The Land Rover Defender name came into being in 1990, replacing the Land Rover 110 and 90 model names, which were themselves re-workings of the earlier Series III models. Visually, these vehicles shared a similar appearance, but the Defender offered many improvements, including: • new and more powerful engines • a more compliant ride and improved axle articulation through the use of coil rather than leaf springs • widened wheel arches that covered new, wider-track axles • a permanent four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer gearbox with a lockable centre differential • a revised bonnet and integrated grille and headlights, together with an updated interior. This particular Defender was first registered in the UK in 1999. Prior to importation to Jersey, the vehicle was extensively refurbished and improved by UK-based Land Rover experts Gingerstock and re-registered in the island in January 2022.

With a recorded mileage of a little under 83,000 miles, this is a very smart and special Defender 90, having an uprated engine fitted to a refurbished chassis/running gear and a bespoke, upmarket interior. It is a very practical vehicle, in excellent condition and ready for regular use by a new owner. The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required.

As part of the refurbishment work undertaken, the ladder chassis was repaired as required and protected with wax oil. Body paintwork was also renewed where required. At the same time, some modifications were made. The 90 now sits 3 inches higher than original vehicle, with new Defender alloy wheels and off-road tyres fitted. The original drop-down rear door has been modified to a swing-out type with matching spare wheel storage and a combined galvanised rear step, bumper and tow hitch assembly. Cosmetically, the front of the Land Rover now has a galvanised bumper and custom painted grill. Most recently, a brand new Exmoor Trim Stayfast hood has been added.

The interior has been extensively upgraded with tan leather seating throughout and teak flooring added. The latter – which extends to the running boards/side steps – is of yacht deck quality and is therefore very practical, being both serviceable and waterproof. All seatbelts have been renewed and a wood-rimmed alloy steering wheel fitted.

The TD5 engine fitted to the Defender is a turbocharged, 2.5-litre, inline five-cylinder diesel engine, providing as standard, a claimed 122bhp and 221lb-ft of torque, driving through a five-speed manual gearbox. As part of the recent refurbishment however, the engine was serviced, cleaned and remapped, to generate 20% more torque with power raised to 152bhp. The engine runs perfectly and the vehicle drives very well.