Predating the Defender name by three years, the Land Rover 90 was marketed by Land Rover in their 1980’s TV ad’ as “The best 4x4 by far”.
Built in the Solihull factory, the 90” wheelbase option and its larger siblings are a great compromise between old-school simplicity and modern-day comforts.
If practicality over comfort is your priority then it is possible to drive this 2.5-litre petrol ‘Landy’ every day. An easy DIY maintenance proposition, plenty of support is also out there from clubs and specialist workshops along with good parts availability.
Having been the subject of an extensive restoration in 2016 by independent Land Rover specialists, Churchill 4x4, in Bromsgrove, this stunning Land Rover should provide worry-free motoring for many years to come.
Believed to be an ex-airfield vehicle, the full extent of this particular 4x4’s history is unknown. The low mileage is understood to be genuine and the engine certainly seems in good health.
First registered on the 20th May 1988, the current owner purchased it from Churchill 4x4 on the 15th March 2019 and has enjoyed the occasional drive. He is now down-sizing his small collection of cars to, as he states, “simplify my life!”.
Going back to 2006, this outstanding Land Rover has reassuringly passed it’s MOT each time, bar one, and at 44,075 miles in 2006, has clearly covered very few miles since.
The current MOT is valid until the 22nd August 2022 and it is taxed until the 1st March 2023.
The detailed restoration extends to the interior which includes new ‘Techno cloth’ Exmoor Trim front seats, Dynamat sound proofing and new rubber floor mats. The cab paintwork is essentially unmarked and looks great.
The original steering wheel is in-situ and the dash houses the expected instrumentation and switchgear which the owner assures us all functions correctly. Attractive aluminium gear levers are fitted and a replacement gear lever rubber gaiter is currently sitting over a split one.
The door trims are great and the window winders work well. A Pioneer sound system, with bluetooth connectivity, and a fire extinguisher are installed.
The equally presentable rear space houses the spare wheel and an additional carrier (which is included in the sale). A new ‘Land Rover’ rubber mat, useful load securing loops and tailgate straps are also in place.
From every angle, this ‘Landy’ really looks the biz’ in its coat of metallic Grassmere Green and new Exmoor ‘Sand’ canvas top.
Having covered so few miles since it’s restoration, we couldn’t detect any significant blemishes to the exterior body or underside.
Churchill 4x4 stripped it down and renewed any necessary parts before the complete respray in 2016.
The body is mounted on a new galvanised chassis from Richards Chassis, Rotherham, and a replacement bulkhead and doors were fitted. The panels are very straight and the lights, glass, mirrors, fixtures and fittings are all extremely presentable.
The later alloy wheels were shot blasted and sprayed in the body colour and silver. Five new Avon Ranger ATT 235/85/R16 tyres were fitted, and having travelled just 2,000 miles or so, have loads of tread remaining.
Looking very clean, the durable 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine sits in a wonderfully renovated engine bay and, although not verified, the low mileage may well be due to it’s past life as an airfield vehicle.
The owner informs us that there is a very small engine oil leak, and no obvious exhaust smoke.
The engine starts and runs really well, and has been regularly serviced. The owner assures us that the 5-speed gearbox, high/low ratios and diff-lock operate effectively and the suspension and power steering are predictable and precise. The back axle has been replaced with a later one offering reliable disc brakes.
A comprehensive list of mechanical parts were replaced or renovated by Churchill 4x4 a few years ago (see photo of list) and the current owner has also carried out the following:
Wow! - this 90 really is a head-turner in it’s heritage colour and new canvas top. Enhanced with the galvanised chassis and mechanical upgrades, the owner tells us that it has been really “enjoyable to drive and own”.
Considered one of the coolest of the legendary Land Rovers, it will never go out of fashion and is a very capable and tough 4x4 - ideal for a wide range of pursuits.
Now that production has ceased, demand for good examples is on the increase - so get in quick!
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