"The Land Rover Series I was launched in 1948 and, incredibly, production only finished in January 2016 after a continuous run of 67 years through various evolutions before becoming the Defender, though the design stayed largely un-changed. Outwardly, there is little to distinguish the post-1983 vehicles from the Series III Land Rover. A full-length bonnet, revised grille, plus the fitting of wheel arch extensions to cover wider-track axles are the most noticeable changes. Internally, coil springs offered a more comfortable ride and a permanent four-wheel drive system derived from the Range Rover featuring a two-speed transfer gearbox with a lockable centre differential. A modernised interior and a new series of progressively more powerful and modern engine characterised things under the skin.
This Defender is fitted with the brilliant 2.5-litre ‘Td5’ engine, one of the firm favourites in Defender circles. The engine has been remapped by famed Td5 tuner, Alive Tuning, with an uprated turbo, aluminium intercooler, EGR delete, de-restricted exhaust and washable air filter, we are told it’s a blast to drive.  Affectionately known as ‘Rex’, our vendor has thoroughly enjoyed this Defender, taking it to the Swiss Alps during ski season, covered the Netherlands from head to toe, taken it to Le Mans and on countless camping trips around the UK. The interior has been upgraded with Exmoor leather bucket seats and headlining, as well as having side foldaway seats in the rear, it has a heated windscreen and air conditioning. We are advised the air conditioning blows ice cold at the compressor but the blower needs replacing. The real party piece is the numerous off-roading modifications which have been fitted; these include, Terrafirma twin shock suspension and A12000 winch, sump guards, diff guards and light guards, 1.2 heavy duty Ashcroft transfer box, ARB rear air locker and compressors (including hose for inflating the tyres), ARB style bumpers, rock crawlers, roll cage including bulkhead delete, 35” STT Pro tyres, patriot roof rack and ladder, ECU relocated to the roof, lazer light bars, LED rear lights, snow vent covers, upgraded rear wheel mount and masai rear windows. Quite simply, if you want a Defender which truly is a ‘go anywhere’ example, this ticks all of the boxes. Serviced by our Aston Martin specialist vendor in June 2023, before heading off to Le Mans, supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate and a raft of invoices. Consignor Fraser Smith
Interested parties should note, this Defender was recorded as a Category D insurance loss in October 2006. Our vendor understands the claim was due to the vehicle being stolen and having the doors stolen, which had to be replaced.

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