Land Rover Defender 90 V8

What the Land Rover Defender lacks in refinement, it more than makes up for in character, and this Defender 90 certainly has that in spades…plus a pleasant surprise under the bonnet.

This 1987 model has been treated to some very tasteful upgrades during its life including a fresh paint job in Ferrari Rosso Rubino, black chequer-plate trim, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres, headlight guards, removable “rag top” plus lots more besides.

The keen-eyed Defender fan will also notice that the a later Puma bonnet has been fitted along with some Series style doors with sliding glass and completely removable door-tops if you want the air conditioning up full.

Inside hasn’t escaped the same attention, either, with fully retrimmed, and impressively supple, black seats with red trim (3 up front and 2 bench seats in the rear) plus a tasteful wood-rimmed steering wheel.

That very pleasant surprise under the bonnet, however, is the real triumph – a 3.5 Rover V8 mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox which are original to the car. The torque, performance, reliability and beautiful soundtrack completely transform this Defender from a lumbering off roader into a street friendly cruiser – it really is the engine that should have come in all Defenders.

Bonus points are given for the addition of power steering, too, so you don’t have to muscle your way around a three-point-turn, plus there are disc brakes all around to for added safety.

With the majority of the work carried out by renowned specialists, Vintage Reborn, this is a beautifully presented Defender that has been done right, and has all the benefits that come with being a classic.

Viewing strictly by appointment. All cars supplied with valid NCT where appropriate.