Highlights
- Just 8,400 miles from new
- Well specified 90 in smart Epsom Green metallic
- Two registered keepers
- Being released from a private collection
- Full main dealer and specialist service history
- Major service in 2023 only 500 miles ago
- Long MOT to November 2025 with no advisories
- Remarkable timewarp example virtually ‘as new’
The Appeal
We know that many, like us, mourn the death of the ‘proper’ Defender, the one built to get muddy, traverse fields and carry sheep and dogs. In short, the classic version and ideally a 1991 to 1997 model for its classic looks and decent drivability.
Land Rover no longer serves that requirement, but here is the next best thing. This 1996 90 County is about as close to an ‘as new’ model as we think you’ll get. It has covered just 8,400 miles from new in the hands of a pair of keepers.
The condition is genuinely remarkable. Across the pretty Epsom Green metallic paintwork and grey fabric interior, you’ll struggle to find any signs of either use or age. It is entirely factory standard and unmodified.
It is, then, a cossetted example - it has been professionally dry stored by Tigastor for most of its life - but that doesn’t mean the maintenance has been skimped on. There is a run of nine service stamps by Land Rover and specialists. The last service was in late 2023 at 7,944 miles and included all filters, gearbox and differential oils, fresh brake fluid and a new rocker cover gasket.
With its long, advisory-free MOT to November 2025, this is one of if not the best Defender - and in the right spec too - that we’ve seen in a very long while.
The vendor says:
“It feels and drives like brand new. As you would expect, everything is tight and positive. It clearly stands out for its mileage, condition and originality. I think it is unique. Find another…?”
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 19th April 1996
- Two registered keepers
- Current keeper since November 2021
- He acquired vehicle from a private collection
- Professionally dry stored by Tigastor to vendor’s purchase
- Tigastor also managed maintenance and servicing of the vehicle
- Then always garaged and dry stored
- Factory handbooks and wallet in good order as shown
- Stamped service book with nine reported stamps by main dealers and specialists
- Serviced on 23rd August 2023 at cost of £850 as shown in photos
- This work is summarised below and took place at 7,944 miles
- Any advised work was undertaken during the service by this specialist
- MOT to 2nd November 2025 with no advisories
- 8,230 miles showing on MOT test and vendor reports odometer now shows 8,400 miles
- MOT history and service records verify the low displayed and reported mileage
- MOT history is impressive with few advisories over time
August 2023 service work at 7,944 miles:
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Oil filter
- Gearbox oil replaced
- Differential oil replaced
- New rocker cover gasket
- Brake fluid replaced
The Condition
- Handsome Epsom Green metallic paintwork in very good condition
- Paintwork appears to be virtually ‘as new’ with bright, consistent finish
- Original paintwork and bodywork with no advised respray or rectification work
- Factory standard exterior with some choice options including light guards and auxiliary lights
- Bodywork presents at a very high level with no obvious deterioration to note in photos
- Underside in very good order with no structural advisories on current MOT
- We are told the Land Rover specialist who serviced the vehicle in August 2023 remarked on the very good condition of the chassis
- Vendor reports that the chassis is ‘dry and original’ showing no known leaks
- Five spoke factory alloy wheels appear virtually as new as shown in photos
- Rims are shod with quality BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres with good sidewall and tread condition
- Neat original details outside include County decals, Land Rover mud flaps, a tow bar and branded rear step
- Remarkable grey fabric seven-seat interior that looks like it has never been used since 1996
- We struggled to find any signs of wear and the vendor reports the same
- Even the gear knob and steering wheel look virtually unused
- Switchgear, dashboard and trim all in timewarp condition
- Buyers should be realistic about condition and check photos, but it is impressively preserved
- Three-abreast front seating and four folding rear seats all with seatbelts
- Grey carpets to front and rear cabins, all in very good condition
- Original and unmodified cabin including Land Rover radio/cassette system
- Features a pop-up glass sunroof as shown
The Mechanics
- 2,495cc 300TDI 122bhp turbo diesel engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Usual Defender hi/lo and off road transmission functionality
- Vendor reports that the engine and running gear have no leaks
- Full service history by main dealers and specialists with nine service stamps
- Stored and maintained by specialist storage company Tigastor for most of its life
- Serviced at 7,944 miles in August 2023 by specialist as detailed above
- No reported running or driving issues
- No mechanical or running gear advisories on the current MOT
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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