1998 Land Rover Defender Wolf
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Highlights
• 0 Previous keepers
• Ultra rare ex-military war stock
• Excellent condition
• Never restored
• 7,135 kilometers from new, 4,433 miles
The Background
Like a Defender 90 but a whole lot more!
Designed for the Royal Marines to be used in amphibious landings and extreme cold climate operations, the Land Rover Wolf Winterised / Waterproofed is said to be one of just 50 made. As well as having the Winterisation package, this particular one is Fitted For Radio, to enable communications set up while out in the field.
Even though it looks like a Defender 90, the British Military Of Defence had the Defender designed with extra heavy duty suspension, a stronger chassis and axles, and the engine was the tried and tested 300 TDi as opposed to the later TD5 engine, to enable easy repairs in the field.
It is also capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -40, and can be submerged up to 1.5m deep in water. The MoD stopped using the Defender 90 because the Bowman radio system which is now in use is too big and heavy for the 90.
The History
This is something of an exceptionally rare vehicle, having covered just 7,135 Kilometers (4,433 miles) from new. The vendor purchased the Defender Wolf as an ex warstock vehicle in 2020, and registered it for use on the UK roads.
The 1999 Land Rover Defender Wolf is in excellent condition having come straight from war stock as an (FFR) Fitted For Radio vehicle, it has everything in place apart from the communications equipment. This is basically how the vehicles are built, and sit in the stores waiting for the need to be called upon.
Not only is it an FFR vehicle, it is also winterised and waterproofed which will allow the vehicle to go through water upto windscreen height and also is capable of operating in temperatures down to -40. This particular vehicle was supplied with top spec equipment such as the Michelin tyres, stronger chassis, TD5 wings and fibre glass top.
The Defendor Wolf was also coated inside and out in Dinitrol to prevent any unwanted corrosion.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 0 previous keepers, with the vendor the first owner. There are 2 sets of keys which match the door locks.
A very nice addition to have with the Defender Wolf is a full and comprehensive workshop manual, along with a full parts manual.
The Ministry Of Defence Date In Service Certificate is present showing the date in service and manufacture date, which is 15th July 1999. The vendor has confirmed that the Wolf will be supplied with a fresh MOT.
The Interior
It’s quite clear to see that the inside of the Defender Wolf is still like new, having only covered 4,433 miles. There are no splits or cracks in the dashboard or fascia. The instruments are working correctly, and being a military vehicle, you do get some slight changes to what you would normally see inside a Defender. The dash lights are mounted in the centre of the dashboard, with a flip up cover that would block out some lights to keep everything dark inside.
There is the switch to turn off exterior lights and illuminate the lamp pointing to the white painted differential cover, which is used when in discrete nighttime convoys.
The seats are in excellent condition and show no signs of any wear. The floor is covered with insulated rubber to keep the heat in at -40, and there is internal cold climate thermal insulation fitted from front to back to also assist with keeping the vehicle warm.
The heating is provided by a Webasto diesel heater, with 2 heating elements fitted under the rear seats which will allow the vehicle to stay warm without the engine running.
You will notice in the rear of the vehicle that all the framework, wiring, and storage is present to hold the radio communications equipment. The seller reports that the radio equipment could be sourced, if required, to complete the look of such an original vehicle. Also, should you need it, an internal roll cage is fitted for your protection.
The Exterior
Standard Military issue paint is the finish for the Defender, which we must stress is original, and the vehicle has never been restored.
Starting at the front, and as you would expect with such little miles on the vehicle, it is in superb condition, with no chips, dents or damage that we could see. Being the Winterisation model, the cover for blocking off the radiator in extreme conditions is in place, and there is a pick head attached to the bumper with the handle and shovel mounted to the bonnet, together with a tow rope, all of which are just like new.
There is also a cover to put up over the windscreen, helping to keep the heat in and also to stop any light escaping during ops.
Around to the sides, and you will notice the snorkel which allows the vehicle to be submerged up to the windscreen and still be able to drive with no issues. There are mounting points on the wings and rear quarters for aerials to the communications equipment.
The door mirrors are heated which is part of the Winterisation package. You will notice the spare wheel is mounted to the side, which is where Land Rover decided to attach it, after the weight caused it to break the mounting point when fixed to the bonnet. The windows slide open and are free from any noticeable scratches.
To the rear, and this is the same as the rest of the vehicle, free from any chips or scuffs. There are plastic covers which open on either side of the fibreglass top. These would have been to allow cables to run into the operations tent, which would have attached to the rear of the Defender.
The wheels are in excellent condition as you would expect, and these have been fitted with the upgraded and preferred Michelin tyres which have nearly all the tread remaining on them.
The Mechanics
The Ministry Of Defence specified that Land Rover fitted the tried and tested 300 TDi engine in the Wolf, as they knew how to repair them if needed out in the field, and there was less electronics to deal with in such a situation.
The engine in this 1999 Defender, as you will see, has not been painted blue like a lot of the military vehicles you see. The seller reports that when they have been painted blue, this is in fact a reconditioned engine, and so the one we have here is a new engine with 4,433 miles.
You may have noticed that there is an extra alternator fitted with no belt on. This is used to charge the batteries that would be fitted for the communication system. The belt is removed and the alternator unplugged, but the belt is located in the back ready to be fitted when required.
The vehicle drives just as it should with no untoward noises coming from the transmission or the reinforced rear axle. Front and rear disc brakes ensure the Defender will come to a halt nice and quickly.
As mentioned earlier, the Defender has got an uprated chassis which was more heavy duty and also coated inside and out in Dinitrol to prevent corrosion, and the bulkhead was also treated in the same way.
The Appeal
This really is a truly unique opportunity to own a Land Rover Defender Wolf with Winterisation and Waterproofing. The ex Military vehicle that could be described as being in nearly new condition, with just 7,135 kilometers (4,433 miles).
It has come from ex war stock and fitted with all the upgrades, which takes it above and beyond the lesser spec Wolf. Everything is working as it should, including the Webasto heater, and all the wiring is in place for the communications system.
A perfect opportunity for any military vehicle or Land rover enthusiast to own a relatively unused, unrestored, rare Winterised/Waterproofed Land Rover Defender 90 Wolf.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1999
- Make Land Rover
- Model Defender
- Colour Green
- Odometer 7,135 Kilometres
- Engine size 2500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Halifax
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
20
bids
- Mi•••• £35,000 26/01/22
- Mi•••• £30,000 26/01/22
- hu•••• £17,000 25/01/22
- mi•••• £16,000 25/01/22
- Gl•••• £15,000 25/01/22
- Jo•••• £12,000 25/01/22
- Gl•••• £11,500 24/01/22
- Mi•••• £10,250 24/01/22
- da•••• £10,000 24/01/22
- Mi•••• £8,100 24/01/22
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