Description
Deposit Taken - 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 – Project Limelight – Full 600+ Hour Restoration
- details above
Project Limelight is an exceptional 1996 Land Rover Defender 90, painstakingly transformed through a meticulous body-off restoration involving over 600 hours of skilled craftsmanship and more than £40, 000 in new components alone.
This is far more than a cosmetic refurbishment. The Defender has been comprehensively rebuilt and carefully upgraded to combine the unmistakable character of the original 90 with significantly improved comfort, capability and usability.
Importantly, it retains its original numbers-matching 300Tdi 2. 5-litre turbo diesel engine and original chassis, preserving the authenticity and provenance that increasingly matters with high-quality classic Defenders.
It is also fully eligible for import into the USA, making Project Limelight an outstanding opportunity for UK and international buyers alike.
## Restoration & Body
The restoration included extensive renewal of the bodywork, with new panels fitted where required together with a genuine Land Rover Puma bonnet, one-piece Puma doors with electric windows and a swing-away tailgate conversion.
The exterior has been finished with a carefully selected collection of premium components, including:
* NAS-style Safety Devices roll cage
* Exmoor Trim Stayfast soft top
* Premium CNC-machined Optimill aluminium hardware
* Handcrafted UK-made stainless steel bumpers and rock sliders
* LED lighting throughout
* Auxiliary driving spotlights
* Alloy wheels
* Toyo Open Country Mud Terrain tyres
The result retains the unmistakable silhouette and character of a classic Defender while giving the vehicle a beautifully considered, purposeful presence.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
Underneath, Project Limelight has received the same attention to detail as the body and interior.
The suspension has been comprehensively upgraded with a 2-inch lift, Terrafirma springs and shock absorbers, caster-corrected radius arms, galvanised components, stainless steel hardware and Polybush upgrades throughout.
The braking system has been extensively renewed with:
* New brake discs
* New calipers
* New pads
* Braided brake hoses
* Galvanised backing plates
Heavy-duty steering components further improve confidence and durability both on and off road.
## Original 300Tdi Drivetrain
At the heart of the Defender remains its original numbers-matching 300Tdi 2. 5-litre turbo diesel engine, paired with the five-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer case.
Original engine. Original chassis. Authenticity preserved.
Mechanically, the Defender has undergone a comprehensive inspection and refresh, including a new cambelt, water pump and radiator, fresh fluids throughout and a sports exhaust system.
It retains everything enthusiasts love about the legendary 300Tdi drivetrain while benefiting from extensive preventative maintenance.
Bespoke Leather Interior
Inside, the traditional Defender cabin has been completely transformed.
Heated Exmoor Trim quilted leather seats with contrasting white stitching provide a significant improvement in comfort, complemented by a TD5 dashboard conversion, premium Exmoor Trim finishes and upgraded acoustic insulation.
Modern technology has been discreetly incorporated with a Kenwood multimedia system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an upgraded premium audio system.
The result is a Defender that still feels unmistakably like a Defender, but one that is considerably more enjoyable to live with and drive.
A Defender Built to Be Used
Project Limelight isn't simply a restored Defender.
It is a carefully curated build that respects the heritage of the original vehicle while introducing modern comfort, improved capability and carefully selected premium components.
With 600+ hours invested in the restoration, over £40, 000 spent on new components, its original numbers-matching 300Tdi engine and chassis, and full eligibility for US import, finding another Defender built to this specification would be extremely difficult.
For the enthusiast looking for a properly restored Defender 90 rather than simply a freshly painted example, Project Limelight deserves serious consideration.
1996 Land Rover Defender 90
Original numbers-matching 300Tdi
5-speed manual
600 Hour restoration
£40, 000+ in new components
US import eligible
Available now from Moorland Rovers
Serious enquiries welcome. Worldwide enquiries and export customers are invited to get in touch for further information, photographs, restoration details and viewing arrangements.
