Interest in the classic Land Rover Defender has been surging since the model went out of production in January 2016, so it’s hardly surprising that, seven years on, those last-of-the-line models have become quite collectable.
This one is as pure and simple as a 2016 Defender gets – equipped with luxuries such as electric windows and air conditioning, which would make utility Defender die-hards wince, it still manages to retain a classic and lovable simplicity.
Finished in classic Stornoway Grey, this is the perfect unspoilt late Defender, ready to add to a collection or simply use for the purpose it was built for.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT May 2023
Three owners
Service history
THE INTERIOR
Centre cubby
Air conditioning
Electric windows
Good, tidy condition
It may be a panel van, but the Defender is reasonably well-equipped with air conditioning and electric windows – good news if you’re used to manual window winders taking up vital elbow room in the cabin (Defender owners will know…). It also has an Alpine USB stereo and a central cubby box.
It’s a two-seater, with a vast van load bay that’s in generally clean and well-presented order, having been ply-lined and painted black to protect the boot floor and side panels. It has seen some use, but it’s in generally tidy condition.
Overall, the inside is very smart with good seats and door cards, but there’s some wear to the central steering wheel boss.
THE EXTERIOR
Desirable colour scheme
Straight and very tidy panels
Smart condition
‘Boost’ alloy wheels with General Grabber tyres
The Defender is finished in one of the most desirable colours for a 110 of its era – Stornoway Grey, with a white roof.
It’s a colour scheme that really suits the classic Land Rover shape and is set-off nicely by the 16-inch ‘Boost’ alloy wheels, equipped with beefy General Grabber mud and snow tyres.
All of the panels are neat and straight and the paint finish is very good, the only minor blemish being some alloy corrosion to the two windscreen hinges at the top of the bulkhead.
Underneath, the chassis appears to be in good structural order with no obvious concerns but there is some surface rust – now would be a good time to underseal and protect it from future corrosion before it develops.
THE MECHANICS
2.2-litre Ford-derived diesel
Six-speed manual transmission with dual range
Low mileage
Drives very well
Under the bonnet you’ll find the 2.2-litre ‘Puma’ diesel, a Ford unit also used in the Transit, Mondeo and Jaguar X-TYPE. It’s an engine with a good reliability record and imbues the Defender with better performance and refinement than earlier powertrains.
This one has covered just over 67,000 miles and has been regularly serviced.
According to the vendor it operates without fault and the transmission works as it ought to in both high and low ratios. There are no reported issues with the steering, brakes or suspension.
SUMMARY
This is a smart and tidy example of the last iteration of the classic Defender, presented in completely standard condition. It’s a well-presented vehicle that will be equally happy as part of a Land Rover collection, or being put to work as a genuine utility vehicle – something the Defender has always done best. It can be whatever you make it, or just kept ‘as is’ and cherished.
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.
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