- 1988 MY Land Rover Defender 90 Restoration
- Imported from England
- Current owner reports full restoration completed in 2019 by Osprey Custom Cars
- LS3 V8 with less than 20,000 miles
- Current owner reports new hot-dip galvanized OEM chassis from another 1988 model
- 2.5mm mild-steel rails
- 3mm S355 carbon-steel crossmembers
- Current owner reports new paint job completed in 2019
- Current owner reports new steel & aluminum doors
- Gloss Black painted roof
- Curved viewing glass
- Current owner reports new LED lighting
- Upgraded Black bumpers wrapped with Charcoal Gray plastic surrounding
- Blacked out honeycomb grille
- Louvered fender tops
- Bulged hood
- Gloss Black flares on front & rear wheel arches
- Matte Black tubular step bars
- Diamond plate rocker molding
- 18" Black multi-spoke wheels
- Current owner reports new 275/65R18 Cooper Discoverer AT3 all-weather tires
- New Black leather interior with White diamond stitching inserts
- Front Black bolster bucket seats
- Second row jump seats
- Twin fingerprint rifle safes below second row seating
- PCS GSM push button electronic shift selector
- New rubber mats
- Kenwood audio player with Bluetooth, Apple Carplay & Android Audio
- Heated seats
- Digital gauges
- New leather wrapped Momo steering wheel
- New Dark Charcoal suede headliner
- Current owner reports new 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with new cooler lines
- Hooker headers
The Land Rover Defender is one of the most iconic off-roaders of all time. Despite being available new in its most modern avatar, the last-gen Defender is still an enthusiast-favorite vehicle. After completing a production run of over 30 years, the last generation Land Rover Defender retired in 2016. We have here today a restored 1988 Land Rover Defender 90 with modern underpinnings housed under the elegant, classic bodywork. The current owner has reported that the SUV was imported from England and the full restoration was completed in 2019 by Osprey Custom Cars. They also added that the SUV has been fitted with a new hot-dip galvanized OEM chassis from another 1988 model Defender 90. Powered by an LS3 V8 and with just 19,350 miles on the odometer, this classic Defender 90 is the perfect restomod SUV for an aficionado.
Exterior and Interior
This 1988 Land Rover Defender 90 looks mesmerizingly attractive. The current owner has reported that, along with the new chassis, this restomod is also equipped with new steel and aluminum doors. It also received a new paint job, flaunting a bold shade of Graphite Metallic, accented by a blacked-out grille and fenders. The hardtop roof of the truck is also painted in Gloss Black and equipped with curved viewing glass on each side. The upgraded black bumpers are wrapped with Charcoal Gray plastic surrounding and equipped with LED lighting solutions. 18-inch Black multi-spoke wheels encircled by a new set of Cooper Discoverer AT3 all-weather tires add to this Defender's visual and purposeful ruggedness. On the inside, the cabin is finished in black, featuring bolstered bucket seats in the front row and jump seats at the rear. The seats are heated and swathed in black leather with white diamond stitching inserts. The steering wheel is a new leather-wrapped Momo unit, while the headliner (also new) is made up of Dark Charcoal suede. Other prominent interior upgrades include a Kenwood infotainment system with Apple Carplay / Android Audio support and twin fingerprint rifle safes under the second-row seating.
Engine
Under the hood of this 1988 Land Rover Defender, 90 is a 6.2-liter Chevy LS3 V8, mated to a reported-new 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with new cooler lines. 4-wheel drive with a lockable center differential is the drivetrain configuration. Although the power output isn’t specified, it is expected to be around the 426-436 hp ballpark in the LS3 motor’s stock condition. Here, however, the motor is connected to Hooker headers and a Cherry Bomb muffler, which could result in a boosted output. A PCS GSM push button electronic shift selector is responsible for putting that vigor to work effectively, while a digital-analog instrument cluster displays vital vehicle info. With this upgraded powertrain setup, this restomod Defender has been transformed into a potent beast that is also much easier to maintain.
