Bespoke Land Rover Defender 90 Trucks

The ultimate short-wheelbase icon, reimagined for the modern enthusiast.

While the 110 Station Wagon is the undisputed king of the overland trail, there is a different kind of magic reserved for the Land Rover Defender 90 Truck.

It’s nimble, it’s iconic, and when configured as an open-air "Beach Runner," it is arguably the most fun you can have on four wheels. But what exactly makes a custom Defender 90 stand out, and why has the "Truck" configuration (Soft-Top or Pickup) become the most sought-after silhouette for coastal living?

1. The Nimble Advantage

The "90" in Defender 90 refers to the 92.9-inch wheelbase. This short footprint makes the Land Rover Defender 90 Truck incredibly agile. Whether you are navigating tight coastal trails or parking in a crowded beach town, the D90 handles with a responsiveness that its larger 110 sibling simply can't match.

At Shoreline, we emphasize this "sporty" feel by upgrading the suspension with Bilstein or Fox components, ensuring the truck feels planted on the pavement while remaining capable on the sand.

A black vintage Land Rover Defender parked in a grassy field with trees in the background and a clear blue sky.

2. The Open-Air Lifestyle (The Soft-Top "Truck")

When most clients search for a Land Rover Defender 90 Truck, they are looking for the freedom of a soft-top. There is no better way to experience a coastal drive than with the top rolled up and the wind through the cabin.

Our Shoreline Beach Edition D90s are specifically engineered for this lifestyle:

  • Heavy-Duty Roll Cages: Safety meets style with our bespoke internal or external cages.

  • Premium Soft-Tops: We use high-grade, weather-resistant canvas (often in Mohair) that stays taut at highway speeds but remains easy to roll up when the sun comes out.

  • Marine-Grade Interiors: From bespoke leather finishes to teak wood flooring, we build these trucks to handle sand, salt, and sun without compromising on luxury.

3. The "Truck" Aesthetic: Form Meets Function

The term "Truck" often refers to the D90's ability to pull double duty as a utility vehicle. With the rear seats folded or removed, the D90 offers a surprising amount of cargo space for surfboards, coolers, or diving gear.

It’s a modified Land Rover Defender that doesn't just look the part—it lives the part. We often finish these builds with swing-away spare tire carriers and heavy-duty NAS rear steps to enhance that rugged, purposeful "Truck" aesthetic.

4. Powering the Icon

A classic D90 was originally built for a farm, which means the original engines often feel "agricultural" on modern roads.

To transform a vintage 90 into a bespoke Land Rover Defender, we reset the mechanical clock. Most of our D90 builds feature:

  • Fully Rebuilt Engines: From high-torque diesels to our flagship LS3 V8 conversions.

  • Modern Braking: 6-piston calipers to ensure the truck stops as fast as it goes.

  • Soundproofing: Extensive Dynamat lining so you can enjoy your premium audio system even with the top off.

The Shoreline Promise

Buying an old Defender 90 is a gamble; commissioning a Shoreline D90 Truck is an investment. Every vehicle we build is a rebuilt Land Rover Defender, hand-crafted to ensure it lasts for another 30 years of beach days and weekend adventures.

Is the D90 the right fit for you? Explore our current D90 Inventory or Contact us to discuss your own custom 90 build.

A partially assembled off-road vehicle with large tires, a visible engine, and a black frame, inside a garage with a black and beige vehicle parked nearby. There is a red tool chest on the right side and various tools and equipment in the background.