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The Auroch: Handcrafted Defender Camper Van for Off-Roading


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Now here’s a breathtaking one-of-a-kind creation: A custom-built aluminum pod built on top of a fully-refurbished Defender chassis! Called the Auroch by designer/builder Tom Duckworth, this is no ordinary truck bed camper. The entire thing was built using early 20th-century airplane and automotive building techniques.

Not only is the vehicle itself ready for any off-roading adventure, the pod on top has the creature comforts of home, including a four-seater dinette that transforms into a bed, and a hob/fridge in the mini kitchenette. This is the first of more Aurochs to come, and it’s up for sale. Tell us what you think in the comments!

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Aluminum Overlander by Tom Duckworth

Here’s Tom with the Defender, pre-conversion

The rough skeleton of the pod taking shape.

Now the wood slats! Look at how intricate that is.

Time to put the aluminum on top.

Carefully fitting each piece.

The finished result!

Bamboo on the interior.

Hatch in the back opens up for airflow.

What a unique shape!

Windows open on gas struts.

The seating area converts to a bed.

Close up of the gorgeous details.

VIDEO: Defender Overlander

Description:

Our unique, aircraft inspired habitation pod is a fully handcrafted structure made from polished aluminium. It is handcrafted using the same techniques that built pre-war cars and vintage aircrafts, such as the spitfire, and it means a lot to us to keep them alive.

Highlights:

  • Galley kitchen complete with an induction hob
  • Six-seater sitting area with a four-seater dining table
  • Table transitions to a queen-sized double bed.
  • Bamboo interior for strength, weight and aesthetics
  • Currently, for sale for £250,000
  • Full Victron electrical system
  • Dometic compressor fridge
  • Eberspacher diesel heater when off grid
  • Truma Saphir Comfort AC unit w/ electrical heating element for when plugged into shore power
  • 85 L water tank with a 15 L water heater, which can be heated from the engine or electrically to run the external warm shower.

Learn More:

Related Stories:

Our big thanks to Tom for sharing! 🙏

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.
{ 7 comments… add one }
  • David Pedersen
    July 9, 2022, 2:43 pm

    That is really nice and simple layout. And what craftsmanship!!. Well done.

  • Husabergchamp
    July 9, 2022, 10:00 pm

    Great craftsmanship! Working with aluminum needs special skill sets. Awesome!

  • Eric
    July 9, 2022, 11:08 pm

    Aesthetically a horrible nightmare (to me) but practicality sheer brilliance (again to me)

    Damn, now I’m confused… LOL

  • Liz
    February 24, 2023, 2:42 pm

    I may be wrong but this van doesn’t appear to be much more than a vehicle to drive and sleep in.

  • Marsha Cowan
    February 24, 2023, 2:45 pm

    Wow! This is like an amazing and beautiful work of art. Such precision and grace. Lovely lines with an unexpectedly classy and gorgeous interior. You’re an artist!

  • Michael
    February 24, 2023, 6:56 pm

    A state of art in craftsmen ship and it has it’s price.

  • Michael
    February 25, 2023, 6:20 am

    A company named Avion built this style truck campers in 8 and 10 foot length in the 60ties of the last century. But they had a bathroom which this one lacks.
    However, i believe the builders got inspired by the vintage one.

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