The now legendary Land Rover Defender has long since ascended to 4x4 gentry, having proved itself equally capable both on and off road. It is as at home – and welcome – rolling up to a country house as it is churning through a jungle mud trail. It has the moves for each, switching effortlessly between two- and four-wheel drive and offering space for passengers, equipment, luggage or even animals. In its smarter guises, it is the ultimate estate vehicle or country tourer.

Originally a London truck, the Defender made its way North in 2015, still with only some 16,000 miles on the clock.  During its life, it has always been services by Land Rover main agents; Land Rover Wimbledon, Guy Salmon, Stockport and Stonelake near Halifax.

As well as an impeccable history, the Landy has also been treated to some very handy and high-quality upgrades, including both on and off-road oriented modifications. It has also been thoroughly and regularly Waxoil/Dinitrol rustproofed.

When you get up close, you realise that the Defender is actually finished in a metallic black, with the paintwork maintaining a deep gloss all around. There are no significant scratches anywhere and, in critical areas – wing tops and lower edges – the bodywork is reenforced with matching black chequerplate. The rugged Defender always had a Meccano set feel - big hinges, rudimentary shaping of the alloy, but this example boasts some decidedly narrow panel gaps, with no warping in those flat sides (slight dimples at rivet points come as standard).

The moulded wheel-arch extensions are in good shape, no cracks or scuffs, and window and door seals are supple and a healthy shade of black. The Land Rover features privacy glass in the rear.

As well as the full-length roof rack (with a rear ladder for better access) and the river-fording breathing snorkel, it would be hard not to notice that the truck also has a winch bumper fitted – sporting a top-of-the-line Warn Zeon 10S – as well as Wipac quad optic headlights, LED side lights and driving lamps fitted to the Defender-logo’d front bull bar. At the rear, you’ll also find a fully (electrically) connected tow bar. Fit and finish of all the extras is excellent, and their quality is in keeping with the rest of this up-market 4x4. A Formidable-looking machine.

The black-on-black interior has a ‘taking care of business’ feel. The seats are finished in a tough easy to care for fabric, showing no rips or faded sections, while the interior plastics and panels are durable and in good shape. The heavy-duty door panels are straight and firmly mounted. Grab handles and storage spaces are clean and crack-free, while the gear levers and steering wheel also maintain a fresh appearance – no ring or nail marks. Carpeted sections are clean and well covered – no stains or worn edges – while all the floors (including the cargo area) are also protected by thick rubber Defender-logo’d mats. These too remain very tidy and well fitted.

The rear space is in similarly good condition (there are no further fold-up seats here) and the truck’s roof mouldings remain clean and in good condition. The Defender was also fitted with dual colour LED ‘mood lighting’ by its previous owner, and this works as it should.

All in all, a versatile and tidy (and mood-lit) space.

Everything under the bonnet looks to be in good condition. There is the odd touch of oxidation or a trace of surface rust, but everything appears robust, pretty clean and well able to do its job. Leads and hoses appear healthy and crack-free, and insulation and ducting supple and continuous. Joints, clips and guiders all appear tidily jointed, with no signs of neglect or botched replacements. The big black fan cowl and engine cover look strong and fatigue-free. There are no signs of heat damage.

The underside of the Defender inspires confidence; everything looks immensely sturdy, with chassis rails, struts and outriggers all appearing very strong. Nothing appears to have endured any kind of severe impact. It’s worth noting that the engine carries an alloy sump guard, while also, the transfer box cardon shaft has been boxed in and better lubricated. There is a little surface corrosion here and there, but there is a good degree of weatherproofing wax on all components. 

The 16in alloys are in very good condition. Their glossy black powder coating (with chromed nuts) mirrors the body work well, and none show any scratches or curbing. The Continental Cross Contact tyres are in excellent condition with plenty of tread.

This Land Rover 110 manages to pull off the trick of looking at home both on the road or a country track. It’s smart enough to go out to dinner in and tough enough to trek through the Highlands. Its service history will give any potential new owner confidence in its health, while that thoughtful and informed extras list (okay, we’ll ignore the mood lighting) makes it stand out from the pack.

Defenders are as solid an investment proposition as most any classic – better than many – and hold their values doggedly. Any way you look at it, this station wagon is the total package.


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