Rare factory V8 from the first year of 110 production
In the most recent ownership since 2025
Retains all rare 1983 'crossover' production year features, including split doors, flush exterior handles and external bonnet lock
Extensive history file with receipts spanning decades
The Appeal
When the car we now know as the Defender hit the world stage, it was dubbed the One Ten or the Ninety. It arrived in 1983 with two engines available - a detuned Rover V8 or the familiar 2.25-litre petrol straight-four. These early examples carried unusual crossover features, taken from the MK3 before it - split doors with sliding windows, flush exterior door handles and an external bonnet lock; all along with the coil-sprung chassis that would go on to define the Defender for decades.
Previous owner bought the car in 1988 and has clearly cherished the car, representing some 38 years of dedicated custodianship. The service history is well documented, with the majority of work over the past two decades carried out by specialist E. H Douglas, and receipts retained for everything from engine rebuilds to individual nuts and bolts. A full service has recently been completed, and the vehicle passed its most recent MOT in 2025 with just one advisory.
The exterior retains its brown paintwork with off-white County graphics and roof, presenting with a pleasing period patina. The sale includes multiple boxes of period spares, original dealer plates from the supplying dealer Colliers of Birmingham, a workshop manual and a parts catalogue.
As a 1983-registered vehicle, this is one of the very first coil-sprung 'Defender shape' Land Rovers to qualify for historic vehicle status - it's also eligible for export to the USA under the 25-year rule. A remarkably rare prospect, ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper. image.png1.94 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 146,000 miles
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: exempt as a historic vehicle; most recent MOT (2025) passed with one advisory
Technical specs: 3,500cc V8 petrol with documented LPG conversion, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Workshop manual, parts catalogue, extensive service receipts, original dealer plates, and owner's correspondence and notes
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