When thinking of rugged, dependable and capable 4x4s, there are seldom models that come to mind more so than the Land Rover Defender. A name synonymous with those in the need for a go anywhere vehicle to conquer some of the most challenging terrain the world has to offer.
With an incredibly long production period, spanning over several decades, the Defender has seen an assortment of body styles and engines, adaptable to almost any situation, all within a simple, yet timeless design.
It was in 1983 that the iteration known as the Defender was brought to market, a clear evolution of the classic “series” Land Rovers, we were first introduced to the 110, named in relation to the wheelbase of the vehicle, and then in 1984, the 90, also named in the same fashion.
The all new Defender followed the trend of prior models and became an instant success with those in need of a quality 4x4.
With such an excellent reputation as a go anywhere offroad machine, it was no surprise that many Defenders found their way into the hands of the British army to be utilised in operations throughout the world.
Whilst we are unsure the exact locations in which this vehicle has served, investigation into its military “ERM” suggests it was in service from 13th June 1991, it also indicates a cast date of 16th December 2004, there is also evidence from “RIV dates” showing the truck spending time at JSCS Ashchurch, RAF Spadeadam.
The truck was bought by its current owner, an avid Land Rover enthusiast, around 2 years ago, in this time it has been excellently maintained and cared for and they are now looking to move the vehicle on to a new loving owner.
Being a former military vehicle, this Defender is accompanied not only by a regular conventional owners manual, but also by a large Army operations folder containing all relevant operating information in regards to the various army components that differ from the standard civilian variant of the Defender.
The folder also includes detailed diagrams in relation to the altered army electrical systems.
In addition to the operations manual, we find a stack of paperwork and invoices for maintenance and servicing undertaken by the current and previous owners since the vehicle left military service. Including work by Cowley & Co 4 wheel drive specialists, and a recent service and MOT by a garage local to the current owner. As a result the Defender holds an MOT until December 2022.
The correct V5 registration document is also present.
Incredibly bare bones, the motif of rugged simplicity is mirrored from the exterior of the truck into the interior. We also find clear evidence of military usage throughout the cabin.
Note a series of more complex switchgear seated within the dashboard to control the electrics not seen on the civilian Defenders. Small cues such as the auxiliary power connectors and small map reading light mounted on the dash in front of the passenger seat can also be seen, with the light itself still functioning fully.
Located in the drivers footwell is the Military stamping containing all the relevant numbers in relation to the vehicle and its service including the all important ERM reg number.
The black plastic dash itself is in good condition and presents well, still rich with colour and lacking in cracks or major wear. Housed within the dash, the various controls, both army and civilian are of an equally good standard, as is the gauge cluster and the large black steering wheel that protrudes out from below.
Up front, both the driver and passenger seat are of an excellent standard, the upholstery still clean and free of major markings, wear or tear. The same quality is mirrored to the bench seats mounted in the rear of the truck.
Sat proudly in a dark shade of matte green, this Defender still looks the part all these years on. The paintwork itself is in great condition with just the small areas of patina and blemishes to be expected of a vehicle of this sort.
Both front and rear bumper are of a similar standard, still looking the part in a fitting matte black whilst showing some signs of general patina, the rear bumper housing the external footsteps and the “NATO style” towbar, this has in recent years, been combined with a towequipe towbar electrical system.
Up top we find ourselves looking at a removable canvas roof, the quality of the canvas is outstanding as are the fixings used to hold said roof in place. Another piece of simple yet innovative design, the roof itself can be rolled up so as to expose the rear pickup compartment at which point, the excess canvas is attached to the front.
Or just the sides can be lifted, or better yet, the canvas can be removed entirely for a full open top experience. It can also be noted that the windscreen itself can be folded down if one wishes to do so, however this has not been done by the current owner.
Under the canvas roof, the rear pickup compartment of the truck has been housed in a metal framework/roll bar; it is believed that not all of the segments are original, but the frame itself is in great condition and looks excellent on the truck.
The glass and lighting on the Defender are in good order, with upgraded headlights up front, and rear lights that can be turned off with it being a military vehicle.
The exterior plastics and trim all present equally well, as do the flared wheel arches which contain the four excellent “wolf” style steel wheels the truck sits on, these have been finished in an excellent shade of dark grey, with the fifth spare wheel attached to the bonnet. The wheels are all in excellent condition.
Under the bonnet we find an excellent example of Land Rover’s cast iron naturally aspirated four cylinder diesel engine. Famed for its reliability, it's clear to see why these motors were put into Defenders going into military service.
Being a former army vehicle, it must be noted that the engine has been regularly rebuilt whilst in service, hence we find a stamp on the engine itself providing information about its remanufacturing. Thanks to this thorough and regular maintenance, along with the recent service undertaken, the Defender fires into life with ease. An excellent tone billowing from the exhaust. It provides the wonderful raw driving experience to be expected of a Defender.
There have been a host of new mechanical parts fitted under the vehicles current ownership, including a new rocker cover, new ignition barrel, new battery, new tie rod end and a “dead man” cut off switch which has been installed.
The underside of the truck is incredibly clean, it’s clear to see when looking at the framework and sills that this has been a well preserved well cared for vehicle.
Being a successor to the series Land Rovers, the Defender was always going to be a formidable machine, here we are decades later and the name Defender is still the go to tool for going anywhere. The name is something of a legend and it's clear to see why.
For those in need of an extremely capable off roader that exudes style, look no further. This is a well maintained, well cared for example of a cult classic with the added bonus of military pedigree. Boasting an extensive paperwork folder and a long current MOT, this can be jumped in and used right from the get go.
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1991 Land Rover Defender pickup (ex MOD)
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