Lot Ended
Description
Recently serviced; new clutch fitted;
finished in Obsidian black metallic; professional paintwork completed around
three years ago; TD5 engine; Terrafirma shocks and springs; later-style LED headlights: Puma bonnet
and Puma front bumper
By the late 1990s the Land Rover Defender had
already cemented its reputation as Britain’s most enduring workhorse, but the
arrival of the TD5 engine in 1998 marked a significant step forward. Smooth,
torquey and far more refined than its predecessors, the TD5 quickly became the
enthusiast’s choice, especially in short-wheel-base 90 form — the purest and most iconic
silhouette in the Defender family. Today, good TD5s are increasingly sought
after, particularly those that have been sensibly upgraded and properly
maintained.
This
1999 example certainly fits that brief. Finished in Obsidian Black Metallic, it
was professionally repainted around three years ago, the finish still presenting
extremely well. The V5C shows only three former keepers, and the current MOT
runs until May 2026. Showing 101,000 miles, it remains in regular use and was
driven 80 miles to the sale, starting, running and driving exactly as a
well-sorted TD5
should.
Mechanically, it has been treated to several
worthwhile improvements. Terriferma shock absorbers and springs are
fitted all round, giving a more composed ride without compromising the
Defender’s rugged character. It has been recently serviced, and a new clutch was
fitted less than 2,000 miles ago at a cost of €1,578, with the invoice included.
The vendor reports an excellent chassis, rear crossmember and outriggers, all
regularly Lanoguard-protected to preserve
them.
Cosmetically and practically, the upgrades
continue. Later-style LED headlights, Puma bonnet
and Puma front bumper give the Defender a more modern look, while a full
expedition-grade roof rack and expedition
snorkel add genuine utility. The van rides on rare Defender Boost alloy wheels
with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres all round — a highly desirable
combination.
Inside, it benefits from smoked-glass sliding rear windows, a full
Land Rover rubber matting kit front and rear, side steps, a rear folding step,
and a high-quality swing-away spare wheel
carrier.
Driven
to the sale and behaving very well indeed, this is a handsome, well-sorted and extremely usable TD5
Defender 90, with sensible upgrades, strong mechanicals and a long MOT. A very
appealing example of one of the most desirable variants of the Defender
line.
Contact: [email protected]