While much has been written about Land Rover’s investment in the novel Camel Trophy series of offroad endurance events, less often seen is documentation of the limited production civilian models made bearing the iconic Trophy logo. This Defender 90 is a 1994 model recently imported from Europe and now residing in Ohio, and is a limited production variant that typically represented the best of the best equipment options Land Rover had available at the time. Of course, given the reputation of the Camel Trophy as being one of the harshest, most grueling off-road excursions ever concocted, it’s only fitting that any model bearing the name be top of the line. Find this 1994 Trophy edition here on eBay with bidding over $25,000 and no reserve.
While I cannot find a specific break-down of the options bestowed upon Trophy models, the list of equipment incorporates many of the typical details you’d expect to see on a hard-core off-roader. This includes a functional snorkel, brush guards front and rear, off-road driving lamps, diamond plating door guards, and more. I have read there were also upgraded axles available, along with rear disc brakes. While I’m sure some of our readers know more about the specific equipment lists made available for purchase, it’s hard to tell for sure what this example may have left the factory with as a result of being designated a Trophy model. Some equipment may have also been installed by the selling dealer as well, depending on the first owner’s tastes.
Now, of course, this was still your typical Defender 90, which was short on luxuries out of principal. You didn’t buy one of these for commuting (well, plenty of people do, I suppose), but more for what your weekend activities might entail. To me, the best part of owning a Defender 90 has to be the knowledge of what it’s capable of. Combined with enthusiasts’ reverence for one of Land Rover’s most iconic vehicles, it’s of little surprise to see bidding where it is at the moment. It will go plenty higher, as Defender 90s rarely trade for less than $40K, and typically higher for limited production models like this. I haven’t been able to pin down any specific production figures, but I’ve seen references to annual allotments well below 100 examples.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter 200Tdi turbodiesel four-cylinder paired to a manual transmission. Power may not be generous, but these engines are meant to go to hell and back, so I’d feel confident that even if it’s received just basic maintenance, it should prove fairly durable for the next owner. The seller notes there’s a mere 66K kilometers, or 40K miles, on the clock, which is nothing for a drivetrain like this. The overall presentation is of a truck that has been used, and looks a touch dingier than I’d expect for the mileage. However, if the Defender has been used as intended, this is hardly a bad thing, and the next owner can either use it enthusiastically without guilt, or make the requisite cosmetic fixes to turn it into a showstopper.
Perhaps what is holding this one back from my casual obsevance of theseis the diesel.
My son lives in Seattle, and one of the trends out there is to buy a nice one like this and completely upgrade the mechanicals and with all the amenities like leather, electronics, etc.for another $60K as a more chic alternative to a new Land Rover.
The hipsters up here in the Pacific Northwest find these Defenders the perfect way to enhance their “look at me” culture. Of course, none will ever actually take a 4×4 off the trendy boulevards of Portland and Seattle. Most would have no idea how to engage the four wheel drive. Complete waste of a great four by.
i think my dad just got this delivered to our garage haha