Highlights

Interesting industrial provenance, having served at an open cast mine in Derbyshire
Exterior roll cage fitted from new by a Land Rover specialist for quarry use, bolted to the chassis
Recently recommissioned with numerous new parts
Freshly repainted, with chassis painted for preservation
MOT valid until December 2026, no advisories
35,886 miles supported by MOT record

The Appeal

The Td5-powered Defender 90 remains one of the most coveted iterations of Land Rover's iconic workhorse, pairing the rugged simplicity of the classic Defender shape with a more refined inline five-cylinder turbodiesel.

This 2004 example carries a fascinating industrial provenance, having served at an open-cast mine in Derbyshire believed to be part of UK Coal. It retains its exterior roll cage, installed from new by a Land Rover specialist and bolted to the chassis for quarry use, lending it a purposeful, utilitarian character that sets it apart from the typical Defender.

Recently recommissioned, the vehicle has benefited from a thorough programme of renewal, with work spanning steering, suspension, brakes, bodywork, and cosmetics, as detailed below. The vendor reports that it drives tightly, with the engine starting readily whether hot or cold. This is an honest, working Defender rather than a concours piece; it carries some dents and age-related marks, but it presents well for its history, and with an advisory-free MOT valid until December 2026, it appears ready to be enjoyed straight away.

Key Information

Mileage: 35,886 miles (supported by MOT history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until December 2026, no advisories
Technical specs: 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel (Td5) engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, 4wd
Paperwork: not stated
IMG_8271 Charles Johnston.jpeg 6.31 MB

The Detail

Recently recommissioned with a comprehensive service including all oils and fluids
New steering swivels, steering damper, steering box drop arm, steering arm, and steering column fitted
New front swivel seals and bearings installed
New shock absorbers, brake discs, brake pads, and brake booster fitted
New sills on both sides
New door hinges, window seals, windscreen, wipers and arms, and wing mirrors fitted
Bodywork stripped down; roof, sides, and tub capping removed, painted underneath, then reassembled with new panel seals
Wings removed and inner wings painted before reassembly
New stainless steel bolts fitted to front vents with new vent seals, and used throughout reassembly where applicable
New paint applied to the exterior and most of the interior
Chassis, axles, and underside all painted for preservation
The vendor states the vehicle starts, runs, drives, and stops as it should
The vendor reports the engine is crisp and responsive
Interior described by the vendor as in fair condition
Dash and clocks show some blemishes
Factory jack still present behind the seats
Rear seats have been removed and are not included; all brackets and mountings remain fitted
Blower motor rewired to an on/off switch as the original resistor control was not working
No radio fitted from the factory
Rear wiper reported as not working
Interior door lock indicators in door cards need fitting

BEFORE YOU BUY

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