Some builds are about proving a point. Others are about creating the ultimate expression of capability without worrying about budgets, practicality, or common sense. This 1987 Land Rover 127 currently climbing toward $109,000 on Bring a Trailer falls squarely into the latter category. What started as a rare long-wheelbase Defender has been transformed by Heritage Driven into something that looks ready to conquer both the Sahara and your local Cars & Coffee. With a Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel, portal axles, and enough LED lighting to guide aircraft, this is what happens when you take the “no compromise” approach to building the perfect adventure vehicle.
The Foundation of Legends
The Land Rover 127 (later known as the Defender 130) represents the ultimate utility vehicle platform. It’s longer, more capable, and infinitely more practical than its shorter siblings. This particular example made its way from the Netherlands to the US in 2013, where it spent several years as a regular imported Defender before Heritage Driven got their hands on it in 2017.
What Heritage Driven created is essentially a rolling advertisement for their capabilities. Every single system has been upgraded, modified, or completely replaced.
Cummins Power in a British Package
The heart of this build is the Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel – a compact, modern engine that’s become increasingly popular in the Defender community. This particular unit features cryogenic-treated internals and a custom tune, transforming the traditionally underpowered Defender experience into something genuinely quick and responsive.
Power flows through a six-speed automatic transmission to a twin-stick dual-range transfer case, then to Currie axles equipped with custom 74Weld portal axles. Those portals aren’t just for show, they provide massive ground clearance while allowing the use of more compact driveline components. Add in ARB air lockers front and rear, and you’ve got a drivetrain capable of tackling virtually any terrain.
Suspension and Wheels Built for Business
The suspension setup reads like a wish list for serious off-road work. Long-travel Fox remote-reservoir shocks handle the dampening duties, while a long-arm suspension lift provides the articulation needed for serious rock crawling. A PSC steering stabilizer keeps things pointed in the right direction, and a detachable sway bar allows maximum articulation when the going gets tough.
Rolling on 17-inch Hutchinson beadlock wheels wrapped in 40×13.5-inch Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 tires, this 127 has the footprint to float over sand and the grip to claw up rock faces. The central tire inflation system means you can adjust pressures on the fly without leaving the cab—a feature that serious overlanders will immediately appreciate.
Exterior Functionality
Every exterior modification serves a purpose. The Keswick Green paint provides a classic Land Rover appearance, while the extensive exterior modifications focus on capability rather than flash. Front and rear winches (Warn units) can extract the vehicle from virtually any situation, while the swing-out spare tire carrier keeps the essential fifth wheel easily accessible.
The Baja Designs LED lighting setup is particularly impressive, featuring LP9 and LP6 pods plus light bars that can turn night into day. When you’re navigating unknown terrain in the dark, having adequate lighting isn’t luxury—it’s safety equipment.
Interior Comfort Meets Utility
Inside, Heritage Driven has struck an impressive balance between utility and comfort. The custom-fabricated bulkhead adds 3 inches of legroom for the driver and 6 inches for the passenger, which addresses one of the original 127’s few shortcomings. High-back Exmoor seats trimmed in green leather with houndstooth inserts provide proper support for long-distance adventures.
Modern amenities include an Alpine touchscreen head unit, Vintage Air climate control, and a comprehensive electronics package featuring a Lowrance GPS system with FLIR thermal camera, WeBoost cell phone booster, and CB radio. The sPOD touchscreen display provides clean control over all the auxiliary lighting and accessories.
Spec Sheet
Model: 1987 Land Rover 127
Engine: Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel inline-four (cryogenic-treated, custom tune)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Transfer Case: Dual-range with twin-stick operation
Axles: Currie axles with custom 74Weld portal axles
Lockers: ARB air lockers front and rear
Suspension: Long-arm lift with Fox remote-reservoir shocks
Wheels: 17″ Hutchinson beadlock alloys
Tires: 40×13.5″ Pro Comp Xtreme MT2
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with R1 Concepts calipers, Wilwood master cylinder
Paint: Keswick Green
Interior: Green leather Exmoor seats with houndstooth inserts
Electronics: Alpine touchscreen, Lowrance GPS with FLIR, sPOD control system
Odometer: 1,000 miles (post-rebuild)
Builder: Heritage Driven (Albuquerque, NM)
Current Bid: $109,000
Pricing & Availability
Currently listed on Bring a Trailer with 5 days remaining and a current high bid of $109,000. The vehicle is offered with a clean Oregon title through dealer consignment.
Recap
Cummins R2.8-Powered 1987 Land Rover 127
Heritage Driven transformed this rare long-wheelbase Defender with a Cummins turbodiesel engine, portal axles, Fox suspension, and every conceivable off-road modification, creating a $109,000+ expedition vehicle that’s ready for any adventure without compromise.
