Highlights

Just 8,400 miles from new
Well specified 90 in smart Epsom Green metallic
Two registered keepers
Being released from a private collection
Full main dealer and specialist service history
Major service in 2023 only 500 miles ago
Long MOT to November 2025 with no advisories
Remarkable timewarp example virtually ‘as new’

The Appeal

We know that many, like us, mourn the death of the ‘proper’ Defender, the one built to get muddy, traverse fields and carry sheep and dogs. In short, the classic version and ideally a 1991 to 1997 model for its classic looks and decent drivability.

Land Rover no longer serves that requirement, but here is the next best thing. This 1996 90 County is about as close to an ‘as new’ model as we think you’ll get. It has covered just 8,400 miles from new in the hands of a pair of keepers.

The condition is genuinely remarkable. Across the pretty Epsom Green metallic paintwork and grey fabric interior, you’ll struggle to find any signs of either use or age. It is entirely factory standard and unmodified.

It is, then, a cossetted example - it has been professionally dry stored by Tigastor for most of its life - but that doesn’t mean the maintenance has been skimped on. There is a run of nine service stamps by Land Rover and specialists. The last service was in late 2023 at 7,944 miles and included all filters, gearbox and differential oils, fresh brake fluid and a new rocker cover gasket.

With its long, advisory-free MOT to November 2025, this is one of if not the best Defender - and in the right spec too - that we’ve seen in a very long while.

The vendor says:

“It feels and drives like brand new. As you would expect, everything is tight and positive. It clearly stands out for its mileage, condition and originality. I think it is unique. Find another…?”

The History and Paperwork

First registered 19th April 1996
Two registered keepers
Current keeper since November 2021
He acquired vehicle from a private collection
Professionally dry stored by Tigastor to vendor’s purchase
Tigastor also managed maintenance and servicing of the vehicle
Then always garaged and dry stored
Factory handbooks and wallet in good order as shown
Stamped service book with nine reported stamps by main dealers and specialists
Serviced on 23rd August 2023 at cost of £850 as shown in photos
This work is summarised below and took place at 7,944 miles
Any advised work was undertaken during the service by this specialist
MOT to 2nd November 2025 with no advisories
8,230 miles showing on MOT test and vendor reports odometer now shows 8,400 miles
MOT history and service records verify the low displayed and reported mileage
MOT history is impressive with few advisories over time

August 2023 service work at 7,944 miles:

Air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Gearbox oil replaced
Differential oil replaced
New rocker cover gasket
Brake fluid replaced

The Condition

Handsome Epsom Green metallic paintwork in very good condition
Paintwork appears to be virtually ‘as new’ with bright, consistent finish
Original paintwork and bodywork with no advised respray or rectification work
Factory standard exterior with some choice options including light guards and auxiliary lights
Bodywork presents at a very high level with no obvious deterioration to note in photos
Underside in very good order with no structural advisories on current MOT
We are told the Land Rover specialist who serviced the vehicle in August 2023 remarked on the very good condition of the chassis
Vendor reports that the chassis is ‘dry and original’ showing no known leaks
Five spoke factory alloy wheels appear virtually as new as shown in photos
Rims are shod with quality BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres with good sidewall and tread condition
Neat original details outside include County decals, Land Rover mud flaps, a tow bar and branded rear step
Remarkable grey fabric seven-seat interior that looks like it has never been used since 1996
We struggled to find any signs of wear and the vendor reports the same
Even the gear knob and steering wheel look virtually unused
Switchgear, dashboard and trim all in timewarp condition
Buyers should be realistic about condition and check photos, but it is impressively preserved
Three-abreast front seating and four folding rear seats all with seatbelts
Grey carpets to front and rear cabins, all in very good condition
Original and unmodified cabin including Land Rover radio/cassette system
Features a pop-up glass sunroof as shown

The Mechanics

2,495cc 300TDI 122bhp turbo diesel engine
5spd manual gearbox
Usual Defender hi/lo and off road transmission functionality
Vendor reports that the engine and running gear have no leaks
Full service history by main dealers and specialists with nine service stamps
Stored and maintained by specialist storage company Tigastor for most of its life
Serviced at 7,944 miles in August 2023 by specialist as detailed above
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on the current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.