2011 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90

This Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top is a smart utility-focused 4x4, which has been substantially revised to custom specification, and which is in very good order. Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre inline-four diesel engine, tuned to around 180bhp and 368lb-ft of torque, with four-wheel drive via six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 62,621 miles, though this will increase slightly as the car is still being used for commuting.

First registered on 29 March 2011, there are three previous keepers on the V5C log book, and it was acquired by the vendor three years ago. Since then, it has been transformed to have the bespoke appearance shown in these photographs, comprising a variety of exterior, interior and mechanical modifications.

Finished in Zermatt Silver from the factory, the vendor advises that the roof was painted in gloss black prior to his ownership. They state that there is some slight paint peel in the gutters along the roof, but that otherwise the finish presents very well. The Defender’s body panels are aluminium, but there is slight bubbling in a few places from galvanic reactions under the surface. Its exterior upgrades include a new front bumper with four LED lights, a gloss black front grille and headlight surrounds, gloss black and silver wing top vents, chequer plate metal body protectors, a rooftop-mounted light bar, and tinted side windows within legal limits.

The door hinges and bonnet hinges have been replaced with higher-grade items in black, the window blocks are upgraded Optimill items, and the wheel arches have been widened by 35mm. It rides on 18-inch satin black Kahn alloys, which are also equipped with 35mm spacers, black centre caps and black wheel nuts. There is a snorkel, black and silver side protection runners, NAS rear bumper step, an Alive Tuning front guard, and gloss black door mirrors and brackets. There are halo lights, smoked LED lights all around the body, and a Kahn twin exit exhaust back box.

Inside, there are LRI heated bucket seats upholstered in full black leather, with perforated centre strips and quilted bolsters and shoulder padding. The LRI cubby box between the seats has also been re-trimmed to match, and all of the leather is in superb condition, with only modest signs of use. The centre console has been upgraded to a gloss black item, with a double-DIN Alpine touch-screen media screen unit, and more powerful speakers. Both front seat boxes are fitted with corner protectors, there are alloy door handles, and while the front foot wells are carpeted, the rear load bay has rubber floor protectors.

The rear bulkhead modification kit means there is more leg room for the front occupants, and there is black film headlining throughout. Ahead of the driver is a quick-release Sparco steering wheel for enhanced security. Due to the aftermarket steering wheel swap, the indicators do not self-cancel, so need to be manually cancelled after turning. Otherwise, there are no electrical faults or foibles, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

Mechanically, this Defender has been upgraded to ride on air suspension per a Range Rover, with three different height settings. This setup greatly improves the on-road ride. The engine is equipped with a hybrid turbocharger, as well as a larger aluminium sport intercooler and upgraded exhaust, and has received a Stage 2 remap from Empire Tuning. There is a Terrafirma steering damper, and stainless steel braided brake lines fitted.

The last scheduled maintenance was in July 2020 at 54,975 miles, when Defender specialist Juice Motors in Sevenoaks changed the engine oil and filter, and installed a K&N air filter. Prior to this it was serviced in August 2019 at 53,830 miles, including an oil service, new oils for the differential, gearbox and transfer case, and fresh brake fluid. During the vendor’s ownership, it has also received new brake discs, pads and callipers.

The most recent MOT test was on 28 November 2020 at 62,686 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories. It has only ever failed an MOT because of a minor lighting fault or incorrect lens, and has never had a single advisory about any other issue than this - a testament to its well-cared for condition. The wheels are fitted with 275/65 R18 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tyres, which are in excellent condition with ample tread.

This Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top is a very smart custom 4x4, which not only boasts a uniquely tailored appearance, but which also has uprated mechanicals to improve the outright performance and road manners. For someone seeking a Defender with a difference, and an urban-biased setup, this could be the perfect match.

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 through HPI checks and MOT history where available. 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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.