RESERVE LOWERED: 1987 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 SOFT TOP 3.5 V8 - FULL RESTORATION

This Land Rover Defender 90 Soft Top is a superb customised example of the iconic utility vehicle, which has been fully rebuilt from the ground up and is presented in excellent overall condition. Under the bonnet is an original Land Rover 3.5-litre V8 engine, which produces around 134bhp and 185lb-ft of torque, and drives all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 169,751 miles; however, this bespoke Defender has covered just 123 miles since the completion of its restoration and upgrade programme.

First registered in September 1987, this Defender was initially refurbished in 2011 by Land Rover expert Derek Allfrey, before vehicle customiser Vintage Reborn turned its attention to giving it a retro-modern refresh, which was completed in late December 2020. After stripping it down, they replaced its body panels – save for the front wings and rear tub – before repainting the entire vehicle and replacing the seats with bespoke Series style items in leather, with stitching matching the external paint work. The engine and gearbox were also serviced to ensure this rugged off-roader has reliable performance to match its stylish looks.

Today, the bodywork presents extremely well, and is free of any prior accident damage, with flush, even shut lines. Blending classic and more modern Defender design touches, this Soft Top features a genuine Land Rover Puma-generation bonnet and ‘Series’ doors with removable tops, as well as a number of custom features. Originally finished in silver, the vehicle has been fully resprayed in the classic Ferrari hue of Rosso Rubino, with silver Vintage Reborn ‘VR’ logos hand-painted on the sides of its bonnet. The paintwork is in impressive, unblemished condition, and is accented by black trim items including the stainless-steel front grille, headlight guards and chequer plate panels which are fitted to the sills and the tops of the front wings.

Provided by Land Rover specialist Exmoor Trim, the new black fabric hood is in excellent condition, and fits well over the heavy-duty frame below. The car also comes with a new bikini hood for the summer months. This Defender 90 rides on a set of new 16-inch steel wheels, which are in great shape, with no kerb scratches or marks on their satin black paintwork. All four have been pushed further out into the wheel arches by a set of spacers, which help to give this Defender a more purposeful stance.

In the cabin, this refreshed 4x4’s seats have been fully re-trimmed in fluted black leather, which is accented by red stitching. All three of the front seats are in excellent order, with no marks or damage of any kind. Ahead, the wood-rimmed steering wheel provides an enjoyably tactile touchpoint, and the dashboard and gauges feature an attractive light patina – and to complete the look the top panel is trimmed in black leather. In the rear, folding benches provide additional seating for up to four passengers, and have been upholstered in hardwearing black vinyl, which presents well.

Security is provided via an up-to-date Category 5 tracker with digital app controls, with a subscription that can be transferred to the new owner at an annual cost of £149. The rear heater element has also been converted to function as a discreet engine isolator switch. All of the vehicle’s buttons, switches and electrical items are reported to work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Mechanically, this Land Rover is in great shape, and was treated to a full service in December 2020 by Vintage Reborn, following its restoration. The 3.5-litre V8 engine fitted has been tuned and enhanced with the addition of a custom-made stainless-steel exhaust manifold and a full stainless-steel exhaust system, while the vehicle’s stopping power has been improved via a full disc-brake conversion.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 5 December 2020 at 169,470 miles, resulting in a clean, first-time pass. All four wheels are fitted with Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tyres, which the vendor states are brand new.

This retro-modern Defender will be accompanied by an invoice from Vintage Reborn, detailing its full rebuild and specifications, and with a Heritage Certificate.

Marrying elements of classic and more modern Land Rover Defenders in one stylish package, this 90 Soft Top is a unique custom-built 4x4, which has been finished to a high standard and is fitted with the desirable and rare 3.5-litre V8. Completed in December 2020, it is in excellent condition, and will make a stylish and dependable addition to any Land Rover enthusiast’s collection.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.