Beskrivning
Yes - an automatic Defender! And the subject of considerable recent restoration and customisation to create the ultimate 90. Finished in metallic Black with Black Wolf-style rims and Black quilted interior, this beast of a Land Rover is an absolute cracker and drives every bit as good as it looks. My personal vehicle for the past 2 months (brilliant too over such a cold, wet Spring), the time has come to find it a new home. Easy to live with day-to-day with loads of torque and seamless changes from the transplanted ZF 4-speed automatic, I am going to miss the “go anyway” nature of this truck but a new toy now demands my attention.
Launched in 1983, the Defender could trace its roots back to the Amsterdam Motor Show of 1948 where the very first Series 1 Land Rover was previewed prior to production that year. With strong styling similarities to the Series vehicles, the Defender, available in either SWB (90) or LWB (110) form, incorporated significant upgrades including the use of coil springs all `round as opposed to leaf springs providing far better ride quality. In addition, a lockable centre differential was added to the transfer case giving permanent on and off-road four-wheel-drive capability. Modernised interiors and a choice of trim made the Defender more than just a farm-based utility vehicle enticing a new breed of buyer from the private recreational market with bike racks, full size roof racks and even surfboard carriers now part of the options list. Engines became progressively larger and more powerful with the early 2. 25-litre diesel soon upgraded to a 2. 5-litre with fuel injection whilst petrol units were upgraded from 1985 with the 3. 5-litre V8 offered in the 90 for the first time. From 1986, a turbo diesel was offered to compete with equivalent vehicles coming out of Japan and this was improved still with the introduction of the 200TDi in 1990, an all-new 2. 5-litre turbo diesel with modern alloy cylinder head, improved turbo charging, intercooling and direct injection. This provided the Defender with 107BHP and for the first time, the ability to cruise at higher speeds whilst still towing heavy loads. In 1994, this was enhanced again with the launch of the 300TDi offering an improved turbo charging and injection system. All Defenders were offered with just a manual transmission option (early 4-speed, choice of 5-speed and later 6-speed) other than Anniversary 50 Models launched in 1998. Geared towards the US market, these came with automatic transmission as standard as well as air-conditioning, special paintwork and full leather trim.
Our Defender dates from August 1988 making it technically a Land Rover 90 (the Defender name wasn`t formally used until late 1990). We know little of its history but has moved around over the past 15 years from Worcestershire via Essex to reside most recently on the Isle of Wight. In Summer 2022, it was purchased by a south coast Land Rover specialist who subsequently what was a full and detailed cosmetic restoration and customisation to create the vehicle you see today. We understand that the mechanical upgrades - 300TDi engine and ZF 4-speed auto transmission - had been undertaken several years previously and certainly the transplant has been done properly to an excellent standard. These automatic conversions aren`t cheap with parts alone costing from £3000 upwards with specialist Land Rover companies, such as Ashcroft Transmissions of Luton now supplying and shipping worldwide. Back to 12 months ago, the Defender was acquired post-conversion albeit in a rather sorry state and the decision was made to undertake a full interior-out repaint in metallic Black incorporating custom 90 decals, carbon Puma bonnet, discreet chequer-plating, bull-bar with driving lights and upgraded Halogen headlights with daytime bulbs. The 90 was externally finished off with a set of 15” deep-dish Wolf-style rims in complementary black and brand-new Toya Open Country 33” tyres. Internally, the floor benefitted from a full hard-wearing Raptor covering with rubber matting whilst the remainder of the cabin including the roof was upgraded with pale grey short-pile carpeting. Quilted Black vinyl seating features for driver and passenger whilst simple Black vinyl fold-out seats were fitted to the rear. Whilst there is scope for further cosmetic detailing, the overall effect is very practical and indeed very pleasing. Ultimately, this is still a utility vehicle and many would argue that the functional nature of the interior is in keeping with the heritage of the brand.
Since our acquisition, we have done little but use and enjoy the Defender and it has endured some fairly atrocious Spring weather in the process!
The truck presents exactly as seen in the photographs. Both bodywork and paintwork are excellent whilst the interior is generally very good with tidy dash, near-perfect carpets and comfortable seating. Turn the key and the ever-reliable 300TDi fires straight into life. On the road, the Defender feels and performs as any well-sorted example would except for one major difference. The automatic gearbox. It is exceptionally smooth and offers seamless changes through kickdown up to cruising speed, making both town and country motoring an absolute joy. I have covered around 1000 miles this Spring in genuinely all winds and weathers and the Defender has become a trusty and trusted companion. I would keep it but ideally require both the space and funds for a major project that has now sat for too long.
The Defender comes with a current V5C, lots of old MoT Certificates, a current Certificate to March 2024 and 2 sets of keys.
An almost unique opportunity to acquire a nicely modified and recently refurbished automatic Defender at a sensible price.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
