diesel engines (e.g., D250, D300) with Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology.
- **Petrol:** 3.0-litre Inline 6-cylinder petrol MHEV engines (e.g., P400) and the high-performance 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 (P525).
- **Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV):** The P400e (Electric Hybrid) option is also available in some models.
What is the warranty and service plan included with a new Defender in South Africa?
New Land Rover Defender models in South Africa are covered by the **5-Year/100,000 km Land Rover Care Plan**. This comprehensive package typically includes the vehicle warranty, scheduled services, and maintenance, providing peace of mind up to the specified distance or time, whichever occurs first.
What is the Defender’s maximum wading depth?
The Land Rover Defender boasts an impressive maximum wading depth of **900 mm** (90 cm). This capability is supported by the Wade Sensing feature, which uses the 3D Surround Camera to monitor water depth and guide the driver.
