Description
Hi
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this advert.
I have owned the Landy for nearly a decade now, a record for me as I tend to get itchy feet, but the Landy has really got under the whole family’s skin. It’s sort of become part of the crew.
I bought it when the kids were small and we used it to go on holidays in it, as well as performing day to day type duties (all be it as third or fourth car).
It has been utterly BRILLIANT and as I say, is a well-loved part of the family, but with the kids now grown up it just doesn’t suit some of the occasions it used to. Case in point we have just returned from a family holiday in North Wales and given my son is now 6 feet tall he sort of doesn’t really ‘fit’ anymore, and with the girl child about to ship off to university to become a paramedic it just feels like now is the right time to let go and let someone else take over the reins.
Here is a quick summary of the car, before I go into more detail for you:
- Td5 which is widely regarded in Land Rover circles as ‘the one to have’
- Not been messed about with or ever off-roaded
- Unmolested and as Land Rover intended
- 11 seater layout
- Recent £22, 500 spend!
- Brand new galvanised and powder coated chassis
- Brand new brakes
- Brand new clutch
- Brand new suspension
- Drives AMAZINGLY
- Utterly reliable, utterly dependable
- Just 3 former keepers so super low owners
- Qualifies for classic car insurance
- Professional valuation of £35, 000
The car has never been off-roaded. I have towed with it, and it is brilliant with some weight on the back but it has been a pampered vehicle that has lived a very light and charmed life really.
I would not hesitate for a second to drive this car anywhere. It is so strong, fit and able you don’t question it at all.
The recent work done (£22, 500) was undertaken by renowned Land Rover specialists Simmonites in Yorkshire and was done to an exacting standard. They know these vehicles inside and out, they know their weaker areas, and they know how to put them back together properly – arguably to a better standard than when new!
The work undertaken was thorough, proper longevity based improvements and replacements not some paint over the cracks BS to make it look ‘cool’ at a car show. Anything that looked worn or was getting towards the end of its service life was replaced for brand new so the new owner shouldn’t have to spend anything material for quite some time. You see Defender’s with jacked up suspension, newly painted panels and leather quilted interiors – well, that is NOT this vehicle. It has been body off refurbished to keep it on the road for decades to come, not some McDonald’s car park chav mobile.
The drive
The Landy drive amazingly.! Obviously if you are used to all the creature comforts of a 2025 version then you will find classic Defender a real shock to the system, but for a classic it drives beautifully.
The engine starts first turn of the key every single time no matter the weather, no matter the external temperature and it sounds fantastic – just like a 5 cylinder Td5 should.
Talking of the engine it was rebuilt a few years back after we suffered the typical oil pump bolt failure, whilst on the M6 toll road. The engine was re-built, at considerable cost, buy our local Land Rover specialist and they did a thorough job. The engine is once again strong, torquey and fully dependable.
The suspension has been recently replaced as part of the restoration so it rides really well for a classic Defender – there are no knocks, bangs or issues – it feels super tight, much like it would when it came out of the factory originally.
The brakes are super strong, again being fully brand new and the whole vehicle feels like will last a lifetime.
The exterior
The exterior of the car is finished in one of the best Land Rover hues, Rioja Red. It’s a colour that really suits the shape and looks amazing in the sun. The paint as far as we can tell is original and whilst it looks lovely (people comment practically every single journey we make) it does have a few bits of lacquer peel. As I said earlier, the renovation wasn’t to make the vehicle pretty – it was to make it last for decades to come. It does not require repainting at all, but that is the nest owner’s decision because I respect the fact that each Landy owner has their own idea of what the perfect Landy for them is.
The interior
I would rate the interior as near MINT. It is lovely inside. Un-messed with, still with the original techno cloth interior, the carpets are lovely, the plastics good. It’s a solid 9 out of 10 in here for me!
I cannot tell you the joy the Landy has brought to our family over its service with us but ultimately, I know deep down now is the time to hand over the batten and let it be part of someone else's life. It has been a tough decision that I have grappled with, but I know that it is the right thing to do.
Thank you.
