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.

Inspired by the work of Lisbon-based Land Rover restorers Cool ‘n’ Vintage, the truck was restored in 2018 and was owned until last year by a Defender enthusiast who loves to make them “a bit different”.

Finished in Vintage Sand – a genuine 1960s Land Rover colour – the truck was fully rebuilt and resprayed, with a full interior re-trim.

The truck is deliberately themed to look much older than it is. The paint is an authentic 1960s Land Rover colour, and the matching painted wheels and colour-matched interior make it feel a lot older than a 1989 vehicle – at least in its presence rather than the way it drives. 

Registered in 1989, the 90 is a pre-Defender model sold simply as ‘Land Rover 90’ though the differences are minimal. That does mean, though, that it comes with the pre-TDI 2.5 TD engine that was only offered between 1987 and 1990. 

It was imported into England in 2019 from Northern Ireland, so LJI 7540 is its original registration. The current owner is having to reluctantly part with the truck due to a recent house move so no longer has space for it.

There’s little in the way of paperwork with the truck – which isn’t abnormal for a Land Rover as many of them are multi-owner mongrels. What’s clear about this one, though, is that it isn’t. 

What is known is that before it was restored the truck had lived for most of its life on a farm in Northern Ireland and hadn’t been used for several years, and was acquired from its first owner who confirmed the mileage (46k at the time) as genuine.

It was restored in 2018 and then in 2021 had further works carried out including new injectors, rear dampers, polybushes, steering shafts, radiator and brakes, at a cost of over £5,000.

During its restoration, the 90 was professionally sprayed in Vintage Sand with roof picked out in Ford Roman Bronze. 

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, it’s appears sound with no obvious rot to the outriggers, chassis rails or crossmembers, which are the main grot spots. It has been waxed and undersealed to protect it for the future. 

The bulkhead is good, too, with only a slight amount of rust starting to appear in the front door shut. There are also a couple of small areas of aluminium oxidisation under the paint on the driver’s door and behind the passenger door mirror – not ones that immediately draw your attention but something that will undoubtedly sound common to any Land Rover Defender owner… they all do that!

It also has the advantage of an H4 headlight upgrade kit to replace the original sealed beam units.

As part of the bespoke build, the 90 has a number of improvements over the agricultural original – notably its vintage sprung Canadian Calf Tan Leather seats with Exmoor dark brown suede interior details. It’s a fabulous look and was a very expensive one to carry out. 

The cabin is superb, with the added benefit of a modern stereo and integrated 12v power sockets and USB ports to support a more modern driving experience. There are no cracks in the dashboard facing – rare for a Defender!

The load bay, meanwhile, is fully galvanised and rubber-lined.

Land Rover’s 2,495cc TD engine was its first turbo diesel and was quite an effective one, even though it had a short production life. That’s no worry though as parts are plentiful still, and much of the base engine is the same as the direct injection 200 TDI unit that replaced it. 

This one has been serviced every year since the truck was restored and was rebuilt with a new cambelt in 2017. It’s slow to start in cold conditions – they always are – but once running is absolutely spot on, with a steady idle and a distinctive and charming soundtrack. 

The gearbox works fine in both high and low ratios and the diff lock also works as it should, while the steering and brakes feel absolutely fine in the vague way that Land Rover steering and brakes always do. It’s a hoot to drive – Land Rover 90s always are, but this is a particularly smashing one.

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 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. This one is also eligible for export to the USA by virtue of its age and the fact it has its original engine.


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