Beschrijving
1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 50TH ANNIVERSARY Engine No 00001
Chassis number: SALLDVBM3WA145459
Registration: V151 ODA
Exterior colour: Atlantis Blue?Interior colour: Grey Cloth
Mileage: 44, 000 miles (approx.)
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KEY FACTS
A beautifully presented and unique pre-production example of the 50th Anniversary Defender 90, which is understood to be the first example produced.
It is powered by a 4. 0-litre naturally aspirated Rover V8, delivering 188bhp to all four wheels through a four-speed ZF automatic transmission.
This Land Rover Defender was fully rebuilt with original parts in 2019, including the blueprinting of its engine, and was featured in Land Rover Monthly as a remarkably rare prototype displaying its engine number as 001. Designated badge XX-X.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
The Defender 50th Anniversary was released to celebrate fifty years since the launch of the Land Rover Series 1, and combined an Atlantis Blue colour scheme with a V8 engine, an automatic transmission, and a roll cage.
As a remarkably rare prototype, this example features a pre-production specification under-bonnet fuse box and ECU cover.
Unlike the production models, it is fitted with a mudflap featuring a square exhaust cut-out, has no aluminium transfer knob or window winders, and also lacks the grey leather-trimmed automatic gear shifter.
Furthermore, the car was marked as completed on 20 May 1998 but was not registered until the year 2000, hence its V-registration numberplate, and is believed to be the very same vehicle used in the original brochure photography for the model.
It is finished in the correct shade of Atlantis Blue over a grey cloth-trimmed interior, and rides on a set of 16-inch pewter grey ‘Freestyle’ alloy wheels, shod with BFGoodrich All-Terrain tyres.
The specification includes a manually operated sunroof, internal and external roll cages, air conditioning, and an upgraded Sony CD player with auxiliary input.
A towbar and electric socket have been fitted to the NAS rear step.
Being preproduction it was designated 50thno XX-X the plate plaque is with the vehicle.
The car is accompanied by the original owner’s book pack, current V5C registration document, historic registration certificate showing the Rover Group as a previous keeper, and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming its provenance.?
CONDITION
There is no known bodywork damage.
The resprayed Atlantis Blue paintwork presents excellently, with only a few minor blemishes commensurate with the car’s age, including a couple of marks on the side steps and towbar, and a little oxidation on some of the bolts and fittings.
No notable marks are visible on the alloy wheels, and the tyres are new.
Moving inside, the cabin is in very good condition, with only a little wear on the carpets and some very minor discolouration on the front seats.
There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
The most recent MOT test was conducted on 2 November 2020, resulting in a pass following attention to the emissions. The mileage was recorded as ‘Unreadable’.
A fresh MOT test will be required before the car takes to the road once again.
SERVICE HISTORY
This rare Defender was treated to a full rebuild in 2019, which included blueprinting the engine. Only a few hundred miles have been covered since the restoration.
SUMMARY
This is a superb, pre-production example of the Land Rover Defender 50th Anniversary, combining a powerful V8 engine with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Whilst prototypes are destroyed, this meticulously restored example is offered for sale in excellent condition and represents an interesting piece of Land Rover history which is sure to enhance any marque enthusiast’s collection.
