Highlights

Early pre-Defender 110, first registered in August 1984 at the dawn of the coil-sprung era
12J NA diesel engine professionally rebuilt by Town & Country Land Rover, with invoices on file
Considerable investment in new panels, soft top, interior trim and mechanical components during current ownership

The Appeal

The early coil-sprung Land Rover 110, introduced in 1983 to replace the leaf-sprung Series models, represents a pivotal chapter in Land Rover's story. Pre-Defender examples such as this one, first registered in August 1984 and powered by the characterful 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 12J diesel, are becoming ever harder to find, particularly those that have received the level of care and investment seen here.

Purchased in 2022, this 110 has been the subject of extensive cosmetic and mechanical improvement. The engine was professionally removed and rebuilt by Town & Country Land Rover in January 2021, and further mechanical attention has since included new shock absorbers, clutch cylinders and a replacement prop shaft. On the cosmetic front, the vehicle has benefited from new doors, a new canvas hood, retrimmed front seats, fresh paintwork in its original dark green and various other details outlined below.

The vendor describes the overall condition as good and notes that the period-correct soft-top aesthetic, complemented by the Oxford Tan interior, attracts plenty of attention. It is said to start first time, every time, and the vendor states it drives as a proper early 110 should: mechanical, honest and full of character.

The vendor says:

"This landy has been a true joy to own, it starts first time, every time and always makes me smile beyond belief, but it’s time for it to go as I have a newborn baby and no ISOFIX…

"Certainly, this would make a fantastic project for an enthusiast to continue making improvements on, or for someone to just use and enjoy as it is (for fun trips to the pub!) It’s a 42-year-old Land Rover, so it does need to be owned by someone with a keen enthusiasm and willingness to get involved!

"Being a 42-year-old Land Rover, there is some surface rust present on the bulkhead and underside — typical for a vehicle of this age. While it does not affect the vehicle’s usability, these areas could benefit from attention by a new owner looking to take it to the next level. This makes it an ideal project for an enthusiast, or someone happy to enjoy it as-is while planning future improvements."

Key Information

Mileage: 159,441 miles (indicated: the speedometer is reported to be temperamental)
Country of registration: UK
Technical inspection status: MOT until 1st March 2027 (qualifies for MOT/road tax exemption)
Technical specs: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated diesel (12J), five-speed manual, LT77 five-speed manual gearbox, permanent four-wheel drive with locking centre differential
Paperwork: original paperwork, MOT history, Land Rover "One Ten" booklet, various invoices, including those for the engine rebuild, on file

The Detail

Eight former registered keepers
Engine professionally rebuilt by Town & Country Land Rover in January 2021, including new injector pump, cylinder liners, AE pistons, cylinder head overhaul, crankshaft bearings, con rods and full balancing
Replacement NS bulkhead outrigger fitted during the engine rebuild
Oil and filter service carried out at the 2024 MOT
New shock absorbers fitted in 2024
Clutch slave cylinder and clutch master cylinder both replaced in October 2024
New prop shaft fitted in 2022
Fuel sender and temperature sender both replaced in 2022
Brand new doors all round from SP Panels
New Exmoor Trim canvas hood in Sand (£1,130.15)
Soft-top conversion carried out by Windsor Classics (£576.00)
Exmoor Trim Deluxe front seats in Oxford Tan (£534.38)
Bespoke static seat belts in tan webbing with chrome twin-slot buckles fitted by FDTS Ltd (£274.00)
New seat frames from Paddock Spares (£171.43)
New door mirrors and front hinges fitted
New galvanised front bumper and fitting kit fitted
Some paintwork carried out in the original dark green colour
The vendor notes some surface rust on the bulkhead and underside, described as typical for a vehicle of this age
Chassis showing surface corrosion, which can be studied in the photographs
The speedometer is reported to be temperamental
The vendor states it starts the first time, every time

BEFORE YOU BUY

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