This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2024 on Saturday the 18th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. Land Rover's venerable Defender has evolved gradually over its quarter-century on sale, gaining new Ford engines and the odd interior tweak, but perhaps the most significant change was nothing to do with the designers at Solihull, it was its gradual adoption by trendy metropolitan elites, declaring it as their carriage of choice, taking the Land Rover legend from the country into the city.
Those knowledgeable chaps at Masai4x4 in Lichfield are fully aware of this topical trend and have embraced it with this very smart conversion of a Defender 110 TD5 Double-Cab 2. 5-litre into a dual purpose vehicle that combines comfortable and even stylish urban transport with the traditional versatility of a Land Rover. It was originally built as a demonstrator for Masai4x4's wide range of Defender upgrades, accessories and parts and has been totally restored inside and out - truly a one-off.
Structurally, the car has been overhauled with the chassis cleaned down and repaired, the rear cross-member and floor panels replaced and all fully undersealed when finished. Full Dynamat sound deadening has been fitted throughout, the fuel tank replaced along with a fuel tank guard, and the handling and driving response have been improved with the fitting of a new suspension kit, bushes and springs and a servo-clutch upgrade to improve gear changes. All windows, window seals and doors have been replaced and the exterior body work has had a full respray in Corris Grey Metallic. Despite all the 'lifestyle' nods internally, the car retains full 'street cred' with LED lights throughout, Lynx Eye headlights, side steps, Masai nudge bar, snorkel air intake, a Masai steering guard, roof rack, ARB awning and light kit, Saw Tooth alloys and big BF Goodrich tyres.
The interior has been completely re-trimmed with Masai-branded cream leatherette seat covers with black piping, matching wool carpets and suede headlining. Front and rear heated seats provide additional comfort in an already luxurious interior and a double-DIN conversion has been undertaken to allow connection to modern 'infotainment' systems, Bluetooth/ hands free and rear parking camera. Audio has been updated to include surround-sound speakers and a Pioneer sub-woofer to give high-quality audio playback way beyond the level you would normally find in a vehicle of this type. The interior look is completed by the Aluminium Billet Trim on the gear stick, transfer lever knobs, air vents and slots, door handles, seat adjusters, fuse box screws, fan controls, headlamp switches and column stalk ends.
This unique Defender has covered 156, 000 miles from new (the majority prior to its full rebuild) and has been enjoyed by four previous keepers. It currently has a private plate (which may be displayed in some of our images) but does not form part of the sale. The original plate is BD52 WKO which will be listed on the fresh MOT Certificate which will be issued at the time of the sale.