In 1948, Britain’s Rover Company produced its first four-wheel-drive civilian vehicle—the Series I, inspired by the American Willys-Overland Jeep. Built with an aluminum body, a box frame, and serious off-road capability, it laid the foundation for one of the most iconic 4x4 lineups in automotive history. Over the decades, the Series I evolved into the Series II, Series III, and eventually, by the early 1990s, the beloved Defender. Despite hundreds of mechanical and comfort upgrades, the Defender retained its signature utilitarian design and rugged profile. Among the various wheelbase options, the 90 (indicating a shorter wheelbase) was the most agile and off-road-focused, typically built in a two-door configuration. Today, we’re offering a very appealing 1997 Land Rover Defender 90, recently imported to the U.S. in 2024 and currently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This example was refurbished under current ownership, with significant updates including a left-hand-drive conversion, a refinish in durable tan bedliner material, and the replacement of the seats, door cards, center console, and headliner. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbodiesel inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case—ideal for tackling harsh terrain. Additional equipment includes black 16″ steel wheels, disc brakes on all four corners, an aftermarket grille, LED auxiliary lights, air conditioning, and a Kenwood CD stereo. This Defender 90 is offered by the selling dealer with service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Florida title.

Exterior and Interior

This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 wears a rugged green paint job—close to olive green—that enhances its outdoorsy persona. As part of a refurbishment, the truck was refinished in tan bedliner material, adding durability and a toughened aesthetic. It’s fully outfitted for off-road adventure, boasting LED headlamps and an LED light bar with Maxtel lights, headlight guards, black diamond plates, a steel front bumper, rear window and trunk window protectors, a rear step, and a tow ball. A snorkel is mounted to assist engine breathing during water crossings, and rearward-pointing spot lights make it trail-ready, even after dark. The Defender sits on black 16 inch steel wheels, currently wearing a mixed set of Venom Power and Event ATR tires. Disc brakes at all four corners provide stopping power, ensuring confidence both on and off the beaten path. Out back, a spare tire carrier rounds out the utilitarian design. Inside, the cabin maintains a no-nonsense black theme. Seating includes front driver and passenger seats along with two inward-facing benches in the rear. The seating surfaces are trimmed in black upholstery, and key touchpoints—including the seats, door cards, center console, and headliner—were all replaced in 2024, according to the selling dealer. Comfort and functionality are enhanced by air conditioning, an aftermarket center console, and a Kenwood head unit with CD player, USB, and AUX inputs. An aftermarket Tyrex steering wheel adds a purposeful touch.

Engine

The potent heart of this 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is its 2.5-liter turbocharged 300Tdi inline-four diesel engine, producing 111 horsepower and 189 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. A two-speed transfer case with low range provides the off-road capability the Defender is known for. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale, ensuring it’s ready for its next adventure. Under current ownership, a left-hand-drive conversion was professionally carried out. Inside, a Tyrex steering wheel fronts a 120-mph speedometer and a set of supplementary gauges. The six-digit odometer shows 220,000 miles.