New Defender “Bakkie” takes on a double‑cab style – two fresh looks set to hit the track
Heritage Customs, the Dutch custom‑maker known for its fine work on Land Rover Defender models, and Urban Automotive have teamed up to turn the classic Defender 130 into a modern‑day bakkie (pickup). Two distinct versions are in the works – the Heritage Edition and the Urban Edition – and both will make their first public showing at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The two styles that’ll grab your attention
| Edition | Vibe | Target audience |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Edition | Refined, elegant and authentically classic | Those who love the original Defender heritage with a touch of luxury |
| Urban Edition | Contemporary, bold styling | Drivers who want a modern, eye‑catching look |
Urban Automotive and Heritage Customs have crafted each version to keep the Defender’s iconic off‑road prowess while giving it a more versatile, commercial‑type silhouette with a double‑cab layout.
Power under the hood
Both variants hang on the same robust platform – the Defender 130 – and are powered by Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0‑litre super‑charged V8 petrol engine. The engine delivers a solid 313 kW (423 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb‑ft) of torque, keeping the Defender’s legendary performance alive when it’s pulled to the track or the road.
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 – the moment to watch
Goodwood will be the launching pad for these two new bakkie styles. Keep an eye on the 2026 festival for a first look, and if you’re a Defender fan, you’ll want to see whether the Heritage or Urban edition feels more like you.
In a nutshell — Heritage Customs and Urban Automotive have taken the timeless Defender and given it a fresh, double‑cab bakkie makeover. With one version leaning into classic elegance and the other bold street‑style, both will hit the 2026 Goodwood track with a powerful new engine. Follow the journey to see which edition becomes your next favourite on the road or dirt.
