There’s a robust market for importing the Land Rovers that never came stateside, typically the longer wheelbase models with a few extra doors attached. This 1988 Land Rover Defender is a four-door body with the County package option, and the seller says it is ripe for importation to countries like ours where it was never sold. Obviously, we’ve all seen the videos of a recent import destroyed when it was discovered to have a swapped VIN number, so do your homework if you’re intrigued. Find the Rover here on eBay with a $8K Buy-It-Now.
The seller is clearly accustomed to selling old Rovers, so his proclamation that the chassis is the best he’s ever seen is worth noting. No welding noted, so that possible speaks to this Defender not being ridden hard and put away wet. I personally love the “County” graphics going up and down the doors, but I’d want to know if that diamond plate is purely for aesthetics or if it’s hiding previous rust repair where proper metalwork was considered too costly. The graphics, for what it’s worth, are said to be original.
These Defenders are a bit more true to form than their competition over at Mercedes-Benz, where the G-Wagen is still sold as a hyper-luxury vehicle. The Defender’s rear seating area is more like a trooper carrier than something you’d strap the kids into, though you certainly could (and likely earn major “Cool Dad” points in the process.) Floors look quite nice and while the accommodations are sparse, all looks tidy out back. The seller says a genuine Defender 110 County edition is hard to find, but I’d still welcome expert opinions on the rarity factor.
There appears to be some damage to the plastic around the instrument binnacle and a radio missing its faceplate. To me, this is always the risk with importing a vehicle from overseas: yes, the big concerns may be addressed, in that the Defender will be running and driving with no major damage or rust. But you still may have plenty of issues to sort out, not to mention any mechanical it has. Still, the price seems fair for a rare truck in good cosmetic condition, and you’ll certainly have the only one in the student pickup lane at your kids’ middle school.
Over-rated, over-priced, old British dross. Avoid at all costs, you’ll only be disappointed over and over until you’re finally able to dump the thing at a big loss. This one especially looks like a clapped out, mangy old nag just cleaned-up enough to sell – have a close look at the Ebay ad pics and you’ll see what I mean – rust bubbles everywhere for one thing. Most likely the reason it’s been “stored for 10 years” is the same reason he wants to sell it out of the country – it won’t pass the British MOT.
You can check its MOT history online. It has a current MOT with no advisories, same as for the two previous years which is almost unheard of for a vehicle that age so I’d say it’s in great condition. Rust on panels or hinges matters little because they can be easily removed to be repaired or replaced and it’s not difficult to have panels made. That said, I drove one for a few months but couldn’t be tempted back to one as they’re just too basic and not as reliable as people think.
You’ve obviously not ever driven one off road have you? These things will go places a Jeep can only ever dream of. This particular one is probably best avoided, but the sweeping and negative statement you’ve made is hardly warranted.
Dont know how there could be rust bubbles as the bodies are aluminium and the diamond plate is just for show, it is a factory item.
Plus the cost of getting it to the US,
& through Customs.
Now with entirely different pictures than originally shown in fact, it’s not even the same vehicle – totally different. Extremely dodgy seller. Beware.
Try a well set-up Toyota some time and you’ll wonder what the hell you ever saw in these clunkers. Guaranteed!
Interesting! However I would not buy it because you can’t personally inspect it! The steering on the right would be weird, I could get used to it, but why?
Interesting! However I would not buy it because you can’t personally inspect it! The steering on the right would be weird, I could get used to it!
Lovely looking Land Rover. I remember when the Land Rover looked like this. I’ve never driven one, nor have I ever ridden in one as a passenger, I regret to say. But they look like they could go anywhere one wanted to go. I’d buy one if I could get it with a diesel engine, or even a turbo diesel engine. $8000 sounds like a good price. Then you can afford to do whatever work needed to maintain it.