Highlights
- Only two owners from new
- Mechanic owned, excellently cared for
- Entirely original with matching numbers
The Appeal
The perennial workhorse of the British firm's range, it fulfilled the need for a commercial vehicle, farm tool, and an all-round off-road unstoppable force when the going got tough. It remained in production for nearly 70 years, but it continued to reign in the order books for good reason; it was unbelievably capable off-road, and unquestionably dependable. Although it may be outclassed by modern SUV’s when it comes to comfort and daily drivability, none have really come close to emulating its off-road prowess.
This example we’re presented with here is reported to be entirely original, and remains extremely well preserved through the years of use. Owned by a very well renowned local mechanic since 2010, it has been expertly cared for and cherished with no expense spared, and had quickly become a favourite to the owner.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registration is noted on the 16th of December 2010
- V5C states that the vehicle was previously “registered and/or used” and declared manufactured in 2006
- V5C is present and correct ready for transfer of ownership
- The current custodian has owned the car for the last 13 years, with only one previous keeper before him
- Excellent MOT history with a string of clean passes with no advisories
- Current MOT remains valid until the 24th of May 2024
- Less than 10,000 miles carried out in the last 13 years of ownership
- Previous MOT certificates present
- Some invoices and paperwork from previous mechanical work
- Original Defender booklets with a leather binder
The Interior
- Excellent upholstery
- Rear bench seats in wonderful shape
- All plastic in great condition
- Outstanding originality
The Defender wins no medals when it comes to opulence and comfort, but if you’re in the market for those kinds of features then you’re looking at the wrong type of vehicle entirely. The interiors of these were built to be rugged, and equally easy to clean so that when things get dirty (and they probably will) your mind stays at ease. No worries about expensive alcantara or leathers that have to be pampered with conditioner on a regular basis here.
In the front of the Defender, everything is tidy and well preserved. Both front seats remain in wonderful condition with no signs of heavy use or damage, with good stitching lines and no tears on the bolsters or squabs. Just ahead of the driver seat, the original steering wheel is well kept with no damage present, and the dials just behind appear very well presented and showing the mere 89,884 miles on the functional odometer. N warning lights appear present upon vehicle operation.
Moving across the dashboard, everything looks in good order with no cracks or damage noted on the plastics, and the centre console switchgear all remains entirely functional with easy to read identification. Not to mention a rather handsome little mascot sat atop the centre of the dash!
Moving back into the middle of the Defender, the rear bench is in fantastic condition with hardly any signs of use throughout, no damage present and great stitching lines. A little further back, two more bench seats are present in the rear, again in lovely condition with no unwelcome damage or issues to be found. All of the white metalwork around the floor looks excellent too, with good paintwork and no signs of corrosion to be found.
Headlining from front to rear all looks to be in well preserved condition with no sagging or damage, and the upper middle window panels are present and clear with no fading to be seen. Overall, this is one very handsome example, undeniably loved by a careful custodian.
The Exterior
- Lovey white paintwork
- Original snorkel
- Wide arch fenders
- Original body panels with good shut lines
Not only are these Defenders rugged when it comes to mechanical ability, but they even look as rugged as they are. These off-roaders have aged like fine wine - and you’d struggle to believe that the design has hardly changed over the decades.
Starting at the front, everything is in great order. White paintwork appears in lovely shape with only some gentle chips as to be expected, with a small dent noticed on the top of the passenger side front wing just behind the air vent - you’ll have to look closely to spot it. Both front headlight cowls are in good condition, as is the central front grill with only some gentle hints of fading. The lower front bumper bar is pretty much the same, with some light fading noticed on the paintwork.
Moving around to the side of the Defender, all of the panels are reported to be original and they all remain in handsome condition with excellent shut lines throughout. Side mounted steps are in good order with only gentle signs of corrosion to be seen, and the plastic wide arches are presented well with no unwelcome damage on any of the four corners. All four wheels are in good shape with just some gentle scuffs around the outer lip, and all shod in Nexen Roadian ATII tyres with date codes from 2014.
Around to the rear of the vehicle, the story remains the same with good paintwork and bodywork top to bottom. All of the rear lights are in good order with no damage present, and the spare wheel remains present mounted on the rear door.
Considering the originality of the vehicle, it remains charming condition - it’s easy to see the love and attention the vehicle has received throughout the current ownership.
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Manual transmission
- All-wheel drive configuration
- Mechanic-owned with great history
Fitted with the 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine, it produces a healthy 120bhp along with a powerful 300 Nm of torque low down in the rev range. Paired to a 5-speed manual transmission and distributing the power to all four wheels, it will power through anything you’re able to put in front of it without breaking a sweat.
This example has been lovingly cared for by a highly regarded, local mechanic. With a long string of clean MOT passes since 2015, it proves that this Defender has been cherished and pampered with a no-expense-spared attitude. The engine turns over without a hiccup, and idles steady without any unwelcome smoke out the rear, and we’re told it remains a reliable old lump to this day.
The gearbox remains in good health with the ability to easily row through the gears as you please, and the all-wheel drive system remains completely functional and extremely capable as you would expect.
The gearbox remains in good health with the ability to easily row through the gears as you please, and the all-wheel drive system remains completely functional and extremely capable as you would expect.
The owner tells us that there are no known issues with the vehicle at present, and in the past anything that required attention had been sorted immediately. Peeking underneath the vehicle everything looks to be in great order, with strong chassis rails and virtually no signs of corrosion, it appears this Defender still has a long life ahead of it.
Summary
The Defender will forever be an important part of the British marques line-up, a real icon in the off-road world of automobiles. Original and well presented examples such as this are becoming rather thin on the ground, as the workhorse nature has seen many driven to the point of no return, they are quickly becoming admirable collector vehicles with a rich and knowledgeable following.
This would make a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, don’t let it slip away!
This would make a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, don’t let it slip away!
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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