The largest pick-up model in the series
The Land Rover Defender 130, with its huge body measuring over 5 m in length, is a long-wheelbase pick-up model. When we spoke to Mr. Oyamada, the owner of such a pick-up, he told us that he had obtained this unit by importing it directly from the Netherlands. How does he enjoy outdoor life with this big-bodied Defender?
Over 5m long and can carry five adults and their luggage
At the Defender Collection Owners Meeting held on 20 April 2024 at Saitama Prefecture, around 50 new and old Defenders gathered. One such vehicle that caught our attention was a green pick-up with a long overall length.
The Defender is available in three different wheelbases-90, 110, and 130 inches-and each has its body variants, such as station wagons and pick-ups. The Defender 130, which has the longest wheelbase, is the base model introduced here, and is a so-called double-cab pick-up with a four-door cabin and a cargo bed behind. It is an eye-catching vehicle with a massive body over 5m in length, with pipes stretching across the outside of the body. We immediately spoke to the owner.
Imported directly from the Netherlands
The owner, Mr. Oyamada, had been looking for a Defender 130 pick-up for some time, and when he couldn’t find one in Japan, he searched directly on European used car websites, found this unit in the Netherlands, and imported it directly into Japan.
The front bumper with winch and rear hitch member was fitted from the time of purchase, and after coming to Japan, the NOX regulations were lifted and an outer roll cage was fitted. The roll bar extends into the cargo bed and is quite a serious piece of protection for the entire body of the vehicle. Also, the front of the cargo bed is currently equipped with a large aluminum case, but if this is removed, the cargo bed is said to be wide enough to accommodate a minibike or bicycle.
It has survived a rollover and is still in service
A roll cage is mounted on the outside of the body, and a carrier is mounted on top of the roll cage, so the cargo capacity, including the cargo bed, is considerable. With room for five adults and this much luggage, it is the perfect vehicle for an outdoor partner. Mr. Oyamada also puts it to good use as a camping and bike transporter.
And if you look closely at this car, there are scratches on the left side from front to back, but when I asked Mr. Oyamada about this, he told me with a somewhat proud expression on his face.
“To tell the truth, I once overturned during a trial competition. But it was only a slow fall, so I didn’t suffer much damage and was fine. I thought the Defender was really robust.”
