1998 Land Rover Defender 90 50th Anniversary

KEY FACTS

• This Land Rover Defender 90 50th Anniversary is a well-preserved and well cared-for example of the desirable limited-run modern classic 4x4, offered with a solid maintenance history and benefitting from a recent full respray. 
• Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8, delivering around 188bhp to all four wheels via a four-speed ZF automatic transmission. 
• First registered in November 1998, this example has only recently been acquired by the seller and fourth owner, after remaining with its previous owner for 20 years. 
• This Defender 90 50th Anniversary is number 313 of just 385 UK-delivered examples. 
• The odometer shows 98,456 miles from new. 

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• As its name suggests, the Defender 90 50th Anniversary was a limited-edition model released to celebrate the marque’s 50-year anniversary, and was the first model to be fitted with an automatic transmission outside of North America, and also featured a desirable NAS-style rear step.  
• As with all 50th Anniversary models, this example is finished in the appealing hue of Atlantis Blue, with contrasting aluminium chequer plate on the upper front wings, side sills, rear step, and lower rear quarter panels.  
• Inside, the cabin features grey half vinyl and patterned Exmoor cloth upholstery, with a black dashboard, and a unique numbered plaque just behind the gear shifter. 
• It rides on a set of 16-inch ‘Freestyle’ alloy wheels finished in pewter grey with anodised lips, and shod in Runway Enduro A/T tyres. 
• Equipment includes an external front roll cage, a grey leather-trimmed steering wheel, basic heater and ventilation controls, electric front windows, a twist-up sunroof, and air conditioning. 
• This example is fitted with a chrome front A-bar, twin Land Rover-branded front spotlights, and an aftermarket JVC CD stereo with auxiliary input. 
• The car comes with original 50th Anniversary-branded black leather wallet with the owner’s manuals, the stamped service booklet, two keys, the tool roll, pictures of the respray, an old warranty booklet, numberplate transfer documents, a purchase invoice from 2004, the V5C, and a large folder of maintenance invoices and MOT certificates. 

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: some age-related interior blemishes.
• The seller also notes that, while the vehicle was with its previous owner, there was an intermittent mileage display fault, however this did not affect the stored mileage, only the display itself, hence the vehicle’s mileage being unknown at some previous MOT tests. The issue has since been rectified by instrument cluster repair specialist Totaltronics, and the work was guaranteed.
• The vehicle’s last MOT test was conducted on 27 October 2023, which resulted in a second-time pass with a minor defect for the offside front steering linkage ball joint dust cover being damaged or deteriorated, and advisories for the rear inner wheel arch body structures on both sides being corroded but with structural rigidity not significantly reduced, the front bumper mountings being corroded, underbody corrosion, the exhaust system being corroded, a minor leak of exhaust gases from the middle exhaust box, and the nearside front wheel bearing having slight play.
• The seller notes that welding repairs were then carried out to rectify the corrosion issues, and a new front bumper and brackets were fitted in January 2024 when the vehicle was resprayed.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Defender’s most recent maintenance was carried out in February 2024 at 98,408 miles by Land Rover specialist The Thatched Garage Limited, which consisted of an engine oil and filter change, a new rear wiper motor assembly, and replacement rover cover gaskets. 
• Prior to this, the technicians at Custom Coachworx Limited carried out a full glass-out respray in January 2024, which also included the alloy wheels being refurbished. 
• Technicians at Tyresure & Brake Company London Limited carried out welding repairs in October 2023, alongside fitting a new ball joint and fuel cap. 
• A new alternator, alternator belt tensioner, and starter motor were fitted by the technicians at Tyresure & Brake Company London in September 2021 at 96,386 miles. 

Dates and Mileages:

• Jul 1999, 6,000 miles at Testers Limited of Edenbridge
• Jun 2000, 12,080 miles at Testers Limited of Edenbridge
• 18/07/01, 22050 Miles at Southern Counties Garage Crawley
• 22/10/02, 23740 Miles at Gatwick Land Rover Crawley 
• 14/10/03, 44054 Miles at Testers of Edenbridge 
• 01/10/04, 48927 Miles at Hoadley Green Barnet
• 10/09/08, 67532 Miles at Tyresure & Brake co London 
• 19/09/12, 78812 Miles at Tyresure & Brake co London 
• 14/02/15, 85341 Miles at Tyresure & Brake co London 
• 29/03/18, 92467 Miles at Tyresure & Brake co London 
• 24/09/21, 96386 Miles at Tyresure & Brake co London 
• 30/10/23, 98088 Miles at Tyresure & Brake co London 
• 28/02/24, 98408 Miles at The Thatched Garage East Hoathly

SUMMARY

This Land Rover Defender 90 50th Anniversary is a smart and well cared-for example of the limited-run modern classic 4x4, offered with a solid maintenance history and benefitting from a recent full respray. Number 313 of just 385 UK-market examples, with a desirable factory specification, and boasting a capable V8 engine coupled to a smooth-shifting automatic gearbox, it would make a versatile companion for retro daily driving, weekend adventures, and workhorse duties alike. 

The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.  

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section.  

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