Highlights
- Very original ex-military 90 Soft Top
- Restored to a very high standard
- MOT to March 2024
- Full khaki canvas tilt fitted
The Appeal
Rugged, dependable and enormously capable, there’s a good reason that for decades the Land Rover has been the backbone of the British Military. Used in all manner of applications all over the world, they have proven to be the perfect vehicle for some of the most hostile and treacherous terrain on the planet.
This smart example entered service in 1986, working until it was disposed of by the military in 2012. Later purchased by the vendor in 2016 as a restoration project, the vehicle has been extensively restored and rebuilt, now presenting in superb condition while still retaining many of its original MoD features. Whether you want a fun show-piece or a deeply practical utility vehicle for wilderness adventures, this lovely little Soft Top would be the ideal machine.
The History and Paperwork
- Entered service with MoD in June 1986
- Three owners from new
- Engine reconditioned by the MoD
- Disposed of by MoD in August 2012 to Witham Specialist Vehicles
- Purchased from Withams by the previous owner in May 2013
- Acquired by present owner in August 2016
- Restored by the owner between 2016 and 2017
- The emphasis of the restoration was to retain the car’s originality as much as possible
- V5c present and correct
- MoD Disposal Certificate and service history
- Current MOT to March 2024
- Passed every MOT since 2014
- 174,140Km on the clock
The Interior
- New Exmoor Trim vinyl seat cushions present in excellent condition, with no visible wear or damage
- Spacious and practical Cubby Box between the front seats
- Rubber gearbox cover and floor mats
- Inertia reel seat belts fitted
- Rear bench seat
- Spare wheel mounting in back body (the wheel can also be bonnet-mounted when the rear is in use)
- Both footwells have been repaired to a good standard
- Speedometer/odometer calibrated in kilometres
- MoD identification plate on the side of the seat box
- Battery and tool storage compartment under passenger seat
- Lockable toolbox containing wheel changing and recovery kit in the rear
- Rubber floor liner to the rear compartment
- Jerry can strapped in position in the rear
- All of the controls and switchgear show very well, with minimal evidence of wear and tear
The Exterior
- Comprehensive “body off / engine out” restoration during 2016 and 2017
- The chassis was found to be in remarkably good condition, with no evidence of previous welding apparent
- Chassis cleaned, primed and repainted with two coats of black Hammerite
- All body panels were sanded and resprayed in the correct NATO green LRC553 satin finish
- During re-assembly all components were cleaned and refurbished as appropriate, with all new fixings, and an extensive range of new parts fitted
- All body panels in excellent condition with only minor evidence of its military history
- Bulkhead in excellent condition (footwells repaired)
- New nearside wing (previous owner had fitted a non-original raised air intake)
- Full military style canvas soft top, possibly original
- Three versatile configurations as either fully open, “safari” with hoops and rolled up canvas, or fully enclosed soft top with front door tops
- Detachable front door tops with sliding windows
- Option for spare wheel mounting on bonnet
- NATO tow hook to rear
- Heavy duty galvanised front bumper with central recovery pin
- Detachable radio aerial mounts with aerials
- Rollover bar and front grill finished in satin black
- Body-coloured 16-inch steel wheels, dressed with a matched set of new Goodyear G90 tyres
- The underside is in exceptionally good condition, with no evidence we can discern of any damage or corrosion at all
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel engine (MoD reconditioned)
- Recent cambelt change
- New radiator and hoses
- LT77 five speed manual gearbox
- LT230 transfer box with high/low ratio and central diff lock
- Permanent four-wheel drive
- New fuel tank and sender unit
- New rear springs and shock absorbers
- New clutch assembly, slave cylinder and LOF “Powermaster” master cylinder
- New wheel bearings and rear brake shoes
- All suspension bushes replaced with OEM rubber bushes
- The engine and drivetrain present in excellent condition, with no obvious issues or corrosion we could discern
Summary
Beautifully finished, sympathetically restored and certainly unique, we think this charming ex-military Land Rover will make its next owners very happy indeed. This is definitely one you don’t want to miss out
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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