Land Rover Defender Convertible: A rugged off-roader with a soft top

While we are still waiting for the Land Defender 90 launch in Malaysia, the global market gets an all-new Defender Convertible built on the short-wheelbase model. But here's a catch, the drop-top Defender is created by a Dutch coachbuilder Heritage Customs and not by the British automaker. Nevertheless, this roofless off-roader SUV is what the enthusiasts were waiting for.

For the unacquainted, Heritage Customs is best known for its Valiance SUV, which is nothing but a modified version of the new Land Rover Defender. It distinguishes itself from the standard model with some exciting exterior and exterior touches. The company now goes one step further with the introduction of the convertible Defender after receiving an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from a group of clients to whom it proposed the idea.

Let's know more about it, starting with the available quantity.

Land Rover Defender Convertible availability

Heritage Customs will build only five units of the soft-top Defender, with work on the first example has already started. The process involves the removal of all the windows from the donor car, followed by masking the lower part of the body with tape, covering the interior, and then chopping off the roof.

Each example will be highly personalised in collaboration with the customer as part of the brand's Carchitecture program.

Land Rover Defender Convertible changes over the standard model

In place of the roof, rear door, and rear pillar, the topless Defender will get a semi-electric foldable soft-top. That means the roof will be operated by power upto the latching point.

Other than that, the following stuff will distinguish it from the standard model - 

Custom shades for the exterior: The three colour combinations on offer will be Côte d'Azur, Kokkini Paralia, and Solihull Sand (you see above). Inspired by the English countryside, the latter features a light green hue with grey bumpers and a sand beige soft-top. 

Magic Metal elements: Besides denim, leather, alcantara material, the customers will get interesting Magic Metal materials to choose from. It is a unique metal binding tech developed by the company that allows it to paint all types of metal on all interior and exterior surfaces. A thin layer of the metal will be done on the hood accents, steering wheel trim, and dashboard, depending on customer preference.

Forged wheels: The exclusive Land Rover Defender Convertible will roll on 20-inch forged wheels. The Solihull Sand combination we see here features white "Space Cowboy" wheels.

Handcrafted interior features with optional sport seats: The Dutch coachbuilder will craft the interior with copper accents, classic seats, and a steering wheel. The seats will have retro theme stitching to give the enthusiast a nostalgic appeal.

Special emblems: The convertible Defender built by Heritage Customs will also feature the special emblems inside out, confirming its exclusivity.

Land Rover Defender Convertible bookings & price

Heritage Customs will offer the limited edition Defender at a price of £1,00,000 (approximately equal to RM 555,330), including the price of the base car and the cost of conversion, for which it quotes £58,200 (RM 323,202). As for reference, the Land Rover Defender 110 2.0L carries a price tag of RM 798,800, and Defender 110 3.0L MHEV retails for RM 998,800 in the local market. Included in these prices is a 50% sales and service tax rebate. 

The Land Rover Defender Convertible bookings are now open, with only deliveries scheduled for this year.

What are your thoughts on this chopped-off Defender? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: SISMA Auto expands it retails operations with Jaguar Land Rover