Highlights

1 of just 15 Bowler Rally Challenge Edition models
Extensively and professionally modified by Bowler Motorsport
Low mileage of under 40,000 miles
Exmoor trim bucket seats
A rip snorting take on the Land Rover Defender 90
See walk-around video here

The Appeal

The good old British Land Rover has been a stalwart of the off-road scene since its inception way back in 1947. Simple, rugged and built to last, the original Land Rover may have been inspired by the Willys Jeep that proved itself so admirably during World War Two, but it has since become a legend in its own right.

The Defender, introduced in '83, continued that legacy. Still inherently robust and versatile it was a huge step forward for Land Rover and paved the way for future off-roaders, what with its coil spring suspension and permanent four-wheel drive. Eminently usable it would prove itself again and again in every corner of the world.

One of the many great things about the Defender though is its customisability. From full-on post-apocalypse builds to more refined and luxurious takes on the classic 4X4, people have been modifying these cars for generations, with one such company – Bowler – going the extra mile and creating full blown off-road racing versions.

And this is one of them - a 2012 Land Rover Defender 90 2.2TDCi XS Bowler Rally Challenge Edition. Back in 2013, Bowler Motorsport decided to create the Bowler Rally Challenge whereupon aspiring rally drivers could race in a one-make series, and it was extremely successful, so much so that it still exists today. Re-engineered by Bowler, the company reckons 15 were produced in total and this is number 009 that underwent conversion from a standard 90 XS in 2014.

The vendor says:

“Finished in Nardo Grey with a black roof and with a spec list as long as your leg (and then some) it presents terrifically throughout and comes laden with decent history

and a fresh service to boot. Overall, it's a fantastic Bowler Defender that the vendor

tells us is “a revelation if you’re used to standard ones.

“This is obviously not your run-of-the-mill Defender - this is what happens when you

turn the dial up to 11, and it's magnificent. The Defender is already an accomplished

machine but this rare Bowler Rally Challenge Edition is simply next level and ready to take on whatever you choose to throw at it.

“Yes it's heavily modified but all of its upgrades haven't sullied any of the car's

comfort or driveability, so if you want a Defender that a) stands out from the crowd

and b) is even more capable than the original 90 then this is most definitely the four-by

-four for you.”

History and Paperwork

2012 model year Defender
First registered 30th March 2012
Four registered keepers
Current keeper since January 2024
Colour change recorded from red to grey in January 2024
1 of 15 professionally converted by Bowler Motorsport in 2014
Healthy service record according to seller
Looked after by Land Rover specialists MH 4x4
Last serviced 16/06/25
Full book pack
V5C present and correct
Two keys
MOT until 21/01/2026 with single advisory to note
HPI clear
39,481 miles according to seller

MOT history:

Current MOT:

Expiry: 21 Jan 2026
Tested 22 Jan 2025
39,245 miles
Pass
Advisory Notices: Oil leak, but not excessive rear diff (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Previous MOTs:

02 Jan 2024: 37,789 miles, Pass
23 Feb 2023: 37,705 miles, Pass
23 Feb 2023: 37,705 miles, Fail: Reversing lamp inoperative (4.6.1 (a))
17 Feb 2022: 36,553 miles, Pass, Advisory Notices: Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))
17 Feb 2022: 36,553 miles, Fail: Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii)), Advisory Notices: Offside Front Seat beltwebbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))
21 Dec 2020: 34,603 miles, Pass
08 Apr 2019: 31,904 miles, Pass
23 Apr 2018: 30,104 miles, Pass
22 Apr 2017: 27,490 miles, Pass
09 Apr 2015: 21,322 miles, Pass

The Condition

Wrapped in Nardo Grey by Yiannimize (originally Rimini Red metallic)
Appears to be in great all round condition
Bowler race bumper and steering guard
Bowler 18” wheels look to be in decent shape
265/65 R18 BF Goodrich tyres
Bowler race side rails
Rally mudflap kit
Bowler bonnet lettering
LED light kit
Appears rust-free and solid underneath according to seller
Tow bar with electric feed
Full internal MSA-approved roll cage
New Exmoor trim bucket seats (Bowler race seats included)
Terratrip mount
Momo suede steering wheel
Intercom system
Fully plumbed in fire extinguisher system
CB radio
Air conditioning plus winter pack, including heated front screen
Remote alarm locking
Electric front windows
Uprated Kenwood stereo system
Full size matching spare wheel and tyre
Comes with the original Bowler bucket seats

The Mechanical

2.2L turbodiesel with Bowler 170bhp conversion
Manual gearbox
Revised intercooler and exhaust system
Bowler quick shift
Bowler fast road suspension kit
Bowler big brake kit
New clutch and flywheel fitted Nov 2021
The vendor informs us the car starts and drives with no issues
Maintained by specialists MH 4x4
Current MOT to January 2026 as detailed above

BEFORE YOU BUY

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