1993 Land Rover Defender 90 TDI200
The Land Rover Series dates back to 1948 and they always had a four wheel drive option. In 1983 the Defender 110 was introduced and visually, was not far removed from the Series III it replaced, but modernized mechanically, on the interior, and suspension. The 110 refers to the wheelbase and the Defender 90, with the shorter wheelbase, soon followed. A part time 4x4 system was offered until 1984 when failures caused the company to switch to full time all wheel drive.
For consignment, a 1993 Land Rover Defender 90 TDI200 with a title verified 135,857 actual miles. A right hand drive rig that was imported to the U.S. from the U.K. in 2021 and since then, some upgrades have been added, service has been regular, and worn components were replaced. Turbo diesels are and were commonly used for European "SUV's" and have a reputation for reliable performance and long life.
Exterior
Two prominent colors decorate this Defender beginning with the paint that is Firenze Red, a darker red that is enhanced by black at every angle. A broad, hockey stick stripe lines the side of the truck, the distinct black grille with round marker lights leads the Rover, along with a straight, black bumper. Up top, the black roof is set off by black 16-inch wheels, riding high here with newer tires that have a mid 2023 date code that tuck neatly under the body and behind the fender flares. Window trim is black as are the side mirrors and of course, the diamond steel plates are black and strengthen the hood while allowing traction, so you climb to the roof and escape a charging rhinoceros, theoretically. New step up rock sliders are present and are black. Side vents and a snorkel hood duct look cool whether they are functional or not. There are vents at the base of the windshield that do function to allow fresh air in the cabin. Imperfections include evidence of bodywork in several places, various clusters of bubbling, areas missed by paint, and chipped paint.
Interior
Molded gray plastic door panels are emblematic of this period and are relatively clean and simple. Inside, the front buckets seats are tall and clean and dressed in a wide tweed cloth material and vinyl backing with the driver's side showing some compression and a small tear. In comparison to your Range Rover SVR Sport edition, the Defender is sparse by comfort standards with hard plastic surfaces, a basic instrument panel in front of the right sided driver, a tall shifter on a floor with low pile carpet mats. The saving grace is the tall center console that provides an armrest for each occupant and a pair of cupholders. In the back, two benches run north and south and if you have kids, or kids at heart, this is where the fun is! The rubberized mat means pets and kids can drag in the mess and seatbelts are on board to keep them planted. The tall ceiling in the back is uncoated while the front of the cabin has a headliner that needs attention as it's sagging like the beard of a wildebeest.
Drivetrain
Before we get to the engine, when we open the hood we note some rust on the hood itself, notably on the support braces. Beyond it, a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder turbo diesel rated at 107 horsepower and fuel injected. A Leyland LT77S 5-speed manual transmission is behind it and sends power to front and rear with 4.99 final drive gears. Power brakes are on board, disc in front, drums in the rear, and include new stainless lines and master cylinder. Other mechanical improvements include a new turbo drain and power steering pump.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean and uniformly black underneath, and it's also dry thanks to new rear axle seals and resealed engine oil pan. It was also dry iced and received Waxoyl underbody treatment in 2022. Suspension consists of trailing arm and coil springs up front with a 4 link and coil springs in the back. There's a new drag link and the spindles have been replaced in front of the ball and claw axles. The single exhaust encounters stock style mufflers before exiting behind the left rear wheel.
Drive-Ability
Step one, hop up into the tall cab. Step two, adjust your brain to drive a RHD car from Europe. Step three, turn the key and use the LEFT hand to shift gears. Whew! And we're off but if being chased by a bull elephant, I don't think our brains would adjust quick enough. Around the test loop, the commanding view and torquey diesel makes for an enjoyable trek and we're sure this thing would be happy on rougher terrain. It tracks straight and stops on command and every functional item works as it should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is a strikingly handsome vehicle that's a kick to drive and to top things off, a hot vehicle in the collector market. As the consignor says, "a new owner could continue to invest in upgrades or enjoy as is". Looking to escape the zombie apocalypse? This is your ride as it's a "can do" vehicle that's virtually unstoppable on uncharted terrain. Load up the family and supplies and enjoy your stylish escape from the insanity.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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