The Land Rover Defender is an overlanding icon and seamlessly blends exemplary backcountry credentials with charismatic styling. Growing up in rural England, I saw Defenders being used daily by the military, emergency services, forestry commission, power companies, farmers, dockyards, and more. Needless to say, It’s first and foremost a built-for-purpose 4WD and that makes it one of a very exclusive club. One only needs to look at the utilitarian wipe-clean interior to be reminded that this vehicle is unlike almost anything else on the market. It’s no surprise that the Defender is one of the most popular platforms for around-the-world travel with inspiration provided by the likes of Next Meridian, Expedition Rove, Coco Overland, The Landy Expedition, and, of course, the adventures of our very own 4WD Senior Editor Graeme Bell of A2A Expedition. Today’s 1998 Land Rover Defender 90 has covered just 107,500 miles and has been recently fully restored (check the original listing for full details). This pristine example is the perfect blank canvas for a full overland build-out and thanks to its modest footprint is ideal for shipping overseas. If you’re unsure how the 90 performs as a full-time travel companion then check out the adventures of Lewie and the Rover and Carl Jonsson.
From the Seller:
“I’ve been a lifelong Land Rover fan since the moment I saw a Defender for the first time growing up. I didn’t know what it was but immediately felt a connection and love for the iconic look, the sense of adventure it exudes, and the humble attitude and confidence you get driving one around. They just want you to roll down the window, rest your elbow out the side, and point the vehicle toward your next journey. This particular Defender 90 spent its first 25 years in Italy before getting a thorough restoration inside and out. During the rebuild, it got new paint, sound deadening, carpet, trim, interior, and extensive drivetrain and engine work to give it a new lease on life for another 25 years. The modernizations continued with complete LED upgrades, a six-seat interior, a bulkhead reduction upgrade (for more legroom and space), and a subtle facelift to take the iconic and timeless aesthetic of the vehicle and bring it more in line with the modern stance and road presence the vehicle now has. The 300Tdi turbo-diesel engine has been extensively maintained and dialed in, resulting in one of the smoothest and quietest 300Tdis in a Defender. The main focus behind the build was to preserve the iconic nature of these incredible vehicles while giving them the right, tasteful modernizations in a ‘less is more’ approach. The result is quite striking and an absolute blast to drive.”
1998 Land Rover Defender 90
The Defender is fitted with a 300Tdi that in stock form produces 111 horsepower and up to 285 pound-feet of torque. A reliable and relatively economical motor (with some owners reporting over 30 mpg) is matched with legendary capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, armor, a center locking differential, sliders, all-terrain tires, and more. Inside, the Land Rover is intentionally function-first but does showcase the following driver comforts:
- Power steering
- Infotainment system, 11-inch screen
- LED headlights
- Window tint
- Sound deadening
- Aftermarket digital speedometer
- Wireless battery disconnect switch
- Center console with cupholders
Distinguishing Features
- Iconisus forged matte-black alloy wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
- Rear tire carrier
- Puma hood with black Defender badging
- LED lighting
- Recovered seats, headliner, and Masai interior trim and window surrounds
- LED front bumper
- Mud flaps
- KBX wing and side vents
This 1998 Land Rover Defender 90 is listed for $71,000 and is currently located between Colorado and California (currently in Los Angeles). Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Tel: (323) 457-6467
