A fine-looking Land Rover 90 fitted with lots of desirable enhancements and improvements
Fitted with the robust 300Tdi engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox
Low, recent use having covered only around 22,000 miles in the last 10 years
The Appeal
The Land Rover Defender needs little introduction and the history of the Wilks brothers and their conception of this utilitarian icon is now the stuff of automotive legend. The Defender first happened along in 1983 but started out known as the Land Rover 90 and 110 as designations of their respective wheelbases. The “new” car was reassuringly similar to the Series III vehicle it superseded. Main changes were the move to more compliant coil springs, permanent four-wheel drive and a taller, single piece windscreen.
Our example has clearly had love and attention lavished on it over the years. In recent history it has benefitted from a new galvanised Richards Chassis galvanised replacement and a replacement bulkhead from a later TD5. It is also unusual in featuring the later 300 Tdi engine mated to an automatic gearbox. An unusual and interesting specification having been successfully futureproofed.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1987 in just the fourth year of Defender production
This example has been used and enjoyed by 13 previous owners
A number of these are understood to be the current owner’s son
He has owned the Land Rover on a number of occasions
In one of those ownership periods the Land Rover has been upgraded
The key change has been the fitment of the respected 300 Tdi engine
This is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox
Our Land Rover has been quite lightly used in its recent history
It has covered around 22,000 miles since 2013
The current owner acquired the Land Rover from his son in September 2021
During his ownership a new galvanised chassis and replacement TD5 bulkhead have been fitted
This owner has also painted all body panels inside and out
Minimal paperwork is on hand for the Land Rover
This amounts to the current V5 in the owner’s name
The last MOT has recently expired in June 2023
This owner confirms a new MOT will be applied and the test is booked
The Land Rover’s MOT history, back to 2006, is available online
The Interior
The cabin of our Land Rover will appear very familiar to those of a certain age
Separate front seats are fitted separated by a large, central storage cubby
These seats are finished in black vinyl with fabric inserts
These are fitted with headrests for additional safety and comfort
The conditional is reasonable with some minor age-related wear noted
The cabin has been generously carpeted in black, hard-wearing carpet
The dashboard is standard, and minimal, Land Rover fare
An original, four spoke Land Rover steering wheel is fitted
A modern Sony CD / radio head unit is fitted
This powers a pair of under-dash surface mounted speakers
Door cards are dressed in hard wearing, black vinyl
A fitted fabric headlining panel is fitted to reduce noise and maximise heat insulation
The rear cabin is accessed by a large, rear, hinged door
The rear door is finished with an internal chequer plate panel
Sliding rear windows are fitted for additional ventilation
The rear cabin has recently been repainted by the vendor
Plenty of paint appears to have been applied with some runs noted
The Exterior
The Land Rover presents well thanks to a recent respray by the owner
All panels have been treated to a thick finish of Marine Blue
The general paint condition looks to be generally good
Although not of a fully professional standard, the finish is “Land Rover appropriate”
Galvanised front bumper and sill panels are fitted
The rear cross member is finished in textured black, and a towbar fitted
The spare wheel and tyre are mounted to the rear door
Twin, rear LED work lamps are fitted
The front wing tops are fitted with chequer plate panels
Our Land Rover is fitted with 16 inch, eight-hole steel wheels
These appear to be in decent condition and are silver grey painted
A matching set of chunky 265/75 off-road tyres are fitted
Large, reinforced plastic wheel arch extensions are fitted
The roof panel is painted in a contrasting Limestone hue
The Mechanics
Our example is fitted with the trusty and torquey 300 Tdi engine
The 300 Tdi was first fitted to Land Rovers in 1994
It was an evolution of the earlier 200 Tdi engine but exhibited over 200 changes
The four cylinder, 2.5L turbo charged diesel unit was originally good for around 120 bhp
More importantly over 200 Ib-ft of torque was on tap from a mere 1,800 rpm
This Defender is also fitted with an automatic gearbox
The transfer box is still present meaning low range and diff locking is still available
Little is known about the earlier maintenance history of the Land Rover
The current owner says that the Land Rover drives well with no faults reported
The underside looks to be in excellent condition
This is thanks to a new Richards Chassis galvanised chassis having been fitted
This is witnessed by the engraved RC pictured
The owner has painted the chassis black primarily to deter theft
Anti-roll bars have been fitted under here and polythene bushes are fitted
Summary
With the original Defender, Land Rover managed to give the earlier Series vehicles a shot in the arm that extended their life for a further 20 years or so. Much loved by enthusiasts worldwide for their simple, electronics free, design and their peerless off-road capability.
Our example stands out in a number of areas. It is fitted with the highly respected and very robust 2.5L 300 Tdi engine. This is a torquey unit, ideally suited to the rough, tough Defender demeanour. Additionally, this is a rare automatic version which widens its appeal still further. Lastly, this Defender has been lavished with many valuable, futureproofing upgrades like the galvanised chassis and later bulkhead. That results in an interesting example that has been effectively future proofed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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1987 Land Rover Defender 90
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