Description
Highlights
- Desirable early 90 County in Kesick green with 200TDi engine
- Restored by previous owner over four years
- Fully resprayed to a high standard
- Fitted with a replacement galvanised chassis
- New bulkhead, doors and tailgate
- New steering, brakes, clutch and suspension
- ULEZ exempt due to being historic car age
The History and Paperwork:
- MOT valid until 19th June 2025
- Purchased from a mechanic, who had restored it over the past four years
- Ten former keepers
- UK-supplied right-hand drive example first registered on 7th February 1985
The Condition:
- Resprayed to a great standard
- Remarkably straight bodywork
- Free from any signs of serious corrosion or damage
- New galvanised chassis
- New doors, bulkhead and tailgate
- New lights, glass, and seals have been installed
- New front screen window wipers
- New radio installed
- The front seats are now upholstered in tan leather
- Original folding County seats in the rear
- The headlining has been refurbished
- Everything works (to my knowledge), except for the wee clock inside, which I never got around to getting fixed
- Since I have owned the vehicle, the power steering belt has needed tightening to prevent squeaking on tight turns. The alternator belt has also needed tightening to ensure the battery can fully charge
- A couple of professional mechanics have complemented the condition of the vehicle, saying that it is in the best condition that they have ever seen for a Defender of this age, with "every screw in the right place!"
- A joy to drive and easy to keep clean
The Mechanics:
- 2. 5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine (200 TDi)
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- All new oils for the differential and gearbox, (including the transfer box)
- The engine timing belt and water pump were replaced in 2023
- Turbo and intercooler replaced in 2023
- New filters, timing belt, and water pump
- The fuel tank is new
- New steering, brakes and suspension
- It drives as expected for a Land Rover of this vintage
- Starts and runs well, with no apparent faults.
The Appeal:
By the advent of the 1980s, Land Rover was beginning to be left behind. The leaf-sprung, drum-braked and naturally aspirated 'Series' vehicles upon which the firm had built its excellent reputation were beginning to feel old-fashioned in the face of Japanese competition. The response from Land Rover was ingenious, with new '90' and '110' models forming the basis of the legendary Defender which would remain in production until 2016. Here we have one such early 90 County, dating from 1985. It's been rebuilt by its previous owner over four years, with a brand-new galvanised chassis, new doors, tailgate and a full body respray. Mechanically, its 2. 5-litre turbodiesel has been overhauled, as has the gearbox, suspension, steering and brakes. It has been fun to drive, but no longer suits our family needs and so sadly selling it on. For those seeking a usable classic Land Rover that's ready to go, you've come to the right place.
