Rare single cab pickup, only a few in Japan

Amidst a collection of all types of Land Rover “Defender” models, from rare limited editions to custom cars, we found a rare 110-based single cab pickup. Not only did it have an unusual style with a huge cargo bed in the rear, but its specifications were such that the owner’s love and effort could be felt.

Single cab with huge cargo bed

Around 50 new and old Land Rover Defenders gathered at the Defender Collection Owners Meeting held on April 20, 2024, in Saitama Prefecture. One of the vehicles that caught my attention was a Defender 110 single-cab pickup that I had never seen before.

The Defender is available in three different wheelbases (90, 110, and 130 inches), each with body variations such as station wagon and pickup. The pickup presented here is based on the 110, and unlike the double-cab pickup models with two rows of seats and four doors, this is an unusual one with only one row of seats and a large cargo bed behind it.

The Defender 110 single cab pickup has a wider cargo bed than the 130 pickup, and with a 1-ton capacity, it has the highest load capacity of all the pickups in the lineup. For this reason, to distinguish it from the regular 110 double cab pickup, it is called the 110 HC Pickup, an acronym for “High Capacity”.

Rare car, only 10 or so exist in Japan

The owner, Mr. Saito, who also owns a second-generation Range Rover, had been looking for a Defender 110 HC Pickup for some time. Naturally, there was no way he could find one in Japan, so he decided to import a 2014 model he found in the UK via Sunkers in Aichi Prefecture. Thus, he was able to acquire a 110 HC Pickup, of which only 10 are said to exist in Japan.

When we first got it, the framework was installed on the cargo bed and the top was attached. However, although it is cool in terms of style, it is currently removed because it is difficult to drive. After all, you cannot see the back of the car at all while driving. Other than that, the car is kept in stock condition, with white steel wheels and slim Michelin 7.50R16 tires.

Customized with only owner-selected parts

Mr. Saito owns many parts, but unlike most Defenders, he carefully selects the parts he installs, as he believes it would not look like a pickup if he installed a lot of unnecessary accessories. The front aluminum skid guards, snow guards, and a Motrita steering wheel were installed. However, he also has a snorkel and a striped plate step that is mounted on the fender, which he has purchased but does not install because they do not suit his car.

“I really want to enjoy off-road driving and trials, but I’ve decided to hold off on this pickup and use the 2nd range for off-road driving.”

While the 110 HC Pickup should have been abused in a harsh environment, it is the owner’s love and efforts that have kept it in such good condition.