Highlights
- Stunning recent restoration by a serial restorer
- Galvanised chassis
- Galvanised doors and tailgate
- Superb two-pack paintwork
- Fitted with new soft-top and Safety Devices rear cage
The Appeal
The Defender can trace its roots all the way back to the first Series 1 prototype that Maurice Wilks first tested on his farm in Anglesey. But the Defender is arguably one of the best of the breed having been updated with the beefier 200TDI engine and more comfortable coil spring suspension with disc brakes all round.
This classless workhorse can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and ran from 1990 until production stopped in 2016. The new 2020 Defender might carry on the name but it’s a world away from the rugged and simple originals that can be repaired by anyone handy with a socket set.
This particular 1991 example is fresh from a bare metal respray that saw every nut and bolt removed and was carried out by a serial Land Rover restorer who has done nine previous vehicles. This one has some subtle bolt-on upgrades that only an enthusiast would spot to create the ultimate retro 90. If Land Rover were still producing them you’d probably be paying well into six figures for a similar spec vehicle. But this one has better two-pack paint than they ever left Solihull with…
The History and Paperwork
- V5C in owner’s name
- Current owner since January 2021
- Has only covered 24,589 miles since 2006
- Has had a bare-metal nut and bolt restoration
- Since restoration has only covered 245 miles
- Galvanised chassis from Richards Chassis
- Galvanised doors and tailgate
- Superb finish on two-pack paintwork
- Gearbox rebuilt by Ashcroft transmissions
- Current MoT until November 2023
- No advisories on last MoT
- Fresh MoT will be put on by seller
The current enthusiast owner is serial classic Land Rover restorer – having previously owned and rebuilt nine other ones – and bought this example two years ago in partially restored form. It had already had and engine rebuilt and a gearbox rebuilt by Ashcroft transmissions, together with the all-important galvanised chassis. He then stripped it to a bare chassis, painting the chassis black (as it would have been originally) and adding galvanised half doors with new sliders and a galvanised tailgate.
The whole vehicle was then resprayed in two-pack paint to a very high standard (the paint sprayer is an expert model maker skilled in airbrushing).
The Interior
- Seats have been recovered with new vinyl trim
- Exmoor cubby box added
- Reconditioned period correct dashboard added
- Paintwork under rubber floor mats is like glass
- Safety Devices rear cage added for safety
- Exmoor trim canvas rear section added
- New rubber seals fitted to doors – owner says vehicle is very dry
Inside the Land Rover is all original and restored to a high standard. Even underneath trim, the paintwork is excellent. Both seats have been recovered in vinyl and the centre seat – which isn’t the most useful of things thanks to the various levers in the way – has been replaced with a more practical Exmoor Trim storage box. The ugly two-spoke Defender steering wheel has been replaced with an older style of banjo-style steering wheel as a nod back to previous Series Land Rovers.
New rubber seals and a new Exmoor Trim canvas roof keep the rain out and a top-spec Safety Devices roll cage has been neatly added in the rear for additional security. A voltmeter and 12V socket have been slotted into the centre console.
In the rear a fresh set of Land Rover branded rubber overmats have been fitted, covering the wheelarches on both sides. On the drivers side rear a folding bench seat has been fitted (there are no seatbelts so this is for off road use).
The Exterior
- Blue two-pack paintwork is mirror flat and looks stunning
- Bodywork is exceptional for a Land Rover and arrow straight
- Upgraded Wolf style military steel wheels added and colour-coded
- Cooper Discovery S/T Maxx 235/85 R16 tyres (dated 2021) to all five wheels look like new
- Underside neatly undersealed
- Towbar and mudflaps fitted
- Swing-away spare wheel carrier added
- All light lenses are like new
- Galvanised front bumper and corner trim
- Colour-coded skid plate to front hides the uprated steering damper
The overall look of this vehicle is stunning – it looks like a special addition retro model that has just rolled off the Solihull production line. Take a closer look and you’ll appreciate the quality of the two-pack paintwork (which is way better than any original finish) and the subtle changes such as the cool Wolf steel wheels shod in as-new Cooper Discovery all terrain tyres. Less obvious are the new sliders in the doors and the Exmoor Trim roof covering the Safety Devices roll cage.
With fresh galvanised trim, new door hinges and billet aluminium windscreen brackets it has been sensitively upgraded.
The underside is particularly good with everything looking factory fresh and covered by underseal.
A few sensible bolt-on upgrades have been neatly fitted to the exterior, including a front skid plate to protect the steering damper, mud flaps, a towbar and a practical swing-away spare wheel carrier.
The Mechanics
- Starts easily and drove fine for photos
- Original 2.5-litre 200TDI engine said to have been rebuilt
- Gearbox rebuilt by Ashcroft Transmissions
- Owner does not know of any faults
This Ninety is in excellent condition throughout and starts easily and was moved around without complaint for the photoshoot. The brakes, gears and clutch all selected fine and felt as new.
The current owner is a Land Rover and classic Tractor enthusiast that is obsessive about the details – if this vehicle had needed anything doing to it, he would have attended to it. He reports that there is nothing that needs doing to the vehicle and it drives fine.
Summary
This is one stunning looking Land Rover 90 soft top that has been given a subtle retro makeover with bolt on parts. Having only completed 245 miles since such a comprehensive restoration, it’s all ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.
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.*
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.
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.
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