2014 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 HARD TOP 'BOWLER' - VAT Q

This Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top is a discerningly upgraded example of the iconic 4x4, which is presented in excellent condition throughout. Under the bonnet is the 2.2-litre DT224 diesel engine, now producing around 175hp and 332lb-ft of torque following a Bowler Stage 1 ECU remap, with permanent four-wheel drive via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 28,015 miles from new.

First registered on 29 October 2014, this Defender has three previous keepers on the V5C. It was acquired by the vendor in September 2017.

This Defender was dispatched to renowned Land Rover specialist Bowler, to be treated to a range of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. As well as the aforementioned engine remap, which adds much greater driveability thanks to the power and torque boost, the Defender was also fitted with 18-inch wheels and BFGoodrich tyres, plus a revised front bumper and rock sliders along the sills.

Other upgrades include a NAS rear bumper and tow fitting, a steering guard, stainless steel bolt kit, stainless steel headlight rings, LED Trucklite headlamps, Lazer driving lamps, and LED side lights. There is also a Mantec spare wheel carrier, and Optimill billet windscreen blocks. Inside, the Defender has been equipped with stainless steel door tread plates, plus MUD rear quarter panels in the loading area, and extensive sound deadening.

Today, its bodywork remains in excellent condition, with no sign of any damage whatsoever, and with its smart Corris Grey paint still in superb order. There are a few stone chips on the wings below the headlights, and on the bonnet around the badging, but overall this Land Rover presents very well indeed. The upgraded wheels, bumpers, and rock sliders give this Defender an even more purposeful stance.

Stepping inside, the interior trim remains almost entirely original, featuring the XS specification half-leather seats for driver and passenger. The upholstery is in very good condition, showing only minimal wear and surface creasing to the seat bases and bolsters. The steering wheel has been swapped out for a sporty Momo item, the rear loading bay floor is fully protected with rubber matting, and the MUD side panels are in excellent order. As an XS model, the Defender is fitted with air-conditioning and heated seats, and there are no electrical faults.

Its last scheduled maintenance was a ‘C service’ in August 2020 at 24,749 miles, carried out by Gibsons Auto Services in Ayrshire. The engine was flushed, and the oil and filter were replaced, along with the fuel filter and air filter. All of the other under-bonnet fluids were topped up as needed, as well as the transmission oil, and the propshaft joints were all greased. The brakes were refurbished with new retainer/spring kits, and new genuine Land Rover mirror arms were fitted.

In September 2019 at 15,008 miles, Gibsons Auto Services carried out another comprehensive service. While the Defender was in the workshop, its rock sliders, front bumper, and NAS rear step were all removed to be sandblasted, galvanised and powder-coated in satin black. The rear cross-member and air-conditioning condenser framework were also repainted in satin black. The complete underside has also been given a Waxoyl protection treatment.

The most recent MOT test was on 28 August 2020 at 24,749 miles, which resulted in a clean first-time pass. In fact, the Defender has never failed an annual inspection, nor had even a single advisory - strong evidence of a car that has been very well maintained. The BFGoodrich tyres are date-coded to 2015, and remain in very good condition with ample tread.

This Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top is a smart example of a hugely capable off-roader, which now has enhanced on-road performance thanks to its Bowler Stage 1 upgrade. The visual enhancements add a further bespoke touch to this British automotive icon, and its excellent maintenance history means it is now ready for many more miles in the hands of its next owner.

Summary of service history:

• 23/10/2014 - 4 miles - Pre-delivery (Stourbridge Land Rover)
• 18/04/2016 - 611 miles (Shukers Land Rover, Wilmslow)
• 20/08/2018 - 8,013 miles (Gibsons Auto Services, Ayrshire)
• 02/09/2019 - 15,008 miles (Gibsons Auto Services, Ayrshire)
• 28/08/2020 - 24,749 miles (Gibsons Auto Services, Ayrshire)

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