RHD spent 6 years in the dry South African climate before being Imported to the Uk and then Monaco before returning to the Uk where it is today
Quilted leather front and middle row seats from Exmoor Trim
Very straight original bodywork
The Appeal
Since production of the original Defender ceased in 2016, good examples have become highly sought after and due to their nature as utilitarian vehicles, many have lived a hard life and are now somewhat tired.
Here we have a really fine and high specced Defender 110 XS that the vendor has decided is rather too good to put to work. Therefore it has been carefully stored during the past 17 months and is now ready to go to a new home.
The History and Paperwork
Imported from South Africa in 2018
Acquired by the vendor from a Monégasque banker
Original document wallet and manuals
File of service receipts from South Africa, France and UK verifying the mileage and works carried out on the car
Collection of paperwork including old MOT certificates and evidence of part main dealer service history
The Interior
Quilted Exmoor Trim seats
Upgraded sound system and cabin sound deadening
Lockable safe located in the centre console
From the condition of the interior, it’s hard to believe that this is a 10 year old car. There are few signs of wear anywhere to be seen and the vendor also points out a few choice upgrades.
The seats in the front and centre row have been replaced with quilted leather items from Exmoor Trim at a cost of around £4,500. The vendor assures us that they are far more comfortable than the standard seats and also provide a touch of luxury.
Between the front seats, you’ll find an unassuming, upholstered centre console which opens to reveal a lockable safe. The cabin is also fully sound deadened and features an upgraded Alpine audio system which reportedly functions well. As a highly specced Defender, it also has air conditioning - something drivers of earlier Land Rovers could only have dreamed of…
The controls, dashboard, carpeting and rubber overmats display very little wear. We did notice that some tape has been used on the carpeting on the corner of the offside rear seat box, which the vendor informs us was added after acoustic insulation was added. Throughout the cabin, the headlining is well supported and clean.
The rear load area is very clean and has clearly not been used for load lugging. The occasional folding seats are also a handy feature, increasing the passenger carrying potential.
The Exterior
Very straight bodywork with very few blemishes
Versatile roof rack
Smart alloy wheels
On the outside, this Land Rover bears remarkably few scars, proving that it has been carefully looked after all of its life. The paintwork presents really well and we couldn’t see any bubbling from electrolytic corrosion in any of the usual trouble spots. The door gaps and panel fitments all look to be really even, contributing to an overall appearance that belies the car’s age.
There are a couple of small scratches around the door handles, probably caused by keys, and there’s bound to be the odd stone chip here and there. Overall, the paint finish really is rather good and it holds a nice level of shine.
A roof rack is fitted, which allows for even more carrying capacity, and this Land Rover also benefits from heavy duty towing apparatus.
It sits upon smart, original specification alloy wheels which are shod with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres. While a couple of the fixtures and fittings display slight surface rust, the rear crossmember, bulkhead and chassis look to be in really good shape and there appears to be nothing more than a little surface rust on the drivetrain elements as you would expect to see.
Red high lift jack not included in the sale.
The Mechanics
ZSD-422 Ford 2.2-litre diesel engine
New intercooler
6-speed manual gearbox
The vendor informs us that this Defender drives really smoothly and feels very tight for its age and mileage. It accelerates quite briskly and benefits from a 6-speed gearbox, making it a more capable cruiser than many earlier Defenders. The 4-wheel drive system and low range functions correctly and it has been fitted with a new intercooler on 13/10/2022.
When you get behind the wheel of an original Defender, you are immediately reassured by its competency. You feel safe tackling even the most rutted of tracks and also feel safe on the road from your elevated driving position and reassuringly big tyres beneath you.
Summary
This is a really smart example of the legendary Land Rover Defender. The appreciation for these cars seemingly knows no bounds and getting hold of a good example can be quite the challenge. If you fancy owning one of these iconic vehicles, this 2012 Defender is a fine specimen.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
