2003 Land Rover Defender 90 Td5

Highlights

Advisory-free MOT valid until 26th August 2025
Serviced in August 2024 in readiness for its next keeper
Exceedingly original and commendably well-preserved

The Appeal

Old Land Rovers are a victim of their own success. They’re so useful to have a round that finding one that hasn’t been run into the ground is not an easy task.

With this 2003 Defender though, we’ve hit the jackpot.

We like the vendor’s summary - “it looks like a Britain's Farm model scaled up to full size”. It really does. This Land Rover Defender 90 is the pleasingly simple commercial variant with white steel wheels, a windowless van-type roof and farmyard-friendly ‘Belize Green’ paintwork. It’s lived a charmed existence, spending much of its life garaged, covering a mere 61,167 miles and benefitting from regular servicing.

The vendor was attracted to the Land Rover for its originality and they have since continued its preservation; carrying out a raft of improvements including re-powder-coating the steel wheels, repainting the bumper along with parts of the chassis, which was then treated with Bilt Hamber Dynax.

We can’t emphasise enough how rare a low-mileage original Defender with a fully documented history is. This superb modern classic 4x4 is a fabulous find.

The History and Paperwork

Three former registered keepers
61,167 miles
MOT until 26th August 2025
V5C present
Accompanied by a substantial history file, carefully curated in an A4 ring binder
Included in the history file is the original advert from when the car was offered for sale, along with the sales invoice and warranty paperwork

The service stamps read as follows:

03/02/04- 12,640 miles
17/02/05- 24,835 miles
01/03/06- 35,565 miles
19/04/11- 45,365 miles
05/03/13- 48,782 miles
24/08/24- 61,073 miles

The vendor provides the following account of the Land Rover’s history:

“GU03 NVF was first registered on 1st March 2003 by Caffyns PLC in Lewes, East Sussex. The car remained with its first owner until early 2006, covering 36,000 miles in this time. It was then sold as an approved used vehicle by Land Rover main dealers Lloyd Land Rover of Carlisle in March 2006.

The second owner, a retired engineer treated the car gently, keeping it garaged and it is largely thanks to him that it looks as good as it does today. During his ownership he maintained the car himself, with entries in the service book detailing some of the work he carried out, including cleaning and protecting the underside and chassis. The car remained with him until he passed away in 2023, with ownership passing to a family member. It was from him I purchased the car in January 2024.”

The Condition

Exceedingly original throughout
‘Belize Green’ paintwork in superb overall condition
There are some minor marks and scratches and a little bit of bubbling in isolated areas - but certainly nothing noteworthy
Very straight aluminium alloy bodywork with well-fitting doors
Treadplate fitted in various places
White steel wheels - re-powder-coated during current ownership
OEM-approved Michelin tyres
Retains its Lloyd Land Rover of Carlisle spare wheel cover which it would have gained in 2006
Van-type roof with no side windows or ‘Alpine lights’ in the roof section
The chassis presents impeccably having been protected by the previous keeper and partially refinished by the vendor followed by Bilt Hamber Dynax treatment
Front bumper repainted in factory-correct black
The bulkhead looks to be in smart order and the vent flaps operate well
Country grey upholstery in very presentable condition
The drive’s seat squab has been replaced as it was split
Slight scratches to the original paint in the rear load bay as is to be expected
Luggage/dog guard fitted
Kenwood DIN CD stereo
Smart original dashboard and door cards
No notable wear to the controls or rubber floor matting

The Mechanics

2.5-litre (2,495 cc) Td5
Five-speed manual gearbox
Equipped with low-range and four-wheel-drive
All looks original and in very good order inside the engine bay
Recently serviced (August 2024)
No MOT advisories
We’re assured that it drives brilliantly with no apparent issues

The vendor remarks: “The most fun you can have going 30 mph. It’s terrific!”

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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 deposit. 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.

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