Rare late-production military 300Tdi specification, built after civilian discontinuation of the drivetrain
Italian Army provenance with official demilitarisation and transfer documentation
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirming matching drivetrain and axle numbers
Extensive eight-month mechanical and cosmetic recommissioning programme
Retains factory-correct Michelin XPC 7.50x16 military tyres
The Appeal
The AR90 programme will be familiar to those au fait with Defender production history. While Land Rover discontinued the 300Tdi for civilian markets in 1998, military-specification vehicles continued to be built at Solihull using the proven fully mechanical drivetrain alongside later TD5-era chassis architecture, body components, wiring, and instrumentation, creating a hybrid specification that many enthusiasts regard as the most desirable evolution of the analogue Defender.
While the British Armerd Forces' use of the Defender is well-troden territory, comparatively little is discussed about its use overseas. This 1999 example, built on 23 September 1999 and delivered new to the Italian Army via Land Rover Italia Spa, carries its original Nato Green finish and military registration EI JA333. It has since been formally demilitarised with official Italian military transfer documentation, and is accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirming matching drivetrain and axle numbers. The vendor notes that several components, including the reinforced rear door, external spare wheel carrier, and factory half-doors, share matching component lineage with items fitted to North American NAS Defender 90s, a crossover rarely seen outside specialist military and export production.
Over an eight-month recommissioning programme, the vehicle received extensive mechanical attention including a replacement R380 gearbox, injection pump, clutch assembly, timing belt, steering box rebuild, and driveline servicing, among many other items. The cosmetic approach was preservation-led, retaining the vehicle's authentic military patina and character rather than subjecting it to a full restoration. It retains its factory-correct Michelin XPC 7.50x16 military tyres, which are increasingly difficult to source. The vendor states the bodywork is straight with consistent panel fit, and the cabin has been sympathetically refurbished while maintaining its utilitarian military character.
For those seeking a well-documented military Defender with the desirable non-EGR 300Tdi drivetrain and thorough mechanical recommissioning, this AR90 has everything going for it.ORS07053 Sam Halligan.jpg417.66 KB
Key Information
Mileage: 240,740 km (approximately 149,600 miles), indicated
Country of registration: Comes with decommissioning documents from the Italian army
Technical inspection status: offered without inspection
Paperwork: British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, official Italian military demilitarisation and transfer documentation (Dispaccio di Immatricolazione)
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You state the vehicle id decommissioned from the Italian armed forces but Is the vehicle still EU registered. Need to know as I’m looking to export it to Portugal
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You state the vehicle id decommissioned from the Italian armed forces but Is the vehicle still EU registered. Need to know as I’m looking to export it to Portugal