Highlights
- Retro-inspired Defender
- Rebuilt from ground-up by renowned specialist
- Immaculate throughout
- Recently serviced and ready to enjoy
THE APPEAL
Ever since Land Rover stopped production of the Defender in 2016, there has been a series of retro-inspired special editions celebrating the iconic model’s heritage, staring with the company’s very own Heritage run-out models and followed up by a series of specialist-built retro-themed Defenders – one of which was the inspiration for this stunning little Ninety.
Finished in Grasmere Green – one of Land Rover’s bespoke Heritage colours - the truck was fully rebuilt and repainted and treated to a full interior retrim by Williams Classics in North Wales, who are well-known for their Heritage-inspired Defenders.
The vendor has owned it for three years, but has chosen to sell the 90, affectionately known as Cassie, due to upcoming retirement plans.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Restored from a Defender 90 pick-up by Williams Classics
- Owned since 2020
- UK V5C
- MOT April 2023
- We're told a new engine was fitted at 30,000 miles
- Undersealed with 10-year warranty
- Clifford alarm and immobiliser
- All new panels and paint
- Recent invoices including full service in 2021 at 61,873 miles
- Original purchase receipt for £35,000 from Williams Classics
THE INTERIOR
- Retrimmed vinyl high-back seats
- Bluetooth/DAB stereo upgrade
- Momo steering wheel
- Excellent order
As part of the bespoke build, the 90 has a number of improvements over the agricultural original – notably its newly retrimmed seats and Grasmere Green centre console.
The cabin is superb, with the added benefit of a modern DAB and Bluetooth stereo. There are no cracks in the dashboard facing – rare for a Defender – and the door cards are excellent
Behind the cab, it has two fold-down bench seats and is rubber lined, the only minor fault being some paint damage to the inner face of the rear load bay, which could simply and easily be rectified.
THE EXTERIOR
- Completely restored
- Heritage Grasmere Green paint
- Immaculate canvas tilt
- Chassis restored and wax-protected
- Accessory side steps and swing-away wheel carrier
During its restoration, the 90 was professionally sprayed in Grasmere Green with a new tan-coloured canvas tilt, making it a near-exact replica of the Land Rover Heritage 90 model, right down to the authentic “Solihull” grille badge. It even sports a ‘HUE 166’ logo on the nearside front wing, a tribute to the registration number of ‘Huey’, the very first 1948 Land Rover.
It looks the part, with the colour scheme adding to its retro appeal. The steel wheels have been painted to match the body and feature nearly new Goodyear Wrangler tyres.
Underneath, the chassis was completely refurbished at the time of rebuild and it was given a full underseal and wax treatment, guaranteed for 10 years from application.
The bulkhead is excellent and all the panels were renewed when it was rebuilt, the only minor defect being a small paint chip at the back of the bonnet. Otherwise, it’s truly stunning.
Other desirable features include a swing-away wheel carrier and galvanised door hinges.
The Mechanics
- 2.4-litre Ford ‘Puma’ engine
- Recently serviced
- Engine replaced at 30k miles
- Sold with no known faults
The Defender comes equipped with the 2.4-litre version of the Ford ‘Puma’ diesel engine, which the vendor tells us was replaced under warranty at 30,000 miles, meaning it has covered just 35k since being installed, including 10,000 fault-free miles under the ownership of the vendor.
He has carried out a few repairs including a new fuel breather hose, but it has otherwise been impeccably reliable.
The vendor reports that it is fantastic to drive with no known or apparent issues and that it engages low range and diff lock without issue.
The Appeal
Values of Land Rover Defenders and their ilk have shot up since they stopped making them, and heritage specials have a cult following of their own, hence the number of specialists who are building evocations of them.
This one’s a stunner. It’s well-restored, extremely cool and absolutely oozes retro charm by virtue of not being overdone. It has just the right amount of subtle detailing to make it extremely desirable without being over the top.
If you’re in the market for a retro-styled 90 to cherish and adore, this one has a huge amount going for it and should also prove itself to be a sound future investment.
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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