2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 HERITAGE EDITION

This Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage edition is a cherished limited-run example of the legendary British 4x4. Under the bonnet lies a 2.5-litre Td5 engine, driving all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with high and low-range gearing. The odometer reads 128,363 miles.

First introduced in 1998, the Heritage edition cars were built by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to celebrate 50 years of the Defender. This example is believed to be one of only 76 Defender 90s in the Atlantic Green hue, making it a rare example of the rugged off-roader. First registered on 7 March 2000, this UK-market example has been in the hands of the current vendor for the past 13 years.

Finished in the Heritage-only shade of Atlantic Green, this example’s paintwork is believed to be original to the car. The finish is free of any major damage, though does show signs of oxidisation in places including the front wings, as well as the usual surface rust visible on the hinges of Defenders from this era. The car received a full rust-proofing treatment from renowned specialist ‘Before ‘n’ After’ in 2008, and the bulkhead is reported to remain in excellent condition. It has also received Waxoyl underbody protection on three occasions during the current ownership.

These models differed from others with the inclusion of special features such as green leather upholstery, cream-coloured instrument dials, an aluminium gear knob and a retro-styled front grille. Its body-coloured 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels remain in excellent condition, with no kerbing marks.

The Land Rover’s rugged cabin remains in fair order for its age and mileage, with the green leather on the three front seats and four fold-up rear seats showing having some creasing and surface cracking – though it could be significantly improved with a re-connolising treatment. The steering wheel and dashboard also show some wear, while the pop-out sunroof remains in good working order. The vendor adds that there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and that the only fault with the vehicle is that the alarm sensor under the bonnet is currently faulty.

This Land Rover was most recently serviced in September 2019 by the owner, who replaced the engine oil and filter. During the vendor’s ownership, the Defender has been well maintained, with the gearbox oil, antifreeze and intercooler also flushed regularly.

The most recent MOT test was on 11 November 2020 at 127,409 miles. This was a pass, with advisories for oil leaks from the engine and rear differential – which is of course not uncommon with a Defender – as well as wear in the offside front ball joint. Its wheels are shod in General Grabber TR tyres on the front axle and Continental CrossContact items on the rear, and these are said to be in excellent condition with ample tread remaining.

Included in the sale will be the original toolkit as well as the original side steps, with the nearside side step requiring re-tubing. A good history file of invoices is also included, showing the Defender receiving main dealer maintenance up until approximately 100,000 miles.

This Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage edition offers all the practicality and durability of the iconic 4x4, with an added dose of rarity. Presented in highly original condition with a handsome patina, and ready to be pressed into service by its next owner, it is an affordable entry point to Defender 90 ownership that would make a great all-weather modern classic.

The description of this auction lot 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, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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