The Land Rover Defender is a vehicle of timeless appeal – a direct descendant of the original 1948 Land Rover and one that has seen increasing values and levels of collectability since it went out of production in 2016.
This one is a 1999, example – one of the very first to be fitted with Land Rover’s quirky but ultimately very impressive Td5 five-cylinder diesel engine. It has belonged to the vendor’s family for over a decade, used as a family vehicle and later as a second car in which his children learned to drive.
It is now surplus to requirements, having been maintained with cost-no-object during his ownership – including a brand new chassis from a Land Rover Main Dealer and renewal of almost the entire suspension system.
While it’s not spotless inside and the seat fabrics would benefit from a deep clean, the Defender is very presentable with no major wear, not even to the driver’s seat which has most likely been replaced given the mileage. The door trims, dash and headlining are also in good order, while the centre console is from a later ‘Puma’ Defender and comes with twin cupholders.
It has three abreast seating in the front whilst in the back there are four flip-down seats with military-style quick release over-shoulder harnesses.
Finished Bonatti Grey, a colour change from its original plain blue, the Defender looks terrific, with the added benefits of rock sliders, a front A-frame, auxiliary driving lamps and new black alloy wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres.
The majority of the upper body is very good, though the A-frame and rock sliders have surface corrosion and would benefit from repainting.
In 2015, underbody corrosion led the vendor to bite the bullet and have an entirely new chassis fitted by the Land Rover main dealership in Pulborough, Sussex. The work (and substantial bill) are documented in the truck’s history file and should provide peace of mind to the next owner that the underside is in good order.
Land Rover’s five-cylinder Td5 engine is a smooth and responsive powerplant in the context of this type of vehicle and offers much better refinement and performance than the company’s previous TDi units.
This unit is a fully reconditioned engine fitted just 22,000 miles ago at a cost of over £4,000 and it runs beautifully, while the five-speed transmission operates as it should do in both high and low-ratio modes.
The Defender has also had most of its suspension parts renewed or reconditioned in recent years and is said by the vendor to drive without any apparent fault.
This is a great way into Defender ownership without having to worry about major expenditure ahead, as the reconditioned engine and renewed chassis should cast any significant worries aside. It’s also a Defender 90 Station Wagon with seven seats, which is one of the most desirable configurations of the breed.
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.
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.
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1999 Land Rover Defender 90 TD5
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