***Private registration number not included.***

Highlights

One private owner from new (originally registered by Lakeland Land Rover)
Purchased with 30 miles from new
More was spend on modifications to the vehicle than the original purchase price
Just 25,423 miles and one previous owner
Extensively upgraded to a very high specification
Uniquely equipped with a ZF automatic gearbox costing £7,000
Recaro quilted leather sports upholstery
Presented in very good overall condition for its age

The Appeal

While the Land Rover made a name for itself as a spartan, go-anywhere vehicle, in later years they have also become the basis for some seriously trick bespoke creations and here we have one such example. This 2013 example is far from standard and its numerous upgrades have made it into the ultimate roadgoing luxury version of the inimitable Defender.

Fitted with large, wide aftermarket wheels, slightly lowered to improve its road manners and equipped with an automatic gearbox, this is a supremely usable example. Moreover, it’s comfortable to travel in, with Recaro quilted leather upholstery throughout and seating for seven. The dependable 2.2-litre TDCi engine is said to run well and we note that the Land Rover is presented in very good condition. It’s had just one previous owner, having been in present hands almost all its life and over ten years on the road, it has only covered 25,423 miles.

If you’re looking for a high individual Defender that could really be used every day, this is without doubt the one for you.

The History and Paperwork

Conceived by an experienced multi-Defender owner to make a road usable vehicle for travelling long distances as a cycling support vehicle and has not been used off road.
Bought new in 2013 but pre-registered from Lakeland Landrover Torver and then modified extensively when new by Kankku Landrover Specialists of Windermere. It was not used on the road until 2014. Most of the vehicles mileage has been on the motorway.
It was converted to Automatic three years ago by experts Ashcroft Transmissions at a cost of over £7,000.00 with a new ZF automatic gearbox. This transforms the drivability of this unique Defender when taken together with its modified suspension wheels and tyres and cruise control for effortless long distance cruising.
The engine was modified by Land Rover specialists Bell Auto Services to a reliable and unstressed 160bhp. This was achieved by remapping and a free flow intercooler all of which enables effortless 80mph plus up and downhill (on the Continent of course!).
In the interest of comfort the interior was modified with genuine Recaro front seats and an interior re trimmed in diamond pattern leather with leather trimmed dashboard.
MOT valid until November 2023
It has never failed an MOT test or accrued any advisories
Just Just 25,423 miles from new
No invoices present for the modifications, although we understand that a great deal of money was spent carrying them out

The Interior

Rear reversing camera.
Battery cut out switch with trickle charge facility.
Electric front windows.
Cruise Control.
Automatic transmission.
Front armrest.
Recaro front seats.
Leather dash trim.
Diamond stitch leather seats.
Third row folding seats.
Sound deadening throughout.
Washout rubber mats throughout.
Momo steering wheel.
Alpine stereo with multiple speakers.
Dark tint to all rear windows.

What’s clever about this Land Rover’s interior is the way it blends the rugged with the luxurious. Even ardent Land Rover fans would seldom describe the interior of a standard Defender as comfortable, yet this one solves this with a very fine set of Recaro seats for all passengers. These are in really nice condition, with barely any wear we could see.

As for the rugged, hard wearing floor mats ensure that this remains a true Land Rover at heart which can be easily cleaned if you and your passengers bring muddy boots onboard. All these look to be in good order, as do the similarly hard wearing door cards. The dashboard appears mostly as standard, with some subtle upgrades like the Alpine stereo and FCX padded trims.

We didn’t spot any sun damage to the plastics, or indeed any excessive wear to the controls. A small Momo wheel allows even the tallest drivers to fit their legs under the wheel and along with the Recaros, it also adds a sporting feel to the driving experience.

The Exterior

LED side lights rear lights and indicators.
Custom front bumper and driving lights.
Rust proofed and under sealed from new.
Uprated fast road suspension.
Lowered up-rated springs.
Bilstein fast road shocks.
Alloy wheels with winter tyres.
Dirt defender mud guards.
Side steps.
Rear step and tow bar.

With straight bodywork and smart paint, this is a very handsome example and it clearly hasn’t seen the hard life that many Defenders live. All the rivets and spot welds are clearly visible down the sides and there’s no evidence of any previous accident damage or any notable current imperfections. For the most part, this Land Rover’s exterior appears as standard, although it has gained a heavy duty front bumper housing additional lights. This looks in good order although some very light corrosion is beginning to appear around the lights and along the lower edge.

We understand the chassis to be in great order and we couldn’t see any electrolytic corrosion to the alloy bodywork or doors. Side steps make egress that bit easier and there’s also a step which runs the full length of the rear crossmember. Owing to the size of the spare wheel, a swing-away carrier takes the weight away from the rear door and beneath that, we note there is a tow bar and trailer electrics fitted. LED tail lights make a notable improvement over standard items and we understand all to be in working order.

The Mechanics

Bell engine tuned to 160bhp approximately.
Uprated intercooler.
Ashcroft Transmission auto box.

Having passed every MOT without advisories and with so few miles on the odometer, it’s no wonder that this land Rover is said to be in fine fettle mechanically. The dependable 2.2-litre TDCi engine is perfectly paired with an automatic gearbox, allowing effortless progress over all terrains with lots of torque sent to each wheel.

We’re informed that it drives well, without any untoward noises or known faults. All presents well under the bonnet, with no leaks or evidence of mechanical issues in sight.

Summary

This has to be amongst our favourite customised Defenders and we adore how the luxurious upgrades don’t overshadow the car’s unashamedly utilitarian roots.

Presented in great condition, owned since almost new and with very few miles on the odometer, this would be a fabulous daily driver or else brilliant weekend toy as part of any collection.

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