Description
I purchased this Defender from a friend in 2018 and have covered approximately 5, 000 miles during my ownership. It has been garage stored throughout that time and has primarily served as a well-maintained project vehicle, with regular upgrades and preventative maintenance carried out when required.
The vehicle has had a relatively easy life under my ownership. It was used for a single off-road safari in Wales shortly after purchase but has not been subjected to any serious off-roading since. As a result, both the chassis and running gear remain in very good condition.
The chassis is particularly solid and has recently been cleaned and treated with Lanoguard (April 2026) to help preserve its condition. The rear crossmember has also been replaced with a galvanised version, eliminating one of the common corrosion concerns associated with older Defenders. There are no known structural issues. The bulk of the bodywork presents well, although there are a few areas where small corrosion bubbles in the aluminium panels were tidied up by myself with a DIY respray during ownership. Overall, the vehicle remains very presentable and honest for its age.
The Defender benefits from a comprehensive maintenance record and has wanted for very little mechanically. Recent work includes:
> Oil and filter service (April 2026)
> Chassis treated with Lanoguard (April 2026)
> Brake fluid changed (October 2023)
> Coolant changed (August 2023)
> FEAD belt replaced (August 2023, approx. 500 miles ago)
> Front wheel bearings, swivel housings and CV joints replaced (July 2022, approx. 2, 000 miles ago)
> Clutch and dual-mass flywheel replaced (February 2019, approx. 4, 000 miles ago)
> Front differential oil changed (October 2020)
> Water pump replaced (March 2018)
> ABS warning lamp issue diagnosed and rectified, with the fault traced to the instrument cluster
Upgrades and improvements include:
> Rear crossmember replaced with galvanised version
> Britpart Sports Seats fitted (SKU: DA1895)
> Black roof respray (originally Alveston Red)
> PIONEER DMH-A340DAB Double-DIN Bluetooth stereo
> New windscreen and Alpine window seals
> Steel steering guard
> Five new BFGoodyear All-Terrain T/ A tyres fitted in 2025 (117/ 114 R)
> Five Vault Classic black alloy wheels fitted in 2025
> 73mm LED LSL Wipac LED Lights (2 front sidelights, 2 indicators, 2 rear indicators, 2 stop & tail + LED flasher unit)
> NOTE: Private Plate not included
The vehicle remains on its standard engine map and retains its original character without unnecessary modifications.
The reason for sale is simply that my circumstances have changed. When I bought the Defender, the plan was to use it for camping, adventure travel and weekends away. With two young children, we now need something larger and more practical for longer European trips, and the Defender is no longer being used to its full potential. It deserves to be enjoyed by someone who can make the most of it.
- details above
I bought this Defender because I had always wanted a classic Land Rover that I could gradually improve and enjoy. Purchasing it from a friend gave me confidence in its history, and during the Covid years it became a rewarding project that kept me busy carrying out sensible upgrades and preventative maintenance while preserving everything that makes a Defender special.
What I've always loved about this vehicle is that it feels like a proper Defender. It's unpretentious, capable and full of character. It turns heads wherever it goes and always attracts conversation from fellow enthusiasts, whether at fuel stations, shows or simply parked up in town.
Unlike many Defenders, this one hasn't led a hard off-road life during my ownership. Apart from a single off-road safari in Wales, it has been used predominantly on the road and carefully maintained. The result is a Defender that still has the rugged capability people buy them for but without the signs of years of heavy recreational use.
It also benefits from a number of thoughtful upgrades that improve usability and appearance without taking away from its originality. The recently fitted BF Goodyear All-terrain tyres and Vault Classic black alloys suit the vehicle perfectly, while the upgraded seats make it a much more comfortable driving experience (as far as Defenders go)!!
Modern vehicles may be faster, quieter and more refined, but very few have the charm, personality and unmistakable presence of a Defender.
I genuinely hadn't planned on selling it, but family life has moved on and we now need something larger for travelling around Europe with two children. I'd love to see it go to another enthusiast who will appreciate it for what it is, whether that's camping, touring, green-laning, attending shows or simply enjoying ownership of one of Britain's most iconic 4x4s.
