The Land Rover Defender is one of the most recognizable vehicles throughout the world. Here is a chance to own a diesel-powered left-hand-drive 1990 as listed here on eBay out of Cleveland, Georgia. Curious? Let’s look closer…
As some of you may already know, the Defender was developed in the 1980s as the successor to the venerable Land Rover 90 and Land Rover 110 that helped England recover from the Second World War. Built in England and Malaysia, the last one rolled off the line in January of 2016 (save for one very limited run in 2018 of a “Defender Works” with a 400hp V8). Land Rovers have been to nearly every part of the globe, and this one looks ready to take you on your next adventure.
This one started its earthbound journey in Belgium but has been legally-imported to Cleveland, GA and is powered by a 2.5-Liter, turbocharged diesel engine, factory rated at 85 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Power flows through a 5-speed manual gearbox, to a selectable transfer case, through two locking differentials, and meet the ground on Michelin tires. The seller describes it better than I can when they say: “The truck is finished in red with a bare aluminum tailgate and a grey pickup-style removable roof. Some fading of the finish is noted across the exterior, and the truck is equipped with off-white Land Rover Turbo D graphics. The truck retains folding side steps, a factory front bumper, and factory Land Rover badging. Some minor corrosion is visible at the bottom of both doors, and a hole is shown at the rear corner of the passenger door adjacent to the inner panel. Steel wheels are finished in white, and are fitted with Michelin light truck tires. The interior features three-abreast seating, with grey cloth-upholstered seats, grey interior plastics, and rubber floor mats. Wear is visible in the upholstery, and the seat foam has collapsed in several places. The truck retains factory instrumentation, and a radio and speakers are mounted in the plastic dash. 244k kilometers (~152k miles) are shown on the mechanical odometer.”
The combination of turbo diesel and a truck bed make this Land Rover standout from the majority of the Defenders you see here in the States. The bed isn’t all that long, but it would still come in handy for trips to the lumberyard and for those international overland journeys.
Land Rover’s website summarizes them best: “Enduring and capable, it is a legend on seven continents for challenging expeditions and humanitarian support.” If I had the funds available, I would strongly consider purchasing and thoroughly enjoying this truck. How about you?
I am not being snarky, but the wheel bases for the two versions of the older trucks was, 88 inch and 108 inch.
I have owned both types, all gas powered, and none of them looked as nice as this.
I loved the all aluminum and galvanized steel construction on these trucks. My biggest complaint was the low gearing, which made the beasts unsuitable for modern highway driving. I am guessing the 5 spd in this vehicle is an overdrive, which would solve this problem.
Bob
All three of mine were all Series II, two 88s and a 109. I thought all the Land rovers were the same wheelbase because I didn’t pay enough attention to the other versions to learn all the differences.
I don’t know where mine were built, but when I bought the shop service manual, the parts guy said that all the Canadian LandRovers were made in the UK.
I sold off my last LandRover in 1983 and bought a Land Cruiser BJ40. I liked the running gear on the Land Cruiser better, but it was a major rust bucket. You could watch the body rot away.
Bob
I have huge respect for both Land Rover and Land Cruiser. I have owned both over the years and both are good vehicles and i don’t see the point in comparing the two as both have produced bad models at some time.
It all depends on ones personal preferences and requirements.
I like them both.
South Africa only produced RHD models so i would think the LHD models were UK built? I should research that.
From 1980 to 1985, the face-lift land rover was not called the defender. It was simply known as the 90 or the 110. The defender nameplate was instituted in 1985-6, and it isn’t found on any earlier models. So technically, the 90 and 110 did come before the Defender, and the 88 and 109 before them.
you know what you have here? I the perfect thing to put a snow plow blade on! under coat the hell out of it put a half inch steel plat in the box and the right tires and you are set the only better snow weapon is the mercedes benz unimog the sweden army had! these guys playing with crew cab 3/4 new trucks are fools they are too long this is short which is perfect for getting into tight spots look at these new trucks plowing snow the ripped up rear bumpers and fenders because they hit something!
Bob,
Original models had an 80 inch wheelbase. That became 86 and 107. Then extended to 88 and 109. And later became 90 and 110.
But you are right they were never intended to be used on road and were suited mainly for the non existent roads of Africa and the like.
By the way there was also a manufacturing plant in South Africa. And i think they were also assembled in Australia?
Morton
They were also manufactured or assembled in Spain, Costa Rica, Iran, Brazil, and Turkey.
This particular Land Rover went RNM @ $14,500 on BAT February 15.
Best 4x4xFar