Land Rover Defender convertible: the missing link!

Nostalgic for the convertible “Land” from 1948? The Dutch body builder brought it back from its ashes, based on the current generation Defender 90…

The original Land Rover, launched in 1948it was designed above all as a versatile, rugged and accessible vehicle.

1948 “Land”, an all-purpose machine

It was such as a touring model, a utility vehicle such as an agricultural machine the ability to carry and pull heavy loads. Following this multi-tasking logic, Land Rover offered it over the years in many different body styles and lengths. Long wheel (called Defender 110 and 130) or short (Defender 90), glazed, sheet metal, pick-up, and even in the Convertible version for the Defender 90, with a removable hardtop depending on use. She had a very long career, with an almost unchanged silhouette until 2016! Its departure left the field open for the last true 4X4s on the market, starting with the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class (which has since also disappeared) and the Suzuki Jimny. There was a reason for this: Defender “II” was introduced in 2020but now as a large luxury SUV, and no longer as a road traveler, as was the Land of 1948… It is also offered in versions 90, 110 and 130, but about the body. it is only offered in closed versiononly the “hard-top” (non-removable) version provided the utility version…

The return of the convertible Defender!

It is precisely to fill this gap Dutch coachbuilder Heritage Customs is now releasing the long-awaited convertible. The “Valiance Defender”, as they called it, is based on the Defender 90, a short three-door chassis. With this change, the hardtop was removed and replaced with a canvas hood that now rests on the roll bars. Heritage Customs thought of it as an example of “great luxury”, aimed at wealthy customers. On board, he receives special treatment of upholstery, accessories and decorations, more powerful than in the regular Defender. Chic yes, but also practical, since, despite its small size, six people can sit on board: three in front and three in back.
So, “how much does it cost?” “. We must already take the €121,531 owed by Land Rover Netherlands for the Defender 90. For that, expect around €68,000 for change. The only choice available to the customer is the engine: diesel, petrol or plug-in hybrid. Only 5 copies will be given awayfor a lucky, hand-picked few (and of course already Heritage Customs customers).

The coachbuilder who created it, Niels Van Roij, is not his first success, as he is also responsible for many conversions of production cars into sports parts, such as the Rolls-Royce Wraith. Tesla Model S or even Ferrari Maranello!

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