From a dream born out of passion to a masterpiece crafted with grit and grace — Pickie is more than just a Land Rover Defender. It’s a living testament to craftsmanship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of adventure. Pickie is owned by Architect PJ Miranda | Arquitectomobilia.
The story begins with a timeless icon: a 1987 Beluga Black Range Rover County Classic. That vehicle sparked a deep admiration for the Land Rover marque, and for over a decade, it became a symbol of our appreciation for heritage, capability, and design. It didn’t end there — the family of classics grew with the addition of “Sarge”, a 1980 Land Rover Series 3 Military, and “Jason”, a 1977 Land Rover Series 3 88″ diesel.
As an architect, I constantly envision designs that merge function with beauty. I dreamed of owning a tougher, more utilitarian Land Rover pickup — one that could handle remote work sites with no roads in sight, but also stand proud in any showroom or trail meetup. Unfortunately, the rising value of classic Land Rovers made ownership increasingly difficult. Just when the dream seemed out of reach, a good friend posed a simple idea:
“Why not build one from scratch?”
Built From Passion, Piece by Piece
That question sparked the beginning of Pickie’s journey.
One day, that same friend was clearing his workshop — a stash of used Land Rover parts, some battered, some still usable. It was the perfect starting point. We repurposed what we could: an old but healthy 300Tdi engine, recycled chassis components, and beat-up body panels waiting for new life.
Over two years of painstaking restoration, every piece was straightened, reinforced, and revitalized. The final touch? A stately metallic wine-red Cordova finish — chosen not just for elegance, but as a subtle tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who favored the shade.
What began as a collection of discarded parts is now a custom 1989 Land Rover Defender 110 single cab pickup — Pickie.
Form Meets Function: The Many Faces of Pickie
Pickie proudly serves multiple roles, each one a testament to its thoughtful restoration and purposeful design. As a builder’s workhorse, it handles the rigors of off-grid architectural projects with ease—traversing rough terrain, hauling supplies, and providing reliable support where roads don’t exist. Built tough and functional, Pickie was made to work just as hard as the people behind it.
Beyond the job site, Pickie transforms into a trail-ready explorer, perfect for weekend adventures and spontaneous getaways. Its rugged capability and classic charm make it an ideal companion for those who crave the outdoors while appreciating timeless design.
But perhaps most strikingly, Pickie has become a showstopper—capturing attention and admiration at the Manila International Auto Show 2025. What began as a pile of discarded parts is now a fully resurrected Defender, an expression of vision, passion, and relentless creativity. More than a machine, Pickie is a butterfly born from bolts—an inspiring story on wheels.
Gratitude That Drives
This project would not have been possible without the incredible support and friendship that surrounded it.
A heartfelt thank you to: Sir Manny Martinez, Sir Alvin Uy, Bespoke Auto Services, Rover_Reborn, Arquitectomobilia, MOA Design, and most importantly — the Almighty, whose grace made all of this possible.
The name “Pickie” is a tribute to the process itself — a pieced-together creation, lovingly assembled from passion and perseverance. More than a truck, it is a symbol of what can happen when people come together with a shared dream.