**Please note that the details of this auction have now been updated once again as more information regarding the vehicles heritage has come to light**

Highlights

Desirable Black Edition courtesy of SVO
Two owners from new
Sensitively and intelligently upgraded in numerous areas by the present owner
Always carefully maintained with extensive invoicing to prove it

The Appeal

Until its much-mourned demise in 2016, the Land Rover Defender represented a reassuring continuity of tradition in the British motor industry, preserving all the best qualities of the original Land Rover but bringing them up to date as and when possible. A direct descendant of the original Land Rover of 1948, it felt superficially similar replacement to the old Series Land Rovers, but with vastly more modern and sophisticated engineering and equipment. One its most significant upgrades was the introduction of the 2½-litre Td5 turbo-diesel engine in 1998, which was cleaner than the old TDi engines and 11bhp more powerful. Before long, it had established a reputation for capability and reliability.

Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover's 'Special Vehicle Operations', here we have a 2006 Black Edition. This example has been taken one step beyond even that by its owner, a long-time Land Rover enthusiast. There are many little modifications and improvements all over the car, but they’ve been effected so cleverly and with such commitment to preserving the Defender’s originality that even the most knowledgeable of Defender authorities would struggle to spot more than a couple of them.

The History and Paperwork

Complete with SVO build plate on the driver's side of the seat box
Built on 1st September 2006 and registered on 28th September to Armstrong Massey, a Land Rover main dealer in York
Sold to its first owner, Mr. Paul Scaife of Sheriff Hutton, North Yorkshire, on 17th October
Purchased by the vendor, a keen Land Rover enthusiast, 4th November 2011
Since taking ownership, the vendor enjoyed using the Land Rover regularly, but it is now for sale as he no longer has the time to drive it as he would like
Offered for sale with the current V5, a very large collection of invoices for servicing and mechanical work, the original Service Portfolio, Workshop and Electrical manuals for the Defender Td5 and the Haynes Manual for the 1983-1995 Land Rover 90, 110 & Defender

The Interior

Special Black edition features include half-leather seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, all-black carpets and trim, air-conditioning and electric front windows
Presented in very attractive, original condition with some light patina
Numerous upgrades by the vendor including heated seats and 240v electrics

At first glance, this looks like a very original, well-preserved and well-specified 2006 Defender interior, but it’s even better than that. Being a Black edition, it boasts a special trim specification including half-leather seats, all-black carpets, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, air-conditioning, a CD player, electric front windows and remote central locking. In short, you get a lot for your money.

That’s nothing, though, compared to the modifications made by the vendor which are invisible to all but the most trained Defender enthusiasts. We’ll run through some of the most significant ones:

The seats are now heated, having been converted solely using factory-correct Land Rover components
Small cubby holes have been made in the bulkhead between the seats and wheel arches, making use of what would otherwise be dead space
A 240v power inverter has been built into the base of the glovebox, and power is delivered through two plug sockets
An additional, bespoke steel skin has been made and fitted to the inside of the load bay, so the external aluminium panels are protected from damage in the event of them being hit by an object being carried within
The sides of the load area are lined with capacious luggage nets
The seat rails have been extended for increased adjustment
The horn sounds two notes, which the driver may choose between
The whole interior benefits from additional soundproofing, ensuring the journey is always quiet and relaxed
An upgraded alarm is one of several changes made to increase the car’s security

If you’re not impressed by all that, you should be. Turning our attention to the condition of things, it’s all extremely good. The upholstery is all-original and now has a lovely patina, with just a little bit of cosmetic wear in one or two places. The plastic door trims are also original and very well-presented, with only a few extremely light marks to give away the fact that this Land Rover was once in everyday use. All in all, it’s an extremely well-presented interior which offers more in the way of luxury and comfort than even some of the more upmarket saloons.

The Exterior

Black edition features include Java Black paint, chequer-plate wing tops and side strips, Boost alloy wheels and side protection rails
Paintwork has a remarkably high shine
Even more owner modifications including additional driving lights, heated door mirrors and a tow bar

While Car & Classic is no stranger to cars which gleam and sparkle, it has to be said that this Land Rover is something else – it shines like polished jet. The paint is all-original and is generally excellent all over. There are a few light marks in places and a slight scuff on the nearside rear wheel arch, but that’s virtually nothing for a car which is 17 years old. The vendor advises that there is a small dent below the offside headlight and some very slight distortion in one of the side panels, but both are so minute as to be almost imperceptible. Its present condition is testament to the sympathetic care and attention given to it over the past 12 years.

There are a couple of areas in which it shows a few signs of age – the wheels have picked up a few slight cosmetic blemishes and the steel seams, which on this example are painted rather than galvanised, are bubbling slightly in places – but on the whole it’s all exceptionally good. The windscreen has suffered a stone chip at one stage which has now been fully repaired, though the repair is visible.

Again, the combination of special features from the factory and owner-fitted extras give it a unique and enviable specification. The Java Black paint, colour-matched grille and headlight surrounds, chequer-plate wing tops and side strips, Boost alloy wheels and side protection rails are all hallmarks of the Defender Black as standard. The vendor’s own additions include additional KC driving lights in the bumpers, heated wing mirrors with no visible external wiring, xenon headlights with LED sidelights and indicators, a Dixon Bate adjustable tow bar and an aluminium steering guard. He has also gone to great lengths to modify some of the fixings and fittings to make them virtually theft-proof.

The vendor summarises what he was aiming for: “All the modifications I've carried out were done to last. I wanted to have all the comforts of a modern car with the traditional looks of a classic vehicle and the practicality of a van. I've specifically avoided fitting ‘fashion’ accessories which date and spoil the lines of the vehicle. It’s too good to off-road...”

It’s not just a good-looking car – it’s also very solid. The sills, chassis rails and floors all appear to be in excellent condition, so we wouldn’t hesitate to start using it immediately.

The Mechanics

Regularly serviced with comprehensive maintenance record
MoT until October 2023
Said to run and drive beautifully

From what we’ve seen, this Land Rover seems in extremely good running order. It starts on the button, has a very healthy, quiet idle, pulls away keenly and stops on command. In all respects, it seems to do everything as it should, but that’s not at all surprising considering how well it’s been cared-for over the course of its life.

The vendor has always kept on top of maintenance, and if ever a part needed repairing or replacing, he sorted it out promptly. Originally, he did the servicing himself but in more recent years has entrusted it to local garages and Land Rover specialists. A comprehensive collection of invoices detail all the work and parts which the Defender has received, so it really is a car you can approach with confidence.

You don’t just have to take our word for it. You can take the MoT tester’s, too. It passed its test in October 2022 with just one advisory, which concerned a corroded brake pipe. Immediately, the vendor rectified that, so if presented for a test right now we would expect it to sail straight through with flying colours.

In addition to the ABS and electronic traction control which came as standard on the Defender Black, the Defender also has silicone hoses, a K&N filter and Hiclone turning vanes. The engine and running gear have been kept completely standard, but the car now has two batteries contained within the standard battery box, the second one being for the power inverter and jump-start point.

The Summary

The Land Rover Defender is a timeless classic of British automotive design, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be something unique and highly individual.

If you fancy a Defender which is different from all the rest but doesn’t draw attention to itself, this has to be the ideal car. This is a unique opportunity not to be missed – don’t let it slip away.

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.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Notice to bidders

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.