Highlights
- Practical extra long wheelbase with crewcab
- Recent mechanical expenditure
- Unapologetically patinated
The Appeal
The Land Rover Defender is a truly iconic vehicle. It's longevity, instant recognisability, off-road capabilities and rugged styling are all hallmarks of this famous design. And the 130 inch wheelbase version, as offered for sale here, is one of the most versatile options, ever popular as the perfect base to build the ultimate overland camper.
This particular Defender started out as a military vehicle but has since been demobilised and has been enjoying civilian life for some time now. It has clearly lived life as its designers intended, proudly displaying all the bumps, scrapes and blemishes it has picked up over the years. In recent years it has only covered a few hundred miles annually, so the current owner has decided to let somebody else enjoy it to its full.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in November 1992
- MoT valid to December 2022
- New chassis believed to have been fitted in 2014
- Recent substantial invoices for mechanical work
The Interior
- Clearly well used
- Tears, marks and blemishes throughout
- Overall still very usable
- Rather unusual aftermarket addition to the dashboard
This Land Rover isn't going to win any concourse events any time soon. Instead, it proudly shows its years of use, every scratch and tear telling a story of a life well lived. The upholstery is clearly well worn, with the front seats looking a little threadbare. These could easily be improved upon if the next owner is so inclined, or we are sure that they will continue to give years of service if you prefer to keep things original.
The rest of the interior is in a similarly scruffy condition. Various items of trim are showing signs of wear and damage, the headlining is marked but still mostly secure. The dashboard is in a similar condition but the vendor reports all the electronics are in order, apart from the interior light not working. Also, the heating system is not working.
The Exterior
- In unapologetically ‘used’ condition
- Replacement chassis reportedly fitted c.2014
- New tyres fitted in 2020
The unmistakable silhouette of a Land Rover defender is universally recognised. This defender 130 benefits from the addition of a load carrying compartment to the rear, which makes it a very practical vehicle.
Overall, the bodywork and paint are in a brilliantly scruffy state. There are dents and scratches and plenty of areas where this Defender is far from new. But this is what these Land Rovers are all about: being used and getting dirty without being precious about their condition.
Obviously this car wears its scars with pride, but the external trim is all present and the tyres have reportedly only covered 700 miles. The vendor reports that the chassis was believed to have been changed in 2014, with the underside now exhibiting the usual amount of surface corrosion.
In all, this is a very practical vehicle, which you won’t be afraid to use in any situation.
The Mechanics
- Clutch cylinders both replaced in 2019
- Steering box replaced
- Much recent expenditure
The 2.5 litre diesel power plant in this Defender 200Tdi is a well known engine, capable of a very long service life. It is said to run exactly as you would expect for a Land Rover of this age, with nothing untoward and no unusual noises reported. The vendor states that there can be a little smoke on startup but this may be because the car is used relatively infrequently.
The accompanying handwritten invoices from Avondale Garage show that the car has been well looked after in recent years. It has received new tyres, a power steering unit and clutch master and slave cylinders, as sell as a host of other work.
Summary
This Defender is an honest example of a Land Rover which has enjoyed a life of use. Its condition will allow the next owner to continue to enjoy the car in its natural habitat, without worrying at all.
These Land Rovers were designed to be driven and to survive all that life can throw at them. This Defender is an example of the very practical 130 inch wheelbase model, which remains popular to this day and can be used for a huge variety of purposes.
This car has received recent mechanical expenditure and its next owner will be able to enjoy it to its full.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
