Highlights
- 53,611 miles from new
- Just three owners
- Custom built from a commercial 90 Pick Up last year
- High specification inside and out
- 2.2-litre turbo-diesel
- Desirable privat plate included
The Appeal
Few vehicles have the iconic status and reputation of the Land Rover – whether it’s the earlier ‘Series’ cars, or the later ‘Defender’ models, they’re now the stuff of legend and apparently the first car that vast swathes of the population ever saw.
Over the years they have also become endlessly popular as a basis for customisation and have become the darling of both the country set and those who pursue an outdoorsy lifestyle but want something that can still be used day-to-day.
Here we have a handsomely specified example – originally a commercial ‘90’ Pick Up, it has been converted to ‘90’ Station Wagon specification and upgraded with a smart modern interior and chunky external styling enhancements.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in January 2015
- Built as a commission, based on a commercial ‘90’ Pick Up
- Bought from Strange Automotive in February 2022
- Just three owners from new
- 53,611 miles from new (as of 10th March 2023)
- Current MOT to March 2024
- Desirable private registration
The Interior
- Cream leather upholstery
- Wood floor to the rear compartment
- Sony double DIN infotainment system with USB and Aux
- Rear mood lighting
- Lode Lane wood-rimmed steering wheel
The usual rough-tough vinyl of a Defender has been replaced here with smart cream leather, which adorns the four individual seats and a few other areas such as the grab handles, dash top and centre cubby. All of the leather looks to be in pretty good condition, with some light wear and creasing, but no tears or damage we could see.
Smart black carpet runs through the front cabin, with stylish wood floors to the rear. They all look to be well finished and in good order, with the carpets just needing a light clean to bring them back to their best. Meanwhile, the headlining is a fine, dark grey Alcantara, which also finished the sun visors, and looks to be in fine condition with no damage or sagging apparent.
Looking at the switchgear and trim, it’s mostly Land Rover standard fitment, which means it’s robust and hearty in operation. It wears some light patina in places and the odd minor mark, but overall looks very good. Where changes have been made are to the infotainment – with a modern Sony double DIN unit installed – and the steering wheel. We love that thin, wood-rimmed wheel, and it really adds a splash of class to the Defender’s cabin.
The Exterior
- Previously green, now finished in deep, metallic grey
- Converted from Pick Up to Station Wagon specification
- Custom front grill, bash guard
- Wide arches
- Side-steps / rock slider
- LED lights front and read
- Rear tow hitch mounting
- Rear-mounted full-size spare wheel
- Chequer plate sill trims, finished in black
- SMC alloy wheels
Converted from a Pick Up to a Station Wagon, it appears as if the bodywork of this Defender has been very well finished. We think it looks factory, and you’d never know this was a conversion unless you were told.
As part of the conversion process, the car was also refinished in the handsome dark grey shade you see here. We think it really suits the car, and presents very well with minimal evidence of any marks or blemishes. As far as we can tell, all the external trim is in similarly excellent condition, it certainly doesn’t look as if this Defender has been used for much in the way of off-roading.
Finishing off the smart presentation, the wheels are 18-inch, five-spoke SMC alloys, finished with a coat of gloss black. All are shod with a matched set of chunky BF Goodrich A/T tyres, which looks to be in fine fettle with plenty of tread.
Of course, underneath is where you really need to examine a Defender, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Everything looks very clean and tidy, with no evidence of damage, corrosion or any other issues we could discern.
The Mechanics
- 2,198cc four-cylinder turbo-diesel
- Six-speed manual transmission
- All-wheel drive system
- High/Low ratio transfer box with locking differential
That beefy 2.2-litre TD engine – a Ford unit – offers plenty of usable torque and all the power you could need in a Defender. Married to a manual transmission and the Land Rover’s legendary 4x4 system, it makes for the kind of powertrain that will pretty much get you anywhere you need to go. And then probably a bit further.
The vendor reports that the car starts on the button and drives very well. They report no mechanical issues or problems.
Summary
If you want a vehicle that’s just as at home bumbling around the city as it is fording rivers and traversing mountains, then you want a Defender. And this smart example makes for a very fine all-rounder indeed.
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.*
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.
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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