1990 Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top

2.5L Turbocharged Inline 4 Cylinder
Direct Fuel Injection
107bhp at 3,800rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Drive with Manual Lock Center Differential
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*European spec Defender 90
*Cosmetic restoration performed
*85,000 original miles from new
*Original service book


THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER

In the long history of the motorcar, very few designs have been as significant, as successful or as long-lived as the Land Rover. It is rightly considered to be one of the landmark cars in automotive history. The Land Rover's engineering was radical and brilliant when it was launched in 1948, but its real significance goes beyond its intrinsic qualities. It lies in what the Land Rover has done for its country: as an export earner, as a linchpin of the post-war British car industry, as a workhorse for Britain's farmers, transport for soldiers, and anyone with a sense of adventure. The Land Rover has carried people to the most remote corners of the globe and brought them back safely again.

Production of the model now known as the Defender began in 1983, as the Land Rover 110, a name which reflected the 110-inch wheelbase. The Land Rover 90, with 93-inch wheelbase, and Land Rover 127, with, yes, a 127-inch wheelbase, soon followed. This period saw Land Rover market the utility Land Rover as a private recreational vehicle, while the basic pick-up, 4x4 and van versions were still working vehicles. Later, the switch from leaf to coil spring suspension was a key part of the new model's success. It offered improved off-road ability, load capacity, handling, and ride comfort for city use. In 2015, Bonhams sold the 2,000,000th Land Rover Defender produced, a Defender 90, for charity - the car sold for a record GBP 400,000.00 (USD 600,480.00), marking the impact the Defender has had on post WWII car culture.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This striking example of a 1990 Defender 90 European spec, was delivered new and stayed most its life in Saluzzo, Italy. It was built in a beautiful White over Black interior, featured with a 2.5 Turbo Diesel with a 5-speed manual transmission, 85,000 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, and is believed to be original, according to the service book, and service receipts showing consistent mileage until today.
In 2020 a cosmetic restoration was performed, along with a mechanic refurbishment, including a professional paint job into its original color, engine top end rebuilt, head rebuilt, new turbo, new injectors, rebuilt suspension, new brakes, and brand-new Michelin radial 7.50 R 16C with a matching spare tire done at 82,000 miles. The coach work and interior remain original and in beautiful condition since new.
Recently imported to the US, a test drive has been performed by a Bonhams Specialist.