Across the highways, byways and fields of Britain, few vehicles work harder than the original Land Rover Defender. It is perfect for the job of getting the job done. This 2014 model has clearly been put to work, but judging by the condition and mileage the tasks have not been too taxing. Which means it has plenty of life left in it.
Towards the end of production Land Rover got creative with the specifications and finish of the Defender and this Hard Top model benefits from particularly attractive grey metallic paintwork with black highlights. All offset by those black alloys and white-lettered Goodrich All-Terrain tyres. There are bucket seats and a Momo leather wheel inside or refit the original interior which is supplied with the vehicle. IMG_4015.jpg16.11 MB
New unmarked bucket seats fitted at a cost of £400
£300 new Momo leather wheel fitted
Touch screen Sony stereo
Alpine amplifier
New rear rubber mat
The Defender Hard Top is a practical, no-nonsense workhorse. That can lead to a hard life, reflected in the condition which can sometimes be worse than the mileage suggests. This example is clearly different and appears to have been cared for by its two owners.
The Seller fitted brand new, unmarked bucket seats at a cost of £400 less than a year ago, at the same time installing a new £300 Momo leather wheel. There is also a Sony touchscreen stereo and an Alpine amplifier. The original seats and wheel are supplied with the vehicle and we are told that they are in good condition.
The photographs indicate that this example has worked, but seems to have led a fairly cosseted life. There are visible marks to the load area, including small dents and scuffs to the metal bulkhead behind the seats. The rear door plastic trim is also scuffed. All trim appears intact and unbroken. The photographs show that the metal trim on the sill of the rear door is missing – this has since been replaced by the Seller. The rubber load area mat has also been replaced within the last year.
The front door cards are also lightly scuffed. In the photographs there is a screw missing on the dashboard and two bolts missing from the seat base. The Seller states that these have been rectified since the photographs were taken.
The Hard Top windows and the rear window are fitted with tinted film. This film is beginning to delaminate on the offside top windows and on the rear door window.
Black alloy wheels with Goodrich All-Terrain tyres
Black wing top and side vents
The colour scheme of this Defender and those smart black alloys suggest that the previous owner of this Land Rover wasn’t just creating a work horse. It looks purposeful and practical but also just plain good.
The grey metallic paintwork is in good condition for the year, albeit with some signs of deterioration such as wear on the sills of both doors. The wheel arch extensions and roof appear from the photographs to also be in good condition.
The photographs show some localised surface rust above the rear number plate and on the base of the side trim below the plate. There is also some deterioration on the rear bumper and the mudflap hinge and what appears to be a fleck of corrosion below the windscreen on the passenger side. There is also a small area of surface corrosion on the support pipe of the driver’s side step.
Those alloy wheels, shod with Goodrich All-Terrain tyres, are in good condition, with no damage visible in the photographs. The photographs of the underside indicate that it is solid and there were no structural advisories on the last MOT in July 2022.
Full service history by Land Rover and specialists
Last serviced February 2022
MOT to July 2023 with no advisories
The final Defenders, like this one, came fitted with Ford’s proven 2.2litre Duratorq engine, which is generally good for high mileages. This one has covered just over 62,000 miles from new and has been serviced regularly by Land Rover dealers and specialists, most recently in February 2022. The previous MOTs support the mileage.
The Seller bought the Defender last April and during his ownership has replaced the half shafts. He is only selling because the Land Rover is no longer used. It has covered less than 800 miles since its last MOT in July 2022.
Summary
The Defender’s go-anywhere capabilities can sometimes mean that they show all the signs of that heavy use. This low mileage Hard Top was clearly specified by its first owner for show as much as go and this seems to be reflected in its current condition. It’s clearly done some work, but not of the excessive type. The full service history and advisory-free MOT indicate careful ownership.
The steering wheel and seat upgrades can be retained, or there is the option to refit the original interior for a more ‘workhorse’ vibe. This is a Defender Hard Top with an attractive specification that isn’t so cossetted that it can’t be put to work doing what Land Rovers are designed to do. The low mileage and general condition suggest it is ready to go and to keep on going.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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