The Land Rover Defender, alongside the Toyota Land Cruiser, is widely regarded as the quintessential overlander. This 4WD icon has arguably done more than any other vehicle to promote overland travel and remains one of the best options for round-the-world exploration. It’s a desirable platform and priced accordingly with recent examples including this $43,000 1993 110 200 Tdi, a $70,000 1993 110 Hardtop, and an $88,000 2012 Defender w/ Globe Camper. If you’d like a better idea of how this 4WD can be outfitted for travel then check out Ashley Giordano’s feature piece on Eva Zu Beck’s 2006 Land Rover Defender 110. Alternatively, see how the classic Defender holds up when pitched against the all-new model on the Expedition Portal YouTube channel. One of the reasons I was so drawn to today’s 1984 Defender 90 is that from a distance it’s decidedly understated and unassuming, yet under the surface, this vehicle has undergone a complete overhaul with a huge list of upgrades. In other words, money and time have clearly been spent on mechanicals rather than accessories, and that makes today’s offering the perfect base for a full overland build. Further still, it’s priced at $41,000, which is amazing value considering the specifications (I strongly recommend checking out the original listing linked below which documents all upgrades).
From the Seller:
“Time to let her go. For sale is my ‘1984’ ‘D90’—quotations because there is little if anything left of the original vehicle since the rebuild. A closer spec would be a 95 300TDI except with everything replaced in the last several years. I purchased this defender in 2010 from the owner in Northern Ireland, imported it myself, and drove it for a few years when I [started to have] transmission issues. I began weighing options and decided to have the truck rebuilt with a 300TDI engine and new chassis with fresh paint. I got to work replacing all the wiring and began adding components to make this a dependable Land Rover. The D90 has been great and reliable transportation for the past 10 years and I am sure it will provide the new owner with many more.”
1984 Land Rover Defender 90
The Defender is fitted with the dependable 300Tdi motor that produces 111 horsepower and up to 285 pound-feet of torque. On-road the Defender is tractor-esque, as one would expect, but when the tarmac ends all-terrain capability is excellent courtesy of 4WD, 2-speed transfer case, center locking differential, and more. The stock Defender is decidedly utilitarian but today’s example has been upfitted with driver comforts that include:
- TD5 Premium steering wheel
- Slickshift short shift kit
- TD5 Dash Upgrade
Distinguishing Features
- Old Man Emu shocks
- Boost wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
- Gearmate drawer system
- Webasto Airtop diesel heater
- Masai 4×4 rear tire carrier, side steps, and tinted windows
- Nakatanenga Cargo Bear roof rack
- Rigid Industries LED headlights
This 1984 Land Rover Defender 90 is listed for $41,000 and is currently located in Annapolis, Maryland. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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