Originally conceived to celebrate 50 years of Land Rover production, the Heritage Edition was offered in 1999 and limited to a production run of just 300. In fact only 270 were produced, 189 in Defender 90 form, and a further 81 of the longer wheelbase Defender 110. All were painted either Bronze Green or Light Pastel Green, and all had Lincoln Green leather seats. There were lots of external details that echoed the original Series 1 Land rovers of 1948. Now a sought after model originals are hard to find and most are in tatty condition.
This one has led a charmed life, and remains remarkably original and undamaged having covered just 74,409 miles. Owned by the Seller since 2001 it has not been driven much recently, spending most of its time in a garage. It was running well when we visited, starting immediately and ticking over as expected with no warning lights or issues we could spot. With a particularly nicely preserved interior, and all the best Heritage options we think it’s a really nice example.
Grey carpet protected by thick Land Rover rubber mats
The interior of this Defender has aged well, and looks unlikely to have been used in an agricultural setting as the carpets are clean, and there is little wear throughout. The carpets have thick Land Rover rubber mats protecting them in the front, and the grey carpet in the rear is equally as clean.
The Heritage Edition Defenders all came with Lincoln Green leather as standard, and this covers both the front and rear seats. All show some creasing, more so in the front, but no significant damage, and all would improve from with cleaning and feeding perhaps. The fold up rear seats all operate correctly and all seats are fitted with seatbelts so there is space for six people, seven at a squeeze! The dash area is undamaged, clean and tidy with no damage and only lightest wear.
The unique black on Ivory background gauges are clean and bright, with polished bezels. No warning lights were showing and all appeared to function correctly. There is a small dent in the passenger side interior door panel but other than that interior condition is much better than you might expect in a 24 year old vehicle. There is a pop-up sunroof that works perfectly, although there is some age related mottling and staining to the roof lining, especially in the rear. Another nice option that was available in the Heritage Edition was air conditioning which is present.
Altogether we would rate the interior as excellent with little that requires attention.
Body coloured alloy wheels with virtually new tyres
White roof with pop-up sunroof plus air conditioning
The Heritage Edition had plenty of unique exterior details that make it stand out even now. Body coloured wheel arches, wheels and mirrors, plus special silver bumpers, side steps and hinges. A metal mesh-effect front grille, and silver-painted door and windscreen hinges were all employed to make the Heritage look similar to the original Series I of 1948. There are also old-style cast aluminium Land Rover badges front and rear.
This example is finished in traditional Bronze Green, one of only two colours available on this Edition.
In most respects the Defender is pretty tidy on the outside, but closer inspection reveals areas of bubbling in the paint along the sills on both sides, around the edge of some panels and in the usual places such as hinges and below the windscreen. There is a scuff on the passenger side front wheel arch where the paint appears to have flexed off, and there are small marks spread around the lower body. The silver painted hinges are showing rust stains in places. At the rear there is a Euro style tow hook installed with electrics.
The painted alloy wheels, again unique to the Heritage, are in good condition with no damage or scuffs. The outer rims are free of scratches, and all four, plus the rear mounted spare, are shod with barely worn BF Goodrich tyres.
Overall the outside is very presentable from a distance, but the new owner may want to address the various paint bubbles before they become much worse.
Desirable 2.5 litre Turbo Diesel with 122bhp and 221lb/ft of torque
Five speed manual gearbox
Good history of regular servicing
Clean and tidy engine bay and solid underside
Under the bonnet the Defender present very well with no visible leaks or stains. It appears to be in excellent mechanical condition and should give many, many years of service. The TD5 engine is strong and widely regarded as one of, if not the best, Land Rover engines available. The underside is also damage free and presents very well with no areas of corrosion that we could spot.
We think this well preserved Defender will have no trouble finding a new home. Few of this age are in anywhere near this condition, and being a Heritage Edition only increases the desirability. With so few miles it has been lightly used and is nicely original retaining all the Heritage features. You’ll struggle to find a better one that hasn’t been restored.
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.*
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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Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
1999 Land Rover Defender 90 County Td5 Heritage Edition
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