Description
Few vehicles command the respect and recognition of the original Land Rover Defender. Instantly identifiable the world over, it has become as symbolic of Britain as Big Ben or the red telephone box. Beloved for its rugged simplicity and unrelenting ability to tackle any terrain, the Defender is a true motoring icon with an ever-growing following. Collectors, adventurers, and families alike are drawn to its charm – part of which lies in its honesty. The Defender is not a pastiche or imitation; it is the real thing, engineered to last and built with purpose. With the newer model having moved towards luxury SUV territory, the appreciation for the original ‘proper’ Defender has only strengthened, securing its place as a timeless classic and a piece of living British history.
Registered new via Roger Young Land Rover in Cornwall on the 13th of September 2012, this Defender 110 XS Utility Wagon has had just three former keepers, the most recent a well-known client of H&H who acquired it in 2019.
Finished in sought-after Orkney Grey, this example carries a purposeful presence on the road. The look is tied together with gloss black 16-inch Sawtooth alloys, a gloss black roof, matching wheel arches and front light cluster surrounds, black side chequer plating, and black side and rear steps. The Land Rover lettering has also been finished in black, while tinted rear windows (removable film if desired) complete the aesthetic. Notably, it has been fitted with a full-purpose Mantec raised air intake snorkel, highlighting its off-road credentials.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in Ebony leather and Resolve cloth with Lunar contrast stitching. Immediately, you feel what makes the Defender unique – a solid, utilitarian environment with a go-anywhere attitude. Everything is built to last and inspires confidence, yet there’s a sense of occasion in sitting behind the wheel of one of the most iconic 4x4s ever built. Practical touches include a removable dog guard (with modular sections), rubber floor mats, and a boot liner – underlining its dual role as both a working vehicle and a usable daily.
The XS specification marked the top trim level for Defenders of this era, bringing with it important comforts and practical upgrades over the base models. Highlights on this example include the Station Wagon Utility Pack, heated front seats, remote central locking, air conditioning, heated front and rear screens, convenience pack, centre cubby box, leather steering wheel, rear door spare wheel, ventilated disc brakes, and the Cold Climate Pack. All of these features help make the XS far more versatile, particularly for those intending to use it beyond just weekend pursuits.
Power comes from the later 2. 2 TDCi “Puma” engine, introduced in 2012 as part of the model’s final evolution. While visually very similar to the older 2. 4, the 2. 2 brought cleaner emissions to meet Euro 5 standards, yet retained the Defender’s renowned torque-rich delivery and go-anywhere dependability. For many, this era strikes the perfect balance: more refined and usable than earlier Td5 and Tdci models, yet still very much the ‘real’ Defender, before the arrival of the entirely reimagined version in 2020.
This example’s maintenance history is as solid as its build. Its service book is fully stamped and supported by invoices, with no large gaps or questionable stories. For the first four years and up to 52, 000 miles, it was maintained exclusively by the supplying dealer Roger Young, before being cared for by another main dealer and specialists.
Since 2019, the most recent keeper has entrusted it to respected marque specialist MID Engineering of Wantage, who have overseen £6, 000 of maintenance. Notable works include a new oil cooler in 2017, the underside treated with Waxoyl in 2020, a new drive shaft and major 9-year service in 2023, plus a new clutch and refaced manifold in 2025. In 2019, £1, 600 was also spent on sensible upgrades including an Alpine Bluetooth head unit, NGK soundproofing, and LED headlights with additional spotlights. A Tracker system has also been fitted for added peace of mind.
All told, this is a Defender that has been carefully maintained and sympathetically upgraded, not a tired workhorse or a neglected example that’s been run on a shoestring. With its distinctive looks, proven provenance, and the cult status that surrounds the original Defender, this 110 XS is as ready to cross continents as it is to tackle the daily commute. A true English icon, in one of its most usable and desirable forms.
