Building the Ultimate Defender 130: Shoreline’s Guide to Customizing the Long-Wheelbase Icon
When it comes to size, utility, and off-road confidence, few platforms compete with the Land Rover Defender 130. Originally designed for military, agricultural, and expedition use, the 130 has become a favorite for clients who need space, power, and unmatched capability.
At Shoreline, the custom Defender 130 is more than just a stretched frame — it’s a blank canvas ready to be tailored for overlanding, family adventures, or rugged workhorse duty. Here’s how we approach the build process and what makes the Defender 130 so compelling.
What Is the Defender 130?
The Defender 130 offers extended wheelbase utility with an iconic boxy silhouette. It provides a larger cargo bed, more rear passenger space, and a longer chassis that enables additional gear mounting and storage options.
Whether you’re interested in a Land Rover Defender 110 soft top or an extended 130 soft top Defender, the frame supports both open-air and hardtop builds.
Defender 130 Benefits:
Three rows of seating or expanded cargo space
Ideal for overlanding or commercial builds
Increased capacity for water tanks, auxiliary batteries, and onboard storage
Compatible with roof racks, side ladders, and extended roof tents
Performance & Powertrain Options
Modified Land Rover Defender: Upgrades That Matter
Shoreline builds are designed around modern drivability. That means we offer multiple powertrains for the Defender 130:
LS3 6.2L V8: Power, torque, and highway cruising comfort
Turbo diesel options for efficiency and torque in technical terrain
Electric conversions for sustainable, low-maintenance performance
Each modified Land Rover Defender comes with transmission, differential, suspension, and brake upgrades to handle the extra size of the 130 frame.
Soft Top and Roof Configurations
The Defender soft top is increasingly popular even on long-wheelbase frames. A Land Rover Defender 130 soft top delivers an open-air feel while still offering structural support and cargo protection.
Other roof options include:
Hardtop conversions with built-in safari windows
Canvas tops for lighter off-road utility builds
Modular configurations for hybrid truck-bed access
We match each configuration to the intended use — whether you’re hauling surfboards or building a support vehicle.
Interior and Cabin Design
Land Rover Defender Luxury Meets Practicality
Our interior packages balance durability with comfort. Whether you’re looking for a rugged finish for outdoor use or a Land Rover Defender luxury build, you can expect:
Water-resistant leather and canvas upholstery
Custom dash panels and updated gauge clusters
Integrated climate control and infotainment
Third-row seating, sleeping platforms, or modular storage
Each bespoke Land Rover Defender 110 or 130 is tailored to the owner's lifestyle — from family trips to remote expeditions.
Body Style Variants
Whether you’re after a Land Rover Defender 130 double cab, crew cab, or utility bed format, we design the structure to match your needs. Some popular formats include:
Defender 130 station wagon
Defender 130 single cab pickup
Custom crew cab with enclosed canopy
Looking for something unique? We also build retro Land Rover Defender configurations and specialty Land Rover Defender short wheelbase customs if you want a secondary compact vehicle.
Bespoke Defender Builds by Shoreline
Each Shoreline Defender 130 is a custom-built Land Rover Defender from the chassis up. We don’t sell kits or do partial restorations — we engineer every vehicle to be as durable as it is beautiful.
What’s possible:
Fully restored Land Rover with modern drivetrain
Custom safari builds with rooftop accommodations
Luxury interiors with rear-seat A/C and wood inlays
Integrated water and fuel storage for long-distance travel
FAQs About Defender 130 Builds
1. Can you convert an existing Defender into a 130?
We typically build new 130s from original chassis or modern-spec frames to ensure structural integrity.
2. Do you offer left-hand and right-hand drive?
Yes. All builds can be configured based on your region and driving preferences.
3. Is a soft top viable for the Defender 130?
Absolutely. A Land Rover Defender soft top is ideal for coastal, safari, or seasonal builds.
4. How much can the Defender 130 carry?
Depending on the configuration, up to 1,400+ pounds of cargo, plus roof-mounted equipment.
5. Can the 130 be built as a luxury daily driver?
Yes. We offer high-end finishes, quiet cabin insulation, and modern ride enhancements.
Conclusion: The Defender 130, Reimagined by Shoreline
If you need the size and utility of a full-size truck with the heritage and style of a Defender, the custom Defender 130 is your answer. Built for the long haul, designed with precision, and finished with your lifestyle in mind, the 130 is a vehicle that does more than just perform — it tells your story.
Start your journey at Shoreline Vehicles, explore our builds, and let’s bring your Defender 130 vision to life.