Description
In every respect this is regarded as a defender but in 1984 there were no Defenders only 90's 110's and 127's
I've owned this car for about 10+ years and even now when I get behind the wheel it makes me smile. When I originally bought the car it had a normally aspirated 2. 5 diesel, it had been run on veg oil or bio diesel and the engine had suffered, probably from poorly made bio diesel. I sourced a 200tdi from a Discovery which incidentally only had a couple of thousand miles less than the original engine. 200tdi's are known to be very good and regarded by many as the best engine Land Rover has made, strong, reliable and no tricky electronics.
Then began the long road of personalising the car. This was going to be my everyday driver so I wasn't too bothered about a lift kit as I didn't go off road, the occasional green lane was the most extreme thing I wanted to do. I'd be carrying stuff in the back, logs, lawnmower and tools for the garden maintenance business I had for a while and always the dog. It has averaged 25 mpg under all types of driving. Due to personal circumstances in the last 4 1/ 2 years the car has been dry stored and rarely used though the work continued, finally the battery went on after 3 1/ 2 years storage and then again before it's latest MOT (you can check the old MOT's) and each time it fired up no problem!!
The engine is standard and turbo set at standard boost so it's never been stressed under my ownership.
Things done, though not sure I can remember everything:
Reconditioned Ashcroft gearbox
300tdi transfer box
300tdi handbrake
Discovery alloy wheels 5 powder coated
BFG all terrains with good tread
1" wheel spacers-so no contact with bodywork at full lock
Kenlowe electric fan
Some silicone hoses in engine bay
Heavy duty front winch bumper (NO winch) galvanised
Colour co-ordinated chequer plate on bonnet and wings, fixed with SS countersunk Allen/ hex bolts
MUD snow cowl
Wing top locker
Bonnet anti theft hinges
Bonnet quick release locking catches
New series style doors with sliding windows
Custom made side locker with colour coded chequer plate
Rear door re-constructed and re-skinned
Swing away spare wheel carrier galvanised
Rear heavy duty custom bumperettes, galvanised
Tree/ rock sliders galvanised
New fuel tank
Full La Salle interior kit, headlining, driver/ passenger door, rear load area
Load area sound proofing and insulation, under side and roof linings
Custom made chequer plated rear door lining, colour coded
Wright Off Road cockpit sound proofing and load area sound proofing
MUD dashboard pod
Blue tooth radio mounted overhead in headliner with 4 speakers, looks very smart
Interior bulkhead lowering bar enabling standard Land Rover seats to be moved further back
Mazda RX 8 seats, heated (not connected but tested) slight wear but look good and very comfortable
Merini UFO lock on rear door
Split charge system fitted but no secondary battery in place
2nd fuel tank fitted but not in use, was primary diesel tank for dual fuel. Can be utilised again
Lots of SS Allen/ Hex fittings used and look very smart
Oil pressure gauge fitted in dashboard but not in engine bay
Lots of the changes to the Landy have been done over the last 10+ years. The time came to fit all the parts I'd bought so it went to the workshop and then didn't come out for 3 1/ 2 years!..... life happens, things change despite making plans. The chassis has had a little welding done but is solid, during my ownership it's been regularly (every year) waxoyed and I recommend the new owner to continue this practice.
The Landy is easy and a joy to drive the leather seats are very comfortable. The heater works very well. Please take note this is a B reg 1984 car if you don't know Land Rovers don't expect to be driving a Lexus or BMW, so no ABS, lane control etc. What you do get though is a great looking car that has "road presence" I found that other road users usually give way and mysteriously cars no longer pull out in front of you from side streets. The 200 tdi engine pulls well and starts on the button, regular servicing with new filters and oil should keep it going as long as you want it too. At 36 years old it's only 3 years away from being classed as a historic vehicle which will mean no road tax, cheaper insurance and I think no MOT, if it was still mine at that point I would continue to MOT just for my piece of mind, there may even be further additional benefits. On passing its latest MOT the inspector noted how low the emissions were, he also said 'there's a slight oil leak but they all do that". Remember the Landy is only marking its territory.
The car is in Bolton Lancashire and stored in a secure location but can be viewed by appointment.
Questions are welcome and more photo's are available
The car is also advertised elsewhere so I retain the right to end the sale at anytime.
Test drives will only be permitted with proof of fully comprehensive valid insurance and cash deposit.
Uk buyers only, £500 deposit within 12 hours of the auction ending. No Paypal (fee's are too high) so bank transfer only.
I'll be sad to see it go but my personal circumstances are different to 4 1/ 2 years ago and now I'd like to convert a camper van.
Good luck and thank you for looking.
