One of the most iconic vehicles to ever emerge from the doors of Land Rover’s Solihull plant, the Defender, in both SWB 90 and LWB 110 iterations remain a common sight on the roads, lanes and byways of the UK and across the globe to this day, despite the fact that the origins of the Land Rover are approaching nearly a century old.

Beginning in 1983, the 90 and 110 were introduced following the success of the Series vehicles (1 through 3) which were produced between 1948 and 1983. Whilst there is little to distinguish early 90 and 110 vehicles from the last of the Series 3 models, revisions to the front end, running gear and a significant mechanical overhaul allow well-read enthusiasts to differentiate the models with relative ease. 

As with its forerunners, the then-new 90 and 110 were marketed across all walks of life, from royalty to farmers and every other member of society in-between. It was a truly class-less vehicle in all senses, and remains at home to this day anywhere from the streets of Somerset to the wealthiest parts of London and major cities. 

This particular short-wheelbase ’90’ model was first registered in September 1989, and was finished from the factory in a classic and timeless Land Rover colour scheme of green bodywork, with a contrasting cream roof panel and correct Limestone-coloured steel wheels, which remain in excellent condition. 

Truly original throughout, the current owner - a serial Land Rover enthusiast who has owned several of the ‘green oval’ back catalogue models over the years - praises the vehicle’s originality, stating that it is rare such an “honest and truly unmolested, low mileage 90” comes to the market in such condition.

Seemingly having lived a cosseted and cherished life, and having covered a substantiated 86,000 miles during its lifetime, this is a wonderfully original example of the short-wheelbase 90. Whilst the vehicle has clearly never been visually modified, further evidence of its originality lie in the full set of keys that are supplied, all of which fit all of the locks on the vehicle - always a good sign.

Boasting the 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel inline-four engine, this particular model benefits from being a post-88 model, meaning all of the problems that plagued early turbo diesel models (such as bottom-end and crank issues) had been addressed and rectified by the time this example was produced.

Furthermore, the 2.5-litre engine has evidently been well-maintained and looked-after throughout its lifetime, judging by the printed service record which accompanies the vehicle, showing a total of 18 services throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.

Included with the sale of the vehicle is the aforementioned printed service/maintenance record, the Land Rover service handbook, a plethora of tax discs and MoT certificates, the V5 showing seven former keepers, a full set of keys, and the owners manual.

Inside, it is evident that this particular ’90’ has been incredibly well-kept throughout its lifetime, as the cabin and even the load bay in the rear are devoid of the usual heavy wear and damage often associated with Land Rovers of this age. 

Up front, the seats have been protected with the fitment of an additional outer cover (rolled back in the photographs to show the excellent condition of the OE seat covers beneath) whilst the dashboard, headliner and floors are free of any heavy wear, major scuffs or damage.

The high-traffic areas, such as the inner edges of the door apertures, door cards, steering wheel and shifter show some light commensurate wear, but are in keeping with the well-kept condition exhibited elsewhere on the vehicle.

In the rear, the nearside longitudinal bench seat is in used condition but free from any major rips or tears, whilst the load bay floor and side boxes show some light marks and scuffs, as expected from a vehicle of this age and that has been used. 

There are no reported faults with any of the gauges, switches or electrical systems inside the cabin.

Resplendent in its green-over-cream exterior colourway, this particular Land Rover 90 is in very good condition externally, and shows plentiful signs of pampering over the years, evidenced by the rich black trims, lack of damage to the light lenses or surrounds, and general straightness of the bodywork itself.

The paint also appears to be in very good condition throughout, showing only a few light marks, commensurate for a vehicle with 86,000 miles on the odometer.

Naturally, for a Land Rover, there are some patches of bubbling and reaction noted on the metalwork where the steel panels meet aluminium. This is most notable along the lower edges of both front doors doors, the offside front wing and on the offside rear wing behind the driver’s door, though there are a few other patches of less-notable oxidation. 

As we’ve said, all of the locks fit one set of keys, suggesting that there is no accident or theft history with the vehicle, whilst the front bumper is also free of any tell-tale signs of impact damage or heavy off-road use.

All four of the Limestone-coloured steel wheels are in excellent condition, with no major kerb rash or corrosion noted.

Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine is reportedly in rude mechanical health, with the vendor stating it starts and runs with ease, showing only the “familiar puff of smoke on first start” and then settling into an impressively smooth idle.

Out on the road, the vendor reports that the steering is tight and free of the usual vagueness found in Land Rovers of this age, the gearbox is smooth and there is a notable lack of any major clunks or vibrations.

Looking at the engine itself, there are a few signs of fluid and oil misting and some staining, but nothing that looks too concerning, and everything looks to be in its right-and-proper place.

The most recent MoT exam - dated 22 September 2021 - shows a clean pass with no advisory items. 

An evergreen enthusiast favourite and a truly iconic piece of engineering history, the Land Rover 90 enjoys a strong knowledge base, readily available parts and a simple mechanical nature, allowing owners and enthusiasts of any level to learn about, maintain and enjoy this modern classic.

Offered in very good condition throughout and with a strong specification and wonderful originality, this is an opportunity not to be missed by anyone looking for a ready-to-use 90, that wouldn’t look out of place in any Land Rover collection.