Highlights
• A low mileage, just over 4K miles per year on average, Defender in good condition
• Features a useful suite of popular extras such as side steps, sump guard and winch compatible bumper
• A very useable Land Rover with diesel reliability and economy along with desirable power steering and five speed gearbox
The Background
The Land Rover 90 was ushered in as the start of the venerable Defender range. Replacing the ubiquitous Series Land Rovers, the 90 offered the user a host of useful enhancements and refinements over the, now, rather old-fashioned Series vehicles.
Notably these improvements included a coil sprung suspension for improved ride and axle articulation, a more modern single piece windscreen, plastic arch extensions to accommodate the wider track and a permanent four-wheel-drive system adopted from the Range Rover.
The History
The current owner has been enjoying this Defender and lightly using it for 10 years, having acquired the vehicle in April 2012. The owner has helpfully logged the miles covered and associated MOT’s (pictured) which shows that he has covered a mere 7,604 miles during his ownership.
As is common with Defenders of this age and mileage the February 2022 MOT picked up a number of corrosion and wear related suspension defects.
These were fully addressed by Blakeney Garage at a cost of £756.24 in February 2022 leaving the Defender in an excellent useable condition and an MOT valid until February 2023.
These were fully addressed by Blakeney Garage at a cost of £756.24 in February 2022 leaving the Defender in an excellent useable condition and an MOT valid until February 2023.
The Paperwork
There is a good level of paperwork to accompany the Land Rover. We have photographed a portion of this paperwork and most of it covers the ownership of the current and previous owner.
Paperwork included the current V5 along with numerous paper MOT’s and associated schedules of work and invoices. As you will see from our photographic package there are also some desirable additional items in the paperwork archive.
The sought-after factory workshop manual and parts catalogue are included along with a large number of specialist Land Rover magazines and publications.
The sought-after factory workshop manual and parts catalogue are included along with a large number of specialist Land Rover magazines and publications.
The Interior
For obvious reasons the interior of a Land Rover Defender is spartan but extremely hard wearing. As you will see from our photographic package, the interior is clean and original with good seats, steering wheel and gear and transfer box levers.
As you will see from our photographic package, there are some minor splits and tears in the seats but nothing unexpected given the year and utilitarian nature of the Land Rover. The current owner also reports a fault with the driver's seat adjustment and the radio sound, which should be an easy repair.
As you will see from our photographic package, there are some minor splits and tears in the seats but nothing unexpected given the year and utilitarian nature of the Land Rover. The current owner also reports a fault with the driver's seat adjustment and the radio sound, which should be an easy repair.
The rear cabin is in good undented condition and benefitting from vinyl covered folding bench seats with seat belts. The floor is covered by a heavy-duty Land Rover branded protective rubber mat.
The front cab features headlining which is in good condition and the rear cab has a painted metal roof which presents in good, undented condition.
The Exterior
The paintwork and bodywork are in good condition with some ripples and small dings evident which is entirely appropriate to the age and provenance of this vehicle. According to the current owner, a respray was done over 10 years ago.
Some small patches of surface rust are present and have been pictured to give you a good overview of the original charm of this Land Rover.
Some small patches of surface rust are present and have been pictured to give you a good overview of the original charm of this Land Rover.
The current owner replaced the original steel wheels with the larger current ones fitted and the chunky General Grabber tyres. The original steel wheels and tyres will be supplied with the Land Rover.
The vehicle features a pair of sturdy roof bars as pictured. These can be used for lashing loads but also support the Land Rover branded roof box (pictured) that is included with the vehicle.
Other external, sought-after features include a heavy-duty alloy sump guard, detachable towbar cigarette lighter, chequer-plated side steps and a winch-compatible front bumper.
Other external, sought-after features include a heavy-duty alloy sump guard, detachable towbar cigarette lighter, chequer-plated side steps and a winch-compatible front bumper.
The Mechanics
The owners have maintained this Land Rover well, seemingly, as can be witnessed by the paperwork bundle. It is no surprise then that the mechanical systems of this Land Rover all seem to operate as expected.
We witnessed the Land Rover starting and driving during our visit and can report a lack of smoke or any obvious mechanical issues.
We witnessed the Land Rover starting and driving during our visit and can report a lack of smoke or any obvious mechanical issues.
The low range gears and diff lock as reported as working fully and the vehicle benefits from a five-speed gearbox, 12v electrics and power steering to provide a very practical mechanical package for the new owner.
The Appeal
This Land Rover offers the new owner a highly appealing proposition. It is a low mileage example and has clearly been maintained very well. It is in a great original condition, too.
It can either be further improved to bring it up to a pristine condition or it can be used and enjoyed as it is depending on your preference.
It can either be further improved to bring it up to a pristine condition or it can be used and enjoyed as it is depending on your preference.
It is also the popular TDi version which provides a great compromise between usability and economy and considered as a range sweet spot by aficionados.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.