Urban Automotive, a British coachbuilder, is converting Land Rover Defender 110s into high-performance pickup trucks called the Widetrack Avontur. The transformation replaces the rear cargo area with a hand-built carbon-fiber pickup bed, dramatically reducing weight while maintaining the vehicle's legendary off-road capability.
The Defender 110 serves as the donor platform. Urban Automotive removes the standard rear section and fabricates a bespoke carbon-fiber bed from scratch. This approach cuts substantial mass compared to traditional steel construction, improving power-to-weight ratio and fuel efficiency. The carbon fiber also enhances structural rigidity, a key benefit for a truck expected to haul loads and tackle rough terrain.
The Widetrack Avontur targets affluent buyers seeking bespoke, limited-production vehicles. Custom coaches have thrived in this segment, offering personalization that factory options cannot match. Land Rover Defenders already command premium prices in the used market, and buyers of custom builds accept even steeper costs for exclusivity and craftsmanship.
This conversion fits broader industry trends. Coachbuilders and aftermarket specialists increasingly target established platforms rather than creating vehicles from scratch. Mercedes-AMG, for example, partners with specialist firms for limited runs. Similarly, companies like Ineos Grenadier attract custom work. The Defender's modular design and cult status make it an ideal candidate for such conversions.
The carbon-fiber pickup bed addresses a real market gap. The standard Defender 110 lacks a dedicated short-bed truck variant with modern technology. Buyers wanting a true working truck with luxury finishes have limited factory options. Urban Automotive fills this niche by combining heritage design with contemporary materials and engineering.
Hand-built carbon-fiber work remains labor-intensive and expensive, limiting production volume. Urban Automotive likely targets single-digit