1998 Land Rover Defender 110 :: Featured Classified

Since the launch of the iconic Series I in 1948, Land Rover has been at the forefront of remote exploration and has produced some of the most coveted 4WDs ever made. However, for many the classic Defender is the company’s magnum opus and is widely considered a pinnacle overland platform. It’s one of a select few 4WDs that, from the factory, were engineered for the road less traveled and are, for all intents and purposes, function-forward, utilitarian, and built to endure rigorous daily punishment. It was for these reasons and more that it was the vehicle of choice for our Senior 4WD Editor Graeme Bell to travel the world with his family: “Our classic Land Rover Defender has been working hard since the day it rolled off the showroom in South Africa 23 years ago. “Mafuta,” as she is lovingly known, worked as a farm truck for six years before being rebuilt into our overland vehicle … Mafuta then carried my family around Southern and East Africa before being shipped to Uruguay, circumnavigating South America, and driving from Argentina to Alaska.” Graeme’s experience is not unique, but is instead shared by thousands of overlanders who choose the Defender for the most ambitious trips (check out stories from Expedition Rove, Next Meridian Expedition, Yak Overland, Potjie2Pint, The Landy Expedition, Olga on Tour, and GrizzlyNBear to learn more). It’s also ubiquitous around the world, which means parts, services, and community support are generally close at hand (not to mention almost unparalleled aftermarket care). To this end, cue today’s 1998 Land Rover Defender 110 (203,540 miles), which has been overhauled from the ground up with no expense spared. I highly recommend referencing the original listing here, which presents 400 photos and documents the extensive work carried out to bulletproof this Defender. At $43,000, it’s an impressive value and could be enjoyed as is or serve as a blank canvas for a full expedition build-out. It’s worth noting this rig will be sold with a large assortment of factory parts/spares for total peace of mind.

From the Seller:

“This was slated to be our full-time overland rig, and we put real time and money into making it dependable for that role. We’ve since decided to go in a different direction, so this Defender needs a new home where it’ll actually be used as intended. Because the plan was always long-term, remote travel, the build philosophy from day one was reliability first. Nothing was done to flip the truck or dress it up for a quick sale. Every major system has been addressed with that in mind. I have been driving it daily, and I wouldn’t think twice about driving it around the world. It needs nothing and is in perfect working order. We purchased this from the original owner, and I have maintenance records going back to new. The engine was ‘refreshed’ at 100,000 miles. It’s no show car; it’s a 28-year-old Land Rover that lived its whole life in Africa, and while it has no major body damage or rust, it does have some scrapes and blemishes, inside and out. But I would rate both the interior (freshly steam cleaned) and exterior a 7/10. Just passed Colorado emissions in February 2026.”

1998 Land Rover Defender 110:

The Defender is fitted with the 300Tdi engine, which in stock form produces 111 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque (this example has been overhauled/upgraded, with full details here). A dependable motor is matched with legendary capability thanks to full-time 4WD, high and low range, a center locking differential, a lifted and uprated suspension, armor, and a snorkel. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with driver comforts that include:

Power steering
USB and 12-volt outlets
Center console with cupholders
Continental stereo
MPH overlay sticker on speedometer
Stainless steel door catches, hood bolts, and shift knobs
Techno cloth interior
Air-conditioning
New sun visors
Alpine window seals

Distinguishing Features

Below is a selection of the work/modifications invested in this rig. See the original listing for full details:

Old Man Emu Standard Duty suspension kit and steering damper
New steering drop arm with ball joint, tie-rod ends, panhard rod bushings, radius arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, and rebuilt swivel hubs with new bearings, seals, and preload adjustment
Black Wolf steel wheels with Falken Wildpeak AT4W tires (5) and stainless black ProLine wheel nuts, new axle hub caps, and Apex quick deflate valve stems
Safari 4×4 snorkel
Front Runner stainless-steel water tank
Vevor diesel air heater
Front Runner rear cargo drawer
New front and rear brake pads, rear anti-squeal shims, and new wheel bearings
New fender flares and mud flaps
Front Runner stainless steel auxiliary fuel tank
Fresh roof paint
Front and rear differential service (and galvanized fill/drain diff plugs), main tensioner replaced, oil pan re-sealed, valve adjustment with new valve cover gasket and washers, vacuum pump, and oil separator
New 100-amp-hour alternator

This 1998 Land Rover Defender 110 is listed for $43,000 and is currently located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.