1997 Land Rover Defender 90 XD 'Wolf'

Highlights

Comprehensive restoration by a specialist, built up from its bare chassis
Only 9,823 miles covered since completion of the rebuild
Well-regarded and desirable ex-military 'Wolf' with heavy-duty XD chassis and running gear, roll-over protection, fibreglass hard top and 'Pioneer' tools
Recently refurbished mechanicals with accompanying invoices
To be offered freshly MOT tested

The Appeal

The original Defender is of course renowned for its durability, but none more so than the military-grade 'Wolf'. Countless soldiers put their lives on the line driving these vehicles in various theatres of conflict, so they had to be the very best Land Rover could offer.

It's great to see that in civilian life, these de-mobbed Defender Wolfs are getting the care and attention they deserve. This 1997 example, affectionately known as 'Wolfie', has undergone an extensive restoration with sympathetic modification that's careful not to erase its military history. A restoration specialist stripped the Defender down to a bare chassis, and practically everything was restored or replaced in one way or another, followed by a course of corrosion-prevention measures.

The bodywork has been slightly 'civilianised' by being refinished in Land Rover Keswick Green, as found on those coveted 'Heritage Edition' examples from the end of production. It retains its military hardware though, namely the 'Pioneer' tools, convoy lighting fibreglass hard top and several other features from its time with the MOD.

Mechanically, it has been painstakingly overhauled with all new seals, gaskets, bearings, belts, new brakes and much more besides. See the invoices photographed in the gallery below which amount to several thousand pounds for recent work. Powered by the inimitable 300 TDi engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, this is one formidable machine, not to forget that it sits upon the legendary XD chassis with beefed-up running gear.

Is this the ultimate Defender? We certainly think so.

History and Paperwork

1997 MY, civilian registered since May 2018
Two sets of keys
Restoration undertaken by a marque specialist
To be offered freshly MOT tested (expires soon) - to be renewed on Wednesday 2nd October 2024
Stored in a covered secure garage
Did 39,000 km in military service from 1997 to 2011 and only 9,823 miles since restoration
V5C present
£3,741 invoice from LR specialist Glenrands for various mechanical jobs dated October 2023
Previous invoice from Glenrands dated October 2020 amounting to £1,021
Collection of old MOT test certificates

The Condition

Old paint and surface rust stripped off, painted, and undersealed for future protection
Bulkhead painted with truck bed liner in the lower engine bay and footwell areas for extra durability - the rear tub interior received the same treatment
Bodywork painted in Land Rover Keswick Green to stand out
A very straight example with good door fit
Professional paint job with only one or two very minor stone chips/marks from light use
Exceedingly smart chassis, also restored to a high standard and protected against future corrosion
All bonnet-mounted tools are present, including the tow strop
WMIK/‘Blindo’ heavy-duty alloy wheels in good condition with only some light scratches/marks
Hard top roof and rear door recently added; previously had a PVC soft top
All fittings/cleats are present to swap back to a soft top hood if desired
Raised air intake
NATO hitch
Hose-out interior remains authentically utilitarian besides several in-keeping upgrades
Two grey vinyl seats and locking cubby box up front
Steel lockable cubby box with Kenwood FM/CD/USB head unit
Two folding bench seats in the rear
Front footwells fitted with a moulded rubber mat set
Dashboard in good condition with centre-mounted military lighting switch and map light
Two front vinyl seats, plus two rear inward-facing seats with lap belts
X-Eng pedal lock included in the sale

The Mechanics

2.5-litre 300 TDi
Five-speed R380 manual gearbox
Equipped with four-wheel-drive and low-range
Heavy-duty XD chassis and axles
Power-assisted steering (PAS)
Mechanical components gone through with all new seals, gaskets, bearings, belts, and brakes

The vendor comments:

"Jumping into the driver’s seat, the ‘bomb-proof’ 300TDi easily fires up from cold and settles into a smooth idle. Pulling away, the power delivery is smooth with no untoward smoke, plus all gears and low/high ranges working as they should. The steering is nice and tight, and the all-wheel disc brakes pull the vehicle up straight."

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