Restored and modified using OEM / specialist parts
Totally rebuilt drivetrain, suspension, steering and brakes
Military spec Raptor paint finish
The Appeal
Land Rover’s enviable reputation for building exemplary utilitarian vehicles has been upheld ever since production began in 1948.
This 1988 Land Rover 90 is an early example of the vehicle we would later refer to as the Defender, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre diesel engine and all-round coil sprung suspension. Driven to Italy and restored by the vendor in 2018, this 90 has been extensively overhauled and enhanced both mechanically and cosmetically. It’s a worthy specimen that incorporates a number of upgrades while remaining true to Land Rover’s ‘go anywhere’ philosophy.
Inside, this Land Rover remains utilitarian, but nevertheless is a pleasant place to be. The cloth seats are new, having been replaced during the restoration process and the dashboard has been re-covered in leather. The vendor also informs us that the door cards and headlining are new and that the aluminium tread plate on the floor has been laid over sound-deadening material.
Unused since the restoration, this Land Rover’s interior is naturally in good order. While there are some scuffs visible on the remaining original trim items, all the regular contact points inside the cab are in excellent, restored condition. The pedals, steering wheel and gear knob are now replaced with aluminium items. The vendor informs us that all electrical items, what few there are in a Land Rover of this vintage, work exactly as they should.
Small paint defects originating from time in storage
New BF Goodrich tyres
During its restoration, the vendor informs us that they carried out a substantial quantity of work to this Land Rover’s bodywork and chassis, which they have documented by taking photographs along the way.
Underneath, this Land Rover is very smart indeed, having had significant welding work completed to the rear ¾ chassis and bulkhead. It has subsequently been repainted using specialised coatings and so look to be in very solid order.
Topside, the vendor opted for a Raptor paint finish which is very hard wearing and complements Land Rover’s robust appearance. Some water ingress that occurred while the 90 was in storage has resulted in slight paint discolouration to the driver’s door and bonnet. However, the car remains very solid and the nature of this paint finish is such that rectification work shouldn’t be too challenging in the future. The bodywork itself is remarkably straight for a Land Rover of this vintage and the vendor reports that many original panels were utilised and checked for tolerances.
Fitted with a truck cab, this 90 has an open pickup bed which the vendor has lined with aluminium tread plate and is fitted with a rollover hoop. There is also tread plate fitted to the wing tops and bonnet, allowing the next owner to stand on them if required.
The black steel wheels look particularly smart and the purposeful BF Goodrich All Terrain AT tyres are new and very capable off-road.
Mileage as displayed (indicated) 150,000 (before new engine fitted)
A glance under the bonnet shows that this Land Rover has been meticulously overhauled, not leaving a single mechanical component unchecked. The vendor informs us that the following work has been completed / fitted:
New engine bearings
Piston rings replaced
New valves and guides
Recut valve seats
Rebored
Crankshaft reground
New seals and gaskets
Rebuilt fuel pump and injectors
Gearbox and transfer box rebuilt with Timken bearings
Axles rebuilt
Steering system overhauled
Suspension bushes and ball joints replaced
Rebuilt fuel system and cooling system
Front brakes rebuilt, rear brakes replaced
New brake lines
New clutch and brake master and slave cylinders
Custom stainless steel exhaust
Some wiring replaced
All lights and bulbs changed
New UV prop shafts
Garret VNT Turbo
Old Man EMU shock absorbers
Allard custom intercooler
Revotec cooling fan
As you can see, no stone has been left unturned in the mechanical restoration of this Land Rover and as you would expect, it drives very well. According to the vendor it is surprisingly quiet for a Diesel Land Rover and has sprightly acceleration.Engine
Summary
If you fancy a thoroughly sorted short wheelbase Land Rover, this 1988 example is surely one of the best you will find. Having been rebuilt using as many OEM and specialist parts as possible, this 90 has been subject to a high quality restoration that should give the next owner many years of service.
Notice to bidders
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