1993 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 STATION WAGON

This Land Rover Defender 90 Station Wagon is a smart example of a timeless automotive icon, with relatively low mileage and boasting very reliable mechanicals. It is powered by the 2.5-litre diesel engine, with permanent four-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 63,466 miles from new – and there has previously been a mileage check carried out to verify its history.

First registered in March 1993, this car is from the first phase of ‘Defender’ badged models, having been renamed from ‘Ninety’ and ‘One-Ten’ in 1990. There are just five previous registered keepers on the log book, and it is currently owned by motoring presenter and racing driver, Rebecca Jackson.

This Defender’s bodywork appears to be straight and solid, with good shut lines all around the car. There are some rust spots at the bottoms of the doors, shown in the photo gallery, but otherwise the panels are impressive for a Land Rover that is now 27 years old. As a utility model, it unsurprisingly has patches of remedial paintwork, with some sections touched-in by hand around the door handles, hinges, and windscreen brackets in particular. The door handles are faded, and the black paint on the chequer plate metal has flaked in places. A full respray would transform the exterior, but it is in perfectly serviceable condition. The car rides on the 16-inch five-spoke ‘Boost’ alloy wheels, which are all in good order.

In the cabin, the seats are all trimmed in vinyl with grey cloth panels for the facings. The upholstery is in smart condition given the car’s age, with only modest wear and some small holes in the driver’s seat fabric. There is some paint wear on the top part of the gear selector stick. The grey carpets have a few small marks and stains, but are generally presentable, and there are rubber protective mats in the front footwells and the rear compartment.

The four fold-up seats in the back are also in good condition, and there are lap belts fitted for each. Above the occupants, the headlining has held up well, and there is also a small pop-up sunroof. A more contemporary Sony head unit with CD player, MP3 compatibility, aux-in and iPod connectivity is installed, as is a battery cut-off switch. It is common for Defenders of this age to have several keys and replaced locks; however this example still retains the original key and locks for both front doors and the rear door.

The last scheduled maintenance was in January 2019 at 63,406 miles at PMG Autos in Reading, when the engine, gearbox, differential, and transfer box oils were renewed using Morris lubricants. The brake fluid and wiper arm were also replaced in 2019. In April 2018, the engine oil was changed at 62,562 miles, and in May 2015 the shock absorbers were replaced, along with a washer jet and reversing light. The seller notes that the car is in robust mechanical condition, and that it starts on the first attempt every time.

The last MOT test was carried out on 20 August 2019 at 63,431 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory regarding minor corrosion on the offside rear structure. Its wheels are fitted with Goodyear Wrangler LT235/85 R16 tyres, which the seller notes are around 25% worn. Accompanying the car is the original handbook, service directory, and details of the original supplying dealer. There is also a range of service receipts and bills.

This Land Rover Defender is a highly capable ‘go anywhere’ 4x4, presented in a great factory colour scheme, and with a good service history. The car is a great candidate for some sympathetic cosmetic rejuvenation in due course, but it is ultimately ready to use and enjoy as-is, on or off the road.

All 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.