Conceived as a light agricultural and utility vehicle; the Land Rover was designed in 1947 and launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948. The success of the vehicle, originally intended as a stop-gap, took Rover by surprise; within a few years, it had become the vehicle of choice for the British Army and foreign aid organisations, and the must-have item for farmers and the landed gentry. Before long, the Land Rover had conquered the world.
A model initially introduced as the Land Rover 110 in 1983, followed in 1984 by the 90, the Defender name first appeared in 1990 (to distinguish the model from the Discovery) and continued until the last one rolled off the production line in 2016 – some 68 years after the vehicle’s first incarnation (although Jaguar Land Rover revived the Defender name for the ‘L663’ model in 2020).
This example bears some of the inevitable wear and tear you’d expect on a 28-year-old Landie, but is essentially sound.
The History and Paperwork
Original owners’ manual
Original service record, complete up to April 2000/72,000 miles
MoT until January 2024
Current V5
Two sets of keys
The vendor bought the vehicle in February 2023, but he owns another Land Rover and other vehicles and feels this one doesn’t get used enough so has decided to part with it. Of the three previous owners, the last two were a father and son, both vehicle mechanics, who transferred the ownership between them.
From the paperwork, it appears that the vehicle was first registered with a private registration number; the age-appropriate one it currently wears has clearly been put on at a later date.
The Interior
Well-used interior
Three rear seats, plus two rear bench-seats
Original rear seats and rear benches supplied
Seats in sound condition
Sunroof
Good roof lining
Door cards grubby but undamaged
New headlining, windscreen and rubber
JVC stereo in working order
Open the doors, and it’s clear that the car’s interior is in pretty good condition for its age and mileage. It’s a bit grubby in places, as is to be expected with an off-road vehicle, but the seats have no obvious wear or damage. The original three rear seats and the frames for the two rear bench seats are also supplied.
The footwells both front and back have protective rubber mats, presumably original, although that in the driver’s footwell has worn through, leading to the paint beneath wearing. The rear load bay has a carpet which is a bit grubby but would clean up well. The rear door is newly replaced and fully functioning, although there’s a tear at the bottom of the interior panel.
The dials, dashboard and centre-console all look good, and the stereo and speakers all work.
The sunroof needs the internals fixing to the headlining, but it is fully functioning. The bottom of the four main doors are fairly rusty and have been for ages, according to the vendor, but this is not noticeable from outside and doesn't affect MoT or use.
The Exterior
Red paintwork
Wheelarches discoloured
Some bumps and scrapes
Quarter roof rack
Ladder for roof access
Chequer-plate metal panels on front wings
Replacement alloy wheels, including spare
Original wheels supplied
Standard tow-bar with 7-pin electrics
Wiring in place for external spotlights
Like any ageing Land Rover, this one bears the scars of life as a utility vehicle. As well as a few obvious scrapes and scuffs, the paint on the wheelarches has faded more than the rest of the paintwork and are pink rather than red.
The original wheels (also supplied) have been replaced with alloy wheels and these are all in very good condition, with no kerb damage and only slight corrosion. All four tyres have good tread.
The quarter-roof rack is a valuable addition and there’s a ladder to assist with using this.
Elsewhere, the lights, front grille and badges are all in good condition.
The Mechanics
2495cc diesel engine
5-speed manual gearbox
Recent rear crossmember
Recent rear shock absorbers
Recent rear exhaust section
New front brake discs, calipers and pads
Recent A-frame ball-joint
All steering ball-joints replaced
New boost enrichment pipe and boost pin
New cambelt
New aux belt & tensioner
Header tank replaced
All fluids changed in drivetrain
Starts and runs beautifully
The vehicle mileage is 160,876, but the engine and odometer were changed by Land Rover at 97,275 due to a fault
Since new engine only 63,652 miles
The vendor has had a considerable amount of work done to keep the Defender in good running order, and the evidence of our photo shoot suggests that it starts on first turn of the key and runs well. The vendor assures us there are no issues, and the engine bay presents in good order.
All fluids in the drivetrain have been changed and the engine power is boosted by the addition of a boost enrichment pipe and boost pin which, according to the vendor, gives significant extra pulling power.
The odometer records only the miles done since the engine was changed, by Land Rover, to rectify a fault.
Summary
Well-used but well looked after, this Defender is ready to be used as Land Rovers are meant to be, as an off-road utility vehicle rather than as a lifestyle statement. It bears the scars of its twenty-eight years, but is essentially in sound working order.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
