Highlights
- Very low mileage for its age, with 37,759 warranted miles
- Full main dealer service history up until 2019 after which point services were carried out by local specialists
- Finished in desirable Tonga Green and presented in very fine condition
The Appeal
The Land Rover Defender was designed and built to work hard, so when an immaculately presented eighteen year old TD5 with fewer than 38,000 miles on the odometer comes along, that immediately grabs our attention.
Resplendent in the attractive shade of Tonga Green, this short wheelbase Defender is rather handsome and in remarkably fine shape considering its age. With full service history for much of its life, followed by comprehensive independent servicing, this Defender is amongst the healthiest specimens around.
The History and Paperwork
- Two former keepers registered on the V5C with the first change being shortly after registration in 2005
- The vendor acquired the car in April 2020
- Full main dealer service history from new until 2019 with Barretts Land Rover Canterbury
- Stamped service book details the main dealer service history
- Small selection of old MOT certificates
- Current MOT valid until June 2023
- The mileage was entered incorrectly in the June 2021 MOT test which has been confirmed in a letter from the MOT centre
- We’re informed it has been kept indoors during current ownership
The Interior
- Largely original specification
- Very well presented
- Few signs of use
Before we even discuss condition, few Land Rover interiors are half as clean as this one. Testament to how this car has been cherished all its life, it doesn’t look like the interior of this Defender has even seen muddy wellies.
Unusually, this example is carpeted and while staunchly utilitarian, rather plush in some areas. The aforementioned black carpeting exhibits very little wear and is really clean. The same can be said for the headlining which appears to have escaped the grimy fingerprints we so often see. The rear is carpeted too and benefits from fold-down individual seats for an additional four passengers.
Up front, we find seating for two with a useful storage cubby in between them. There are few signs of use to the upholstery and we couldn’t see any damage.
The dashboard is in really good order and still features the original Land Rover branded radio. A small Momo wheel provides more legroom than standard and the vendor demonstrates that it is removable, which is a great security feature.
The Exterior
- Tonga Green paintwork
- Very straight bodywork
- Smart underside with the chassis recently undersealed
Tonga Green is a very elegant colour on Defenders of this vintage. It pays homage to Land Rover’s iconic Bronze Green while still looking contemporary and smart. The paint looks to be in very good order, still very bright and with few blemishes. We did spot a small scratch under the driver’s door handle, possibly caused by the door key, but this is not especially noticeable.
The bodywork is remarkably straight, considering that it’s made from a relatively soft aluminium alloy and this further demonstrates how this car has been very well cared for throughout its life.
We enjoy how it’s a station wagon with rear sliding windows and alpine sky lights, which give the cabin a very airy feel. All the glass appears in good order, as do all the light lenses.
The front bumper and rear crossmember present well, with no corrosion that we could see.
There are folding steps for all passengers which is a nice touch and they appear in really good order. The vendor informs us that the chassis has been recently undersealed by a local specialist and a glance underneath reveals everything to look very smart indeed. It sits upon white alloys which remain in very nice shape. There is also a rear mounted spare on a swing-away carrier, taking the weight off the rear door.
As a further security measure the vendor has also had deadlocks fitted to the doors.
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre TD5 engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Runs and drives very well and without faults
Given its low mileage and good service history, it’s no wonder that this famously dependable TD5 engine continues to plod on merrily.
Under the bonnet, all looks really clean and tidy and we’re informed that there are no faults or untoward noises to be experienced once underway. The vendor reports that it starts without fail on every occasion and runs nicely. The gearbox is smooth, the clutch functions correctly and the same can be said for the brakes.
This Defender would not appear to have done a great deal of off-road driving, but we’re sure it would rise to the challenge if asked.
Summary
Seldom does the opportunity to acquire such a well presented, low mileage Land Rover of this vintage arise. Don’t miss the chance to add this gem to your garage.
