Military service history provided by the Ministry of Defence
Judiciously maintained by a local specialist during recent years
MOT valid until June 2024
The Appeal
Just over a month after the first unveiling of the original Land Rover at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show, two pre-production prototypes were loaned to the Ministry of Supply for evaluation and a year later, the ‘War Department’ submitted an order for 1,878 examples. This would mark the start of a special relationship between the Land Rover and the Armed Forces which endures to this day.
The nature of modern warfare means it’s time to move on from conventional 4x4s, but the British military continues to rely upon a fleet of ‘Wolf’ Defenders and we’re delighted to offer this early Defender 90 which served with the Parachute Regiment and Scots Guards.
Equipped with the renowned 300 TDI engine and all the additional strengthening that was specially developed for the Wolf, this is an exceedingly tough Land Rover, designed to operate in the most challenging environments.
Since it left military service and became civilian registered in 2020, this Land Rover has undergone restoration and sympathetic modification. Resplendent in the classic combination of Keswick Green with contrasting Limestone Wolf wheels, this Land Rover resembles the coveted ‘Heritage’ models and really looks the part.
For those seeking a Defender that’s as beautifully finished as it is capable, this would be a fabulous candidate. It’s been carefully maintained by a local specialist in recent years and comes with a MOT valid until June 2024.
The History and Paperwork
Early Wolf from 1998
V5C present
One former registered (civilian) keeper
The military service history was supplied by the MOD on request in September 2023 and accompanies the car
Served with the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment and 1 Scots Guards
MOT valid until 14th June 2024
91,090 km indicated - c. 56,000 miles
The Condition
Refinished in Keswick Green to a very good standard
The Wolf steel wheels have been refinished in Limestone
Olive Drab still visible under the bonnet
Canvas tilt in very good condition
With the roof removed, this Land Rover becomes a full-length convertible with a sturdy roll frame structure
Rock sliders fitted to the sills
Uproar 4x4 aftermarket bumper with auxiliary LED lights
Rear bumperettes protect the corners of the rear crossmember
Bonnet-mounted spare wheel
Aftermarket grille and headlamp units/surrounds
Light guards fitted
Smartly presented chassis, with no signs of notable corrosion
The alloy bodywork is immensely straight and free from any obvious signs of electrolytic corrosion
Aftermarket beige leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Additional seating for four in the rear
Wood-rimmed sports steering wheel
Retains its military dashboard appointments
Military specification two-piece doors with two-way sliding windows
Vendor has gone through the expense of putting seatbelts in the rear at a cost of £1,500
We heartily approve of the way this Land Rover has been finished. It retains the rugged appointments of its military career while incorporating a number of modern enhancements which make it far more pleasurable to use. This juxtaposition is most evident on the inside, where we find the military convoy light controls contrasted with sumptuous heated leather seats. The exterior has been updated with modern grilles and bumpers while the body has been refinished in the oh-so-desirable hue of Keswick Green.
This Land Rover is in fabulous condition throughout, with no notable wear, corrosion or damage in sight. The vendor has presented it beautifully for sale and we understand everything to be in good working order.
The Mechanics
Well-regarded 2.5-litre 300 TDI engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
Equipped with low-range and four-wheel-drive
Serviced by a local specialist during recent years
Major service recorded in February 2022 with a follow-up oil change in August 2023
All presents very well and looks highly original under the bonnet
We understand that the Land Rover runs and drives well
This is amongst the most capable of the original Defenders ever made. The Wolf was the most advanced military Land Rover ever commissioned and was an exceedingly expensive project at the time. The mechanicals are renowned for their strength, with a reinforced rear axle, reliable 300 TDI engine and strengthened chassis.
Having undergone a great deal of work and servicing during recent years, we understand that this Wolf drives very well indeed. Like the Parachute Regiment with which it served, this Land Rover is Utrinque Paratus - ‘Ready for anything’.
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.
✓ 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 details.
✓ 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 and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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