VIN:
SALLDVA68VA112751
The Land Rover Defender holds a timeless appeal that can be traced back to its origins in the Land Rover Series 1 of 1948. Emerging in the aftermath of World War II, this British off-roader and SUV made a bold entrance as a rugged and versatile vehicle capable of conquering any terrain. The Series 1 quickly gained popularity worldwide, and in 1983, it was rebranded as the Defender, continuing its legacy until 2016. While a new iteration of the Defender emerged in 2020, the allure of the original remains unparalleled. Presented for sale today is a left-hand drive 1997 Land Rover Defender 90, with a light restoration and imported to the U.S. roughly 2 years ago by the current owner. Boasting a respectable mileage of 76,000 miles, this Defender has stood the test of time and continues to captivate enthusiasts. Enhancing its authenticity, the vehicle comes with a coveted British Heritage Certificate, solidifying its place in Land Rover's rich heritage.
This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 showcases a striking Alpine White exterior paint that embodies its rugged spirit. As expected, this Defender is designed to venture off-road, which means it won't stay pristine for long. However, the appeal lies in its ability to proudly display its mud-splattered character. The vehicle features a refreshed front end and grille, an NAS bumper, a rear spare tire carrier, and stylish black alloy wheels. Upgraded headlamps and black accents, such as the roof uppers and wheel arch extensions, add a touch of sophistication to its adventurous demeanor. Inside the cabin, you'll find a durable interior with individual front seats and rear seats sourced from the later Puma variant of the Defender. Despite its rugged nature, this Defender offers some creature comforts, including air conditioning for a more comfortable ride. Additionally, soundproofing has been installed beneath the carpeting to minimize noise, and a new carpet kit enhances the overall aesthetic. While there is no radio or infotainment system in place, this presents an opportunity for the next fortunate owner to customize their audio experience. Whether opting for a classic push-button radio and tape unit for a vintage feel or embracing modern technology with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the choices are endless, allowing you to tailor the interior to your preferences.
Under the hood of this 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 resides a robust 300Tdi engine. With a displacement of 2.5 liters, this engine benefits from forced induction through a turbocharger, providing a significant power boost. Power from this turbocharged diesel engine is transferred to the wheels through a reliable five-speed manual transmission. To tackle off-road challenges and varying terrains, the Defender is equipped with a two-speed transfer case featuring a center locking differential, ensuring maximum traction when needed. The current owner has taken care of essential maintenance items, including the installation of a new clutch, which has only covered 6,000 miles. Additionally, a new battery has been fitted to ensure reliable starts and operation. To enhance the off-road capabilities and overall ride quality, Terra Forma shocks have been installed, offering improved suspension performance over rugged terrain.
The Land Rover Defender comes from a lineage of over 50 years of off-road excellence. The first Land Rover Series examples hit British roads in 1948, and soon made their way to nearly all countries across the globe. Throughout the years, Land Rover made hundreds of enhancements to the Series, including naming it the Defender in late 1990. Produced in several wheelbases, the 90 was the shortest variant available. While most Defender 90s are typically three-door SUVs, this particular 1993 Land Rover Defender 90 is an interesting, two-door single cab pickup truck variant. Bearing 80,000 miles to its name, this vehicle is now up for sale, and makes an excellent off-road runabout.
If there was one machine that immediately represents the art and joy of off-roading you can rest assured that a Land Rover Defender would be a top contender. For over 50 years this British icon has helped push the envelope in terms of exploring the great unknown. Representing the off-road icon today is none other than this 1995 Land Rover Defender 90. With a reported 72,000 miles on the clock, this low mileage example can be yours to experience an authentic Defender experience in all its glory.
There is a dedicated group of enthusiasts who swear by a Land Rover Series, or Land Rover Defender. Produced since 1948, the Land Rover Series became the Defender in late 1990, when Land Rover switched to a new naming convention for their models. While the Series underwent hundreds of updates throughout its life, including during its Defender time, the external appearance of the vehicle remains roughly similar. This 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 is no different; park it next to a 1948 Series 1 and you’ll immediately notice the similarities. But, there are several differences too. This vehicle has done just under 700 miles after undergoing a comprehensive full frame up restoration including a conversion to left-hand drive for easier driving in the United States.