The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 remains one of the most recognizable compact 4x4s ever built, and this example blends the model’s traditional utility with a selection of functional upgrades. Showing approximately 81,458 miles, it is finished in Black over a Black interior and retains the classic right-hand-drive configuration. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, while an LT230 dual-range transfer case and locking center differential provide the mechanical foundation expected from a Defender. Exterior additions such as a Rhino-Rack roof rack, rear access ladder, brush guard, Sawtooth-style wheels, side steps, and checker-plate protection reinforce its expedition-ready character, while the cabin has been updated with aftermarket front bucket seats and a touchscreen audio system.
The Land Rover Defender is one of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever produced, earning a reputation for durability, simplicity, and go-anywhere capability in some of the harshest environments on Earth. This 1999 Land Rover Defender 90 is a desirable TD5-powered example showing just 64,587 miles and was imported from South Africa. Finished in Chawton White, it retains the unmistakable boxy silhouette that has made the Defender a global legend while benefiting from tasteful upgrades including a roof rack, LED headlights, and DV8 Works Sawtooth alloy wheels. For enthusiasts seeking a classic Defender with genuine utility, proven off-road credentials, and the character of the TD5 diesel era, this Defender 90 represents an increasingly sought-after opportunity.
Few vehicles carry the same level of off-road credibility and global recognition as the Land Rover Defender 90. Built to tackle some of the harshest terrain on earth, the Defender became a symbol of rugged adventure thanks to its simple engineering, durable drivetrain, and unmistakable boxy design. This 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 is an especially desirable example thanks to its right-hand-drive configuration, turbo diesel powerplant, and tasteful off-road-focused upgrades. Showing approximately 23,027 miles, this Defender has been enhanced with practical additions such as a locking differential, snorkel, auxiliary lighting, and all-terrain tires, making it equally suited for weekend exploration or cars-and-coffee duty. For enthusiasts seeking a classic analog 4x4 with genuine character and worldwide cult status, this Defender 90 checks all the right boxes.
The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 remains one of the most recognizable compact 4x4s ever built, and this example blends the model’s traditional utility with a selection of functional upgrades. Showing approximately 81,458 miles, it is finished in Black over a Black interior and retains the classic right-hand-drive configuration. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, while an LT230 dual-range transfer case and locking center differential provide the mechanical foundation expected from a Defender. Exterior additions such as a Rhino-Rack roof rack, rear access ladder, brush guard, Sawtooth-style wheels, side steps, and checker-plate protection reinforce its expedition-ready character, while the cabin has been updated with aftermarket front bucket seats and a touchscreen audio system.
The 1999 Land Rover Defender 110 300Tdi Station Wagon is the sort of vehicle that built Land Rover’s reputation for durability, utility, and go-anywhere capability. Showing 102,866 miles, this example is finished in Forest Green with a tan and black interior and combines the practical five-door 110 body with the highly regarded 300Tdi diesel drivetrain. Its expedition-oriented equipment, including a full-length roof rack, rear access ladder, tubular side steps, black steel wheels, and TerraMax all-terrain tires, gives it a purposeful look that suits the Defender’s character. Inside, two-tone seating and a wood-rimmed steering wheel add a more distinctive touch to this traditionally utilitarian platform.
The 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 has long been prized for its utilitarian character, unmistakable box-section styling, and go-anywhere roots, but this Monarch Project 24 takes that familiar formula in an entirely different direction. Showing approximately 1,820 miles, it combines classic Defender architecture with a comprehensively reworked drivetrain, suspension, braking system, exterior, and cabin. At its heart is a 430-horsepower 6.2L LS3 V8 backed by a 6L80 six-speed automatic and Atlas transfer case, while a 5-inch suspension lift, Fox shocks, Ford 9-inch axles, Wilwood brakes, and a Warn winch give the build serious mechanical substance. Nardo Grey paint with orange accents, Italian Nappa leather, carbon-fiber trim, teak flooring, digital instrumentation, and modern multimedia equipment turn this D110 into a distinctive blend of old-school Land Rover presence and modern restomod execution.
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
