Bowler having been modifying and converting Land Rovers since 1985, and have a reputation of quality and ruggedness. Many of their Defenders have competed at the highest level in rallying and long distance challenges with great success. It is quite unusual to see a Defender 90 in pickup form that has been given the Bowler treatment, and we think this makes it pretty unique.
The last owner took the customisation to the next level, with many thousands spent on interior and exterior details. The photographs tell the story, along with the invoices that itemise the vast expenditure. Superbly trimmed inside, and with lots of impressive equipment throughout, this must be amongst the highest specification Land Rovers available.Bowler Pickup (3).JPG3.65 MB
History and Paperwork
Manufactured in 2014, first registered in Jersey
Sent to Bowler for full upgrade in 2015
Bowler build number S45
Long list of upgrades including Stage 1 engine tune
Bowler Fast Road handling pack, exhaust system and sound deadening added in 2021
Invoice from Bower dated May 2021 for £7,830 for further upgrades
Invoice from Bespoke interiors from 2021 for over £23,000
Full list of work completed and all upgrades
V5c in last private Owner’s name, purchased in May 2021
MoT valid to February 2024
DVLA MoT history back to 2017 verifies low mileage
Service book with stamps at 6,000 and 10,000 miles
Further invoices and history for Services at 9,000, 12,000 and 14,401 miles
Total of six Services carried out, the last by Bowler in June 2022, just 635 miles ago
Bowler Service and condition report from June 2022
Full custom interior by Bespoke costing in excess of £23,000
Black leather Land Rover SVX heated seats with silver diamond stitching
Black leather and suede dash with Orchid Grey suede roof lining
The interior of this Defender is about as far from its utilitarian roots as possible; there is very little that hasn’t been changed, improved or upgraded. Customised by Bespoke of Harrogate it is fully trimmed in custom stitched black leather and suede, with deep black carpets. The heated Land Rover SVT seats are trimmed in leather with silver Double Diamond stitching with Bespoke logos on the headrests and there is also matching stitching in silver on the dash and door panels.
There are black suede sections on the dash, and a contrasting Orchid Grey suede roof lining, all immaculately clean. The steering wheel is also a Bespoke item, again in leather. The dash has received similar treatment with Bespoke gauges and LED dash lights.
There is a Pioneer DAB entertainment system with a 9 inch screen for SatNav, and the reversing camera, with sound through an Audison system with 6 speakers, crossover and subwoofer. Below that on the centre console is a Bowler plaque with the S45 build number. The door fittings are all billet aluminium as are the exterior door handles. All this is itemised on an invoice from Bespoke that totals £23,034!
It is easy to see that there is virtually no wear and tear, unsurprising with only 15,000 miles covered. The black carpets are immaculately clean, and protected beneath bespoke branded fitted floor mats. The gauges all function correctly and there are no warning lights showing.
Overall we think the interior is exceptionally smart and very impressive.
Fuji White paintwork in unmarked condition with Bowler graphics
Bowler 18 inch lightweight multi-spoke wheels with BF Goodrich off road tyres
Custom inlaid wood pick up bed with bespoke tonneau cover
The brilliant Fuji White exterior contrasts beautifully with the black bonnet graphics and black exterior trim details. The paintwork is in exceptional condition with no chips or marks. The glass areas are all equally unmarked with dark privacy glass side and rear windows.
All the exterior lighting is LED, with extra bright Lazer ST4 spot lamps mounted on the Bowler rally spec front bumper.
The wheels are lightweight Bowler 18 inch alloys with lightly worn Goodrich tyres. The spare is unused, and mounted on the rear bed. Lifting the custom made rear tonneau cover reveals an inlaid walnut rear deck as you may expect to find on a yacht! It appears that nothing has been transported and the woodwork is undamaged and impressive. The large rear roll bar protrudes through the tonneau and looks sturdy enough to support a house! With numerous additional exterior details the Defender is most impressive in every respect.Bowler Pickup (12).JPG3.95 MB
The Mechanics
2.5 litre Turbo Diesel with Bowler Stage 1 tune
Fast Road handling pack, Bowler exhaust system and sound deadening added in 2021
Fresh corrosion-free underside, recently coated with Lanoguard
Mechanically the Defender is in great shape and drives nicely. There is plenty of power and a huge amount of torque from the 2.2 litre diesel that has been mapped and tuned by Bowler. It has had plenty of servicing, the last carried out in June last year by Bowler themselves, and a further 653 miles have been covered since.
Looking under the bonnet reveals what appears to be a factory standard engine bay with the addition of some extra Dynamat sound proofing. There is no debris or dust, and it all appears to be factory fresh. As the Defender has covered so few miles and has had so much recent work we think it’s pretty much ready for anything! Bowler Pickup (127).JPG3.59 MB
Summary
There has been so much done to this Defender that there is virtually nothing that hasn’t been upgraded or customised. Whilst still retaining the iconic Land Rover shape, every detail has been improved, resulting in an impressive and capable machine. With the price of Land Rovers at an all time high, to replicate this to the same level would cost a fortune.
If you want an impressive Defender built to the highest specification possible, then don’t miss out!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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