Land Rover’s iconic Defender was discontinued in 2016, but before the public could get disgruntled and start throwing things, Land Rover quickly announced that a new Defender was in the works. Just three years later, the new Defender, or L663 series was introduced, in 90 and 110 forms, plus an elongated 130 variant. Land Rover took the opportunity to modernize the Defender in every way possible, while retaining much of its legendary off-road ability. They also introduced a supremely powerful variant with over 600 horsepower, called the OCTA. Today, we’ve got a box-fresh OCTA with just 385 miles, hailing from Naples, Florida. So, if you want the ultimate family off-roader that can scare many performance cars as well, check out this 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA Edition One. The vehicle comes with the Interior Protection Pack, Tow Hitch Receiver Pack, Exterior Protection Pack and Emergency Pack too.
The Rover company of Britain had to shift their priorities to adjust to the post-war consumer environment. Prior to the War, Rover made luxury cars but in a new era of promised prosperity among austerity, the automaker turned their attention towards bolstering Britain’s burgeoning agricultural industry. The Willys Jeep of USA was the inspiration, and what emerged was the Land Rover Series in 1948. The Series became the Series II, Series III, and Defender over many decades of solid service, not only in Britain, but across the world. Meanwhile, a Spanish automaking outfit called Santana started working closely with Land Rover to build their own versions in Spain. Today, we’ve got one of their creations, a 1976 Land Rover 88 Series III Santana that was reportedly given a full frame-off restoration in 2023. The vehicle’s rebuilt engine has got less than 1,000 miles on it, as has its rebuilt gearbox. Furthermore, this vehicle was imported from Colombia, highlighting the journey that it’s taken halfway across the world to get to Florida where it currently awaits a new owner – which could be you!
Every country has its own off-road icon. Japan has the Land Cruiser, America has the Jeep Wrangler, and Germany has the Mercedes G-Class. But none of these quite compare to the Land Rover Defender. Its origins can be traced back to 1948 when the first Land Rover was launched. Over the next few decades, it evolved into the Series II and the Series III (including a few sub-series), and in 1983, an improved, more modern Land Rover 110 was launched. This would bear the distinct appearance that we now call the Defender (a nameplate that was finally attached to it in 1990). Production finally ended in 2016 after 67 years and over 2 million units. But the story doesn’t end there, for in 2020, Land Rover launched the all-new L663 Defender. “Same, but different” is the simplest way to describe this new car, as it clearly carries many design elements from its heritage and brings the great off-road capabilities of its forefathers, but with modern technology and comfort integrated into it. This 2023 Defender 100 S Trek Edition is quite special, as the owner tells us that it's number 80 out of only 100 units built that exist in North America.
Known as the 'go everywhere vehicle,' the Land Rover Defender is one of the most utilitarian and iconic vehicles in the world's automotive history and remains a relevant name today. However, much has changed since the Series 1 left the factories in the Fifties. Modern Land Rovers come equipped with all sorts of electronic driver assist systems to make traversal in rough terrain efficient, quick, and convenient. But for those who want a more 'raw experience' to truly connect with the vehicle and conquer the elements without compromising on more modern luxuries, this 1991 Land Rover Defender 110 is the ideal choice. Reportedly sporting several amenities for the driver, this Land Rover gives both the tactile experience of a classic Land Rover and a range of modern conveniences and luxuries.
Land Rover is one of those British automobile manufacturers which has some of the most widely known vehicles. It is a brand of Jaguar Land Rover and was introduced in 1948, as a predominantly four-wheel drive, off-road capable vehicle. Arguably the Land Rover Defender is the most well-known model of their lineup, the Defender dates all the way back to 1983 when it was first introduced, the Defender is the spiritual successor of the Land Rover Series from 1948. This particular 1989 Land Rover Defender 110 is far from what it was originally built with, as the owner has upgraded it with many parts, and comes with just 1,800 miles on the new engine.
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