Description
This is my fully restored 1987 Land Rover 90. I think I should sell it while the mileage is still relatively low, especially as I'd like to buy a new toy or project.
During my custodianship, I've taken on and completed the most expensive elements of a Defender/ 90 resto. When I found the car, it had only covered 59K miles, but it had been stored in a barn for nearly 15 years due to a cracked engine block.
When I purchased the Land Rover in April 2019, I wanted to restore it but retain the patina of an old Land Rover, rather than like a late model or urban warrior-type build. Considering this, I went to town on the chassis and components and turned the interior into a lovely place to spend time with a high-end fit-out and re-trim in Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout by Dclass in Surrey. The car retains its original colour and has recently had the exterior renovated and resprayed during 2024. This includes a front panel ppf coating to protect the new paintwork.
Given all the work that's been undertaken, I was told I could have reset the mileage but thought that as the car only has just under 60k from new, for a 1987 version it was quite nice to keep as is.
Part of the enjoyment was in creating what the car now is, a fully restored Landy that drives as well as a modern vehicle yet retains the iconic looks of an older Land Rover, and without any rust or running gear issues.
As a quick overview, the 90 has recently had a full body off respray in its original marine blue colour, and to retain its originality, all door frames, etc have been repaired or replaced if deemed beyond repair. The bulkhead has been replaced with a 200tdi galvanized version and the chassis is the repaired, original Land Rover chassis that was then galvanized so everything fits and aligns nicely.
About the underpinnings, the front and rear axles are rebuilt 300tdi units with disc brakes all around, the suspension and steering are by Old Man Emu, and all bushes are replaced with superpro upgrades, the brakes are Brembo discs with new Land Rover callipers, and the original County spec Rostyle wheels have been banded at great expense to except the fitment of wider tyres.
All of these upgrades, together with a rebuilt power steering box enable the car to drive extremely well and handle superbly for a defender while retaining its full off-road potential.
As the original petrol 2. 25l petrol engine was beyond repair, I took the opportunity to replace it and fit a 200tdi diesel engine from an early Mk1 Discovery that had only covered 70k. I also used the transfer box from the same vehicle so the 90 will now happily cruise at 70mph+ if needed. These mechanical parts were stripped, inspected, and then rebuilt replacing any tired consumables before refitting. I then fitted a new rad, intercooler, and upgraded Turbo Technics turbo, and had the fuel pump rebuilt and upgraded - so it runs extremely well.
As briefly highlighted, the interior has been done by a company called Dclass in Surrey, they work for high-end restorers and the MSV division of McLaren. They posted an Instagram story and YouTube video on the Landie. I've included a link to the video below which highlights the work they've done. This was completed before the car was resprayed in its original colour.
In addition to normal specifications, the Land Rover has heated wing mirrors, heated front seats, two fold-down rear forward-facing seats, a rev counter and other additional dials, a reversing camera, fantastic Bluetooth and wired CarPlay stereo system with hidden, integrated subwoofers, a split charge leisure battery system, and a rear floodlight fitted to make the car as usable as possible. I've also fitted a Signum Alarm system and an Optimill steering wheel boss that allows you to remove the Momo wheel and helps deter any unwanted attention. Now it’s all done, it has been a lot of fun getting it done to this stage, but as a fully-fledged petrolhead, I'd like a new project or toy to play around with.
This is the perfect base for a new owner, I wanted to keep with original Land Rover running gear, but you may want to install a massive GM V8 or BMW/ Mercedes powerplant, and this would be the perfect platform to do so.
You will not see another Land Rover 90 like this on the road, it is truly a one-off and gets more attention than most cars I've owned over the years.
The last three photos show the vehicle as bought as a project and the beginnings of a little aluminium oxidization on the front door.
The car is fresh from a recent full service, wiper motor change and has a brand new windscreen fitted. The 90 also has 12 months MOT from 23/ 07/ 24.
Thank you for looking, and if you have any questions, please ask.
£64, 900. 00 o. n. o
