• Low mileage / low ownership.

 • Solid, mechanically sound workhorse.

 • In ‘lovingly used’ condition throughout.

Introduced in 1948, the Land Rover as it was simply known received mechanical changes at a glacial speed – much slower than the number of years that continued to pass it by. The distinctly utilitarian off-roader received a 2.25-litre engine in 1958 and a diesel equivalent in 1961 and its basic, two-box appearance was little changed since the Series III of 1971.

The formation of Land Rover Ltd as a separate company within British Leyland finally meant attention was paid to updating the legend to compete with a raft of 4x4 rivals eating into its market.

From 1983, Land Rover models became known as the 90, 110 and the 130, denoting the different wheelbase options. The name ‘Defender’ was only adopted in 1990 to differentiate the original car from the then recently introduced Land Rover Discovery.

Visibly distinguishable by their one-piece windscreens, full-length bonnets, flat fronts and flared wheel arches, under the skin the 90, 110 and 130 featured coil-sprung suspension, permanent four-wheel drive, a five-speed manual gearbox, high/low ratios and central diff lock, front disc brakes with a servo, more comfortable seats, wind-up windows, soundproofing, power steering (initially an option) and the availability of the reliable and omnipotent Rover V8 across the range…all this without any reduction in its superb off-road capability.

This Land Rover received its first UK registration on 30th September, 1986 and has been enjoyed by just four former keepers prior to its acquisition by the current owner in late April, 2021.

The car has a good MoT history and holds a current MoT to the 5th of August, 2022, the ‘pass’ for which required much work to be carried out by the vendor. During his year of ownership, a mere 500 miles has been added to this low mileage example.

Along with the V5C registered in the current keeper’s name, there is the MoT certificate and a file of recent parts, service and maintenance records.

To be fair, the interior wears many of this Landy’s 57,000 miles. That said, it’s still in fairly good condition but the two outside seatbacks could do with re-upholstering. However, the centre seatback and all three squabs are in good condition.

The dashboard is in good condition but the vendor advises that the dash lights do not work for night driving which, on the face of it, sounds like a rather quick fix.

The door cards and sun visors are in reasonable condition and the rear compartment houses a full-width rubber utility mat which covers the floor and both wheel-arches. The unused spare is mounted behind the front centre seat.

Originally an open-backed pick-up, this 36-year-old Land Rover 90 received its colourful aluminium canopy some years ago by a previous keeper. 

The vehicle rides on original white steelies which appear in good condition. They are shod with a set of new Toyo All-Terrain Open Country tyres (with matching spare), the go-to choice for a rugged, off-roading lifestyle. A pair of retracting sidesteps make ingress a little easier, too.

Both front and rear light lenses are clear and show no hint of the sun-bleached fogging usually associated with a car of this age. A cursory glance down each flank of the car reveals no evidence of structural damage.

There are a number of abrasions to the paintwork and small indentations around the vehicle (the patina of which enhances the Landy’s street cred). They don’t distract from its unmistakably - but lovingly - used condition, which is commensurate more with its age than its mileage.

Also included in the sale are a host of extra "bits" that include the rear seats, a rigid roof liner for the section of the roof above the driver's compartment, various rubber window seals and a heated rear window glass.

In line with its utilitarian purpose, more attention has evidently been given to this Land Rover’s mechanical health than its appearance, with several thousand pounds invested in its longevity by the current keeper.

Recent paperwork reveals that a new clutch was fitted last autumn, along with the rear main oil seal, a new Bearmach steering damper, a set of new glow plugs, a new alternator and a new oil filter. In May last year, a new rear cross member was fitted, together with new wiper blades and a full set of five new Toyo AT tyres.

During the photoshoot for the accompanying gallery, the Land Rover was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of the challenging light at this time of year. The vehicle started first and every time and settled into the characteristic diesel chatter. The five-speed manual gearbox connected smoothly – including reverse – and the nearly new clutch engaged with no drama, requiring a light feathering of the revs to get underway.

The custodian reports the car to be in very good mechanical condition. The engine compartment is clean and tidy and the custodian reports this Land Rover to be in very good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective British engineers intended nearly forty years ago.

Like the immediately visible parts of this car, the freshly sealed underside and lower sills present in good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.

The ultimate incarnation of a British institution, the Land Rover combines incomparable workhorse toughness and unbeatable off-road fun. Incredibly durable and built like a tank, the accompanying tank-like driving experience is an acquired taste, however.

Out of production since 2016, demand for mechanically good examples is increasing and are equally hard to find.

Essentially, two options are available to its next keeper…give this Land Rover 90 a light internal and external makeover of the identified aesthetic issues, or simply leave it in its ‘lovingly used’ condition, keep its mechanicals running as smoothly as they currently do and continue to enjoy the road less travelled.