There are few vehicles that match the iconography of the Land Rover Defender, which is an enduring legend that’s becoming ever more collectable since production ceased in 2016, with high demand from enthusiasts and utility drivers alike.
This one is a fairly late model, first registered in June 2008, and it’s a low-mileage example with lots of history and recent expenditure. A four-seater, it’s fully equipped for adventure and is agonisingly cool as well as impeccably well-maintained, with over £3,000 spent on its upkeep in the past year alone.
The owner has had it since 2014, but now lives in Australia so the Defender has seen little use over the past three years. It’s a very reluctant sale.
This is the XS model, so is comprehensively equipped with two-tone cloth and faux-leather upholstery, air conditioning, heated seats and electric windows – great news for those used to manual window winders taking up vital elbow room in the cabin.
High-spec Defenders are very desirable things and this one has got the lot – all of the styling accessories, a great interior and the smoothest engine found in the model – the Ford-derived ‘Puma’ unit. It’s smartly presented and is in great working order. A vehicle that will attract attention wherever it goes, perfect for family adventures, camping trips, dog walks or work.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT July 2024
Substantial maintenance record showing main dealer maintenance from 2014 to 2020 and independent specialists since
Original book pack, handbooks and documents
Invoice from the past year showing a service, new springs, swivel hubs and front differential, totalling almost £3,000
The Condition
Very smart overall condition
Original Cairns Blue metallic
Appears sound underneath with no chassis welding and no corrosion advisories on the MOT
Light surface corrosion to chassis
Excellent ‘Boost’ alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler tyres
Hannibal roof rack fitted at a cost of almost £2,000
Rear ladder and side steps
Front spot lamps
Excellent bulkhead and door frames
Minor dent on right-hand front wing
Some delamination to mirror stalks
Some light corrosion on rear crossmember
Cloth and leather-effect heated seats with minor wear and cracks in passenger seat base
Fold-down front-facing rear seats – right-hand-side requires some attention
Very smart interior overall
Excellent headlining and door cards
Electric windows
Air conditioning
Factory CD player
Finished in striking and rare Cairns Blue metallic, the Defender looks incredibly cool, with a Hannibal roof rack, front A-bar and twin spot lamps. It also has an access ladder on the rear to make roof rack access easy.
The presentation is very smart – it’s clearly a truck that hasn’t had a hard life nor been driven in anger off-road. It sits on smart ‘Boost’ alloy wheels, equipped with quality Goodyear Wrangler tyres.
Inside, it’s clean and tidy and presents well, with luxuries including heated seats, air conditioning and electric windows, along with a Land Rover-branded CD stereo. There’s some minor wear to both seat bases and one of the fold-down rear seats is slightly temperamental, but it’s a very smart truck overall and these are only minor flaws.
The Mechanics
2.4-litre Ford ‘Puma’ engine
Six-speed manual transmission with high and low range
Recent service
New front differential, springs and swivel hubs
Well-maintained and serviced to a high standard during current ownership
Under the bonnet you’ll find a 2.4-litre version of the Ford-derived ‘Puma’ diesel, as used in the Transit, Mondeo and Jaguar X-TYPE. It’s a unit renowned for its smoothness and longevity and it drives very well indeed – the 86,000 recorded miles being well below average for the model.
It has had a major recent service, during which all of the springs, front swivel hubs and front differential were replaced, all documented on an invoice from a well-regarded Land Rover specialist in Norwich.
According to the vendor it operates without fault and the transmission works as it ought to in both high and low ratios. There are no reported issues with the steering, brakes or suspension and he describes it as huge fun to drive.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ This vehicle is subject to third-party financing. The seller will clear all financing debts and associated costs on sale.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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2008 Land Rover Defender 90 XS
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