Description
Rare to find a TD5 Defender which hasn't been messed about with but in wholly original condition with just the patina of age. I bought this from a Mr Michael Campbell of Bootle in October 2019, a former Royal Signals technician who had known them in HM Forces. He had bought it from a Dealer in Uttoxeter circa 2016 and shared it with his daughter; the registered keeper switching back and forth between the two of them, depending who was using it. There's a full documented service history from October 2017, prior to that things are a tad opaque. The MOT history reveals issues in May 2018 which were expensively remedied the same month at 68659 miles. Since then working backwards there have been new rear calipers, pads, trailing arm bushes, serpentine belt, Air flow sensor, HRW window relay, helicoiled secondary oil filter housing, front hub oil seal overhaul, front suspension bushes, wiper motor, discs, wheel bearing, F calipers and pads. The alloys are excellent and the General tyres about 3000 miles old if that. I bought because the chassis was so good; every year I have put the car on ramps, donned my oilskins and pressure washed all the nooks and crannies and sprayed with a German rust inhibitor. There are a couple of non-OEM dicky seats in the rear (with belts). I've fitted a gas strut rear door stay and an internal LED above the rear door. There's no radio: it came with a TFU Kenwood which I took delight in trashing, but have not got around to replacing. The body is not concours but very good, just the odd little ding in the rear hardtop. It's been used to tow a Pony trailer, but the current mode of transport is daughter's boyfriend's box, so sadly surplus. A great little old style completely honest Defender. There's been a Land Rover continually in our family since 1966; this is one of two currently, the other being a 2007 station wagon, the first of the Pumas: bit of a disappointment; I should have had the last of the TD5's! Anyway, this one does everything that's expected of it, all accompanied by the characteristic 5-cylinder rumble. Some say that the TD5 is Land Rover's best engine and it's hard to disagree. I'm amazed for how long the oil remains clear after a change; most diesels are black in 100 miles or less, so I'm assuming this is a sign of a very little worn engine. The Puma has no character and mind bending electronics while the TDi, much beloved, cannot be accused of too much refinement. So the best engine in an outstandingly clean chassis and an unmolested body. It will be sold with a fresh MOT. What's not to like?
