Highlights

Very original ex-military 90 Soft Top
Restored to a very high standard
MOT to March 2024
Full khaki canvas tilt fitted

The Appeal

Rugged, dependable and enormously capable, there’s a good reason that for decades the Land Rover has been the backbone of the British Military. Used in all manner of applications all over the world, they have proven to be the perfect vehicle for some of the most hostile and treacherous terrain on the planet.

This smart example entered service in 1986, working until it was disposed of by the military in 2012. Later purchased by the vendor in 2016 as a restoration project, the vehicle has been extensively restored and rebuilt, now presenting in superb condition while still retaining many of its original MoD features. Whether you want a fun show-piece or a deeply practical utility vehicle for wilderness adventures, this lovely little Soft Top would be the ideal machine.

The History and Paperwork

Entered service with MoD in June 1986
Three owners from new
Engine reconditioned by the MoD
Disposed of by MoD in August 2012 to Witham Specialist Vehicles
Purchased from Withams by the previous owner in May 2013
Acquired by present owner in August 2016
Restored by the owner between 2016 and 2017
The emphasis of the restoration was to retain the car’s originality as much as possible
V5c present and correct
MoD Disposal Certificate and service history
Current MOT to March 2024
Passed every MOT since 2014
174,140Km on the clock

The Interior

New Exmoor Trim vinyl seat cushions present in excellent condition, with no visible wear or damage
Spacious and practical Cubby Box between the front seats
Rubber gearbox cover and floor mats
Inertia reel seat belts fitted
Rear bench seat
Spare wheel mounting in back body (the wheel can also be bonnet-mounted when the rear is in use)
Both footwells have been repaired to a good standard
Speedometer/odometer calibrated in kilometres
MoD identification plate on the side of the seat box
Battery and tool storage compartment under passenger seat
Lockable toolbox containing wheel changing and recovery kit in the rear
Rubber floor liner to the rear compartment
Jerry can strapped in position in the rear
All of the controls and switchgear show very well, with minimal evidence of wear and tear

The Exterior

Comprehensive “body off / engine out” restoration during 2016 and 2017
The chassis was found to be in remarkably good condition, with no evidence of previous welding apparent
Chassis cleaned, primed and repainted with two coats of black Hammerite
All body panels were sanded and resprayed in the correct NATO green LRC553 satin finish
During re-assembly all components were cleaned and refurbished as appropriate, with all new fixings, and an extensive range of new parts fitted
All body panels in excellent condition with only minor evidence of its military history
Bulkhead in excellent condition (footwells repaired)
New nearside wing (previous owner had fitted a non-original raised air intake)
Full military style canvas soft top, possibly original
Three versatile configurations as either fully open, “safari” with hoops and rolled up canvas, or fully enclosed soft top with front door tops
Detachable front door tops with sliding windows
Option for spare wheel mounting on bonnet
NATO tow hook to rear
Heavy duty galvanised front bumper with central recovery pin
Detachable radio aerial mounts with aerials
Rollover bar and front grill finished in satin black
Body-coloured 16-inch steel wheels, dressed with a matched set of new Goodyear G90 tyres
The underside is in exceptionally good condition, with no evidence we can discern of any damage or corrosion at all

The Mechanics

2.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel engine (MoD reconditioned)
Recent cambelt change
New radiator and hoses
LT77 five speed manual gearbox
LT230 transfer box with high/low ratio and central diff lock
Permanent four-wheel drive
New fuel tank and sender unit
New rear springs and shock absorbers
New clutch assembly, slave cylinder and LOF “Powermaster” master cylinder
New wheel bearings and rear brake shoes
All suspension bushes replaced with OEM rubber bushes
The engine and drivetrain present in excellent condition, with no obvious issues or corrosion we could discern

Summary

Beautifully finished, sympathetically restored and certainly unique, we think this charming ex-military Land Rover will make its next owners very happy indeed. This is definitely one you don’t want to miss out

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.

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