• Legendary all-terrain capability

 • MOT until February 2023

 • 2.5 TDi engine

 • Timeless appreciating classic

Following in the off-road tyre tracks of earlier Land Rover models since 1948, The Land Rover 90 was introduced in 1983 and continued the tradition of rugged, workhorse reliability.

Marketed by Land Rover in their 1980’s TV ad’ as “The best 4x4x far”, the 90 (denoting it’s 90” wheel-base) and it’s longer wheelbase siblings, were slowly upgraded with nicer interiors and an increased range of power-plant options, but visually remained largely unchanged.  

Built in the Solihul factory, the 90 and later Defender (from 1990), have become highly desirable everyday vehicles, recreational off-roaders and even fashion statements.   

First registered on the 23rd January 1985, the history of this particular Land Rover has been lost in time, but appears to have resided in the Southampton and Bournemouth areas for many years and doesn’t appear to have been extensively used off-road.

The previous owner purchased it in 2013, and having failed it’s MOT in June 2021, decided to pass it on to the vendor in February 2022. The vendor has now had any MOT problems rectified and a brand new MOT was issued on the 17th February 2022. Amongst other items, some welding was carried out to the chassis. Feel free to check out the online MOT history for more information. 

 

This “Landy” comes with the V5 document (registered in the vendor’s wife’s name) and is noted as a LR 90 4C light 4x4 utility. The only other paperwork is the new MOT test certificate.

The vehicle has also been taxed and is valid until 1st February 2023. 

As we appreciate, the rugged and basic cab heralds practical functionality over comfort but was slightly upgraded from 1983 onwards.

The condition of this interior can best be described as ‘used’ and slightly ‘worn’ but as far as we can tell, is generally unmolested and all the essential kit is in-situ. The plastic dash is a little faded in places, but the gauges and warning lights cluster are believed to function as they should. The door trims are fine although the vinyl seats have a few splits.

Some metal components have surface rust but the BL derived trim parts such as the door handles and window winders are all operating satisfactorily. Opening up the rear door reveals a simple ply-wood decked floor and sides. The sliding side windows open and the roof lining is a little saggy, but intact.  

A weekend’s scrub and brush up would undoubtedly bring this interior back to life.

The gloss green paintwork is acceptable but is showing it’s age a little with a few chips and areas of oxidation to the aluminium panels and some minor areas of rust (please refer to photos). The steel rear door appears to have been replaced at some point. The external fixtures and fittings are all in place if a little tired looking. The paint on the front bumper, bull-bar and protection grilles is flaking and the rear panel has been patched at some stage.

A galvanised safari roof rack (and rear ladder) is a useful feature along with the “go-anywhere” safari snorkel capability. The original wheel arch extensions plus alloy plate trims on the Bonnet, wings and sides gives this “Landy” a purposeful appearance which is also enhanced by the desirable Land Rover alloy wheels and BF Goodrich Mud-terrain T/A tyres which are in good condition.   

Having passed a recent MOT, the clean underside structure and floor appears sound and strong.

The durable Land Rover 200 tdi 2,495cc engine should have sufficient pulling power and torgue on tap and is known to reach high mileages before a rebuild is necessary. The recorded mileage is believed to be genuine and in accordance with the known MOT history, but as mentioned, there are currently no service records available. 

When started and driven for the photoshoot, this turbo-diesel engine started without hesitation and ticked over smoothly without any obvious rattles or exhaust smoke. The engine compartment and ancillaries look in keeping with their age and there is some visible oil leaks possibly from the rocker cover and (underneath), from the gearbox/transfer box gaskets. 

Mechanical features include very effective power steering, a 5-speed gearbox and 4x4 ‘box with high and low ratios, a central differential lock, independent coil spring suspension and front disc brakes.

This is possibly one of the coolest of the legendary Land Rovers and will never go out of fashion. It is recognised the world over as a capable 4x4 adventure vehicle suitable for a wide range of pursuits.

Already with a new MOT as a starting point, this original Land Rover 90 can be enjoyed as is or would make a great base for improvement or as a complete restoration project. Either way, this “Landy” should last forever as a practical and fun “go-anywhere” vehicle