Shiny Defender-based retro camper unleashed

We've seen some very interesting RV-related 'lockdown projects' over the past 18 months, from home-built trailers designed on shoestring budgets to hi-tech, hard-shell micro-campers and cool, quarter-million dollar expedition vehicles.

But when it comes to creative concepts it's hard to go past the Duckworth Overland 'Aerover'; an eye-catching twin-berth motorhome that blends the off-road ruggedness of the original Land Rover Defender with the iconic, aircraft-inspired design of an Airstream caravan.

The 12-month project-build is the brainchild of UK-based Thomas Duckworth, who cut his RV DIY 'teeth' on an earlier mobile tiny home project dubbed 'Lorry Life', that involved plonking a rustic shed-like camper body on the back of an old Bedford MJ army truck.

For the craftsman-built Aerover, Duckworth together with engineer and CAD designer Michael Gerrard began with a rundown Land Rover Defender TD5 130. The old 4x4 wagon was stripped down and fully restored including rebuilding the axles and differentials, reconditioning the diesel five-cylinder and gearbox and putting in a new, reconditioned power steering box.

The pair also installed a new 3500kg-rated, marine-painted galvanised steel chassis and RV mounting frame, plus brand-new self-leveling air suspension and disc brakes for a more modern driving experience.

A CNC-cut skeletal wood buck was used to form the aluminum frame and hand-shaped exterior panels for the aero-style 'habitation pod' and, like Airstreams, its curved, polished alumimium panels are affixed with countless rivets.

The Duckland Overland Aerover made its public debut at last month's Goodwood Revival in the UK, albeit with an unfinished, skeletal-like interior living space.

The Bristol based business is hoping to find a buyer before completing the full camper fit-out, which is likely to include a 'gas free' set-up with induction cooking, lighting, water pumps, air-conditioner and compressor fridge running off a 200Ah lithium battery system, charged via a 220W roof-mounted solar set-up, vehicle alternator or 240V hook up.

Computer renderings also show a comfy internal living area that includes dinette seating and bedding, a kitchenette and shower and toilet facilities.

The plan is put the Duckworth Overland Aerover into limited production, with pricing for the custom-built campervans reported to be as high as £200,000 (AUD$371,000) depending on the final fit-out. The use of alternative base vehicles like the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series is also on the cards.

See Duckworth Overland for full details.

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