Overview
Offered here is a rare “survivor” 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi, presented in factory-original Alpine White over a newly upgraded Lucari leather interior. This left-hand-drive example is a true matching-numbers vehicle with its original paintwork still intact — a rarity for any Defender, let alone one that’s 30 years old.
Sourced directly from Tuscany, Italy, where it lived a pampered, corrosion-free life with just two owners from new — the second of whom cared for it over 27 years — this 90 offers the perfect blend of originality and usability, with a sympathetic mechanical and cosmetic refresh completed in 2024.
Exterior
The bodywork remains remarkably straight and rust-free, wearing its original factory Alpine White paint. Panels, graphics, and trim have all been preserved with care. The weak factory rear door was upgraded to a later-style unit and correctly painted to match. Hinges were replaced with TD5-style originals and uprated front hinges fitted.
Exterior highlights include:
Factory-original Alpine White paint
Original graphics, Britax mirrors, and Wipac Quadoptic headlamps
New-style rear door painted to match
Upgraded front door hinges
All steel brackets and fixings stripped and refinished to prevent corrosion
Powertrain
This 90 is powered by the legendary 300Tdi turbocharged diesel engine, widely regarded as one of Land Rover’s most reliable and globally serviceable units — favoured by explorers, NGOs, and overland fleets alike.
Key mechanical details:
Original, matching-numbers 300Tdi engine
Recently serviced and fully inspected
5-speed R380 manual gearbox
LT230 transfer case
Tuscan dry-climate history — no corrosion or mechanical degradation
The drivetrain delivers confident torque, relaxed highway cruising, and excellent off-road gearing.
Chassis & Suspension
The original chassis is completely corrosion-free, structurally untouched, and free from any past welding — an exceptional example. It has been cleaned and refinished in satin black to retain its originality while restoring its visual appeal.
Suspension & braking system upgrades:
Chassis stripped, cleaned, refinished in satin black
Axles removed and refinished
New Land Rover factory coil springs
Bilstein shock absorbers front and rear
Polyurethane bushes throughout
Front brake overhaul: new discs, pads, and braided brake lines
Rear brakes in excellent condition
All wheel bearings serviced and re-sealed
Bilstein steering damper and HD zinc-plated steering rods with new track rod ends
Wheels & Tyres
The Defender sits on a set of 5 heavy-duty Wolf steel wheels, known for their durability and military-spec strength.
16″ MOD-spec Wolf steel wheels
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R 235/85 R16 tyres
Stainless steel wheel lugs
Heavy-duty rock sliders
Swing-away rear spare carrier (relieves tailgate stress)
Interior
The interior has been tastefully upgraded while retaining the Defender’s purposeful charm. The focus was on comfort, acoustic refinement, and classic styling.
Interior features include:
Lucari Solutions full-grain leather seats (front and rear)
Matching leather centre console
4x rear safari-style inward-facing jump seats
Exmoor Trim moulded matting system — covers floors, seat boxes, tunnel, and bulkhead
Later-style Puma leather steering wheel
Headliner and crash pads re-trimmed in Alcantara (light grey/dark grey contrast)
Closed-cell sound deadening under all surfaces including roof
Rear loadspace trimmed in OEM Land Rover rubber matting
Rear wheel arches and floor soundproofed and insulated
The result is a cabin that feels more refined while maintaining its rugged origins.
Provenance & History
First registered 5 April 1995 in Tuscany, Italy
Just two owners from new
The second owner cared for the vehicle for 27 years as his only car
Sourced directly from Florence, Italy
Matching numbers chassis and engine
Original paintwork intact
Recently refreshed mechanically and cosmetically in the U.S.
Comes with Italian registration history and ownership paperwork
Summary
This is an exceptional example of a classic 300Tdi Defender 90 — uncommonly original and beautifully preserved. With its matching numbers, original Alpine White finish, and sympathetic mechanical overhaul, it stands out as one of the most honest and usable left-hand-drive Defenders on the market.
With its Tuscan dry-climate history, Lucari interior, and off-road-ready upgrades, this is the perfect candidate for enthusiasts seeking originality without compromise on daily drivability or adventure readiness.
