Highlights
- Legendary off-road icon
- New ‘bikini top’ and full canvas hood.
- Three owners from new
The Appeal
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.
This example is an ex-MoD vehicle, and as such will have been scrupulously maintained during its time with the military, from 1992 through to 2011. It bears the inevitable signs of its age and mileage, but is generally in very good order.
The History and Paperwork
- Ex-MoD vehicle
- Current V5
- MoT valid until July 2024
- Previous MoT certificates
- Recent invoices
- £508 spent in July 2023
The vendor bought this Land Rover, in 2011, from a supplier of ex-MoD vehicles, and used it to go green-laning with his son. With his son now away at university, he feels that it doesn’t get enough use and, with other vehicles in his collection, he has decided to sell.
The Interior
- Well-used interior
- Seats in generally sound condition, with slight damage
- Original instruments
- Air vents
- Rear bench seats
J 515 DVJ is from an era when Land Rovers were still utility vehicles rather than luxury SUVs, and as such its interior is spartan but functional. There are few concessions to comfort! The seats are firm with some minor damage to the stitching, and the floor in the driver’s footwell shows signs of wear.
The dashboard is all original and the instruction stickers are all still present.
The Exterior
- New ‘bikini top’
- New full canvas hood
- Rear tailgate
- Off-road tyres all round
- Towbar, and towing electrics
- Headlamp surrounds slightly corroded
- Bonnet-mounted spare wheel
Like any ageing Land Rover, this one bears the scars of its thirty years as a utility vehicle. The bodywork is generally sound, but some panels are painted in slightly different colours and there are a few scuffs and scrapes.
The wheels also show signs of their age, and are all fitted with chunky off-road tyres that have plenty of tread.
The vendor has recently bought a new ‘bikini top’ and a full canvas hood, so the vehicle can be used in inclement weather.
The Mechanics
- 2495cc diesel engine
- Manual gearbox
- Four-wheel drive with high and low ratios
- Starts and runs beautifully
From the evidence of our photo shoot, the Land Rover starts readily and idles smoothly. The vendor reports that it drives as it should, and has coped admirably with its occasional forays onto green lanes.
Under the bonnet, the engine shows its age but is generally sound, while under the vehicle there is the inevitable surface corrosion.
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 or fun vehicle rather than as a lifestyle statement. It bears a few scars of its previous life and its mileage, but is ready to be used for more adventures both on- and off-road.
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.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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.
