The Car

This 1999 Land Rover Defender 90 is a highly original left-hand drive example, finished in its factory Coniston Green with an Alpine White roof and wearing its Highlander Edition decals. Delivered new to Côte d’Azur in the south of France, it has covered just 95,000 miles from new and remains remarkably well preserved throughout. Recently treated to a sympathetic restoration, it’s a sharp and mechanically sorted truck that retains much of its original paintwork and character, ideal for daily use or weekend escapes.

Powertrain

Under the bonnet is the original TD5 engine, Land Rover’s legendary five-cylinder turbo diesel, known for its strong torque, long-legged drivability, and robust internals. This one has been well maintained, with a stamped service book confirming regular attention since new. Recent work includes:

Wet injector loom replacement
Oil pump inspection and torque check
Full compression test
Full engine service with fresh oil and filters
Coolant system flush and refill
Injector harness replacement
Gearbox, transfer case, and axle oils all replaced

The drivetrain has been thoroughly inspected and performs exactly as a good TD5 should, smooth and responsive.

Chassis, Suspension & Steering

Originally registered just outside Cannes, the chassis remains in structurally excellent shape, having benefited from a dry climate and careful ownership. As part of its recent refresh, the rear crossmember has been professionally replaced and refinished in satin black with stainless fixings. Rear cappings have also been renewed.

Suspension and steering systems have been overhauled with long-term use in mind:
New shock absorbers
Bilstein steering damper
Refreshed swivel seals and drop links
Radius arm and chassis bushes replaced
Heavy-duty steering arms fitted
Half shafts and bearings inspected

Brakes & Wheels

The braking system has been fully gone through:
Brake lines replaced where needed
Calipers replaced
New brake discs and pads fitted where required

It rides on factory-correct wheels and maintains its original stance, with a focus on mechanical reliability over visual modification.

Exterior

One of the standout features of this example is the originality of its bodywork. The Coniston Green finish remains largely untouched across most panels and has been professionally polished to bring back its depth. The original Highlander decals remain in place, adding subtle distinction. 

Additional exterior works include:

Refinished rear tailgate and body cappings
TD5-style hinges across all doors
Powder-coated front bumper with new rubber end caps
Windscreen blocks and sills replaced
Stainless fasteners used throughout
Lighting clusters replaced with OEM units

The result is a Defender that looks crisp without losing its factory patina — just the way we like them.

Interior

Inside, the cabin has been carefully refreshed to improve comfort without compromising originality. Key upgrades include:
New synthetic Alcantara headliner
Rebuilt front seats with new foams and upholstery
OEM rubber floor mats
New OEM rear sliding windows.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Blaupunkt Madrid head unit paired with OE-spec Land Rover under-dash speakers

Documentation & Provenance

This example is believed to be part of the rare Highlander Edition, produced exclusively for Land Rover France between 1996 and 1999. While exact production figures remain unconfirmed, it’s estimated only a few hundred were built. This one forms part of the final stages of production, given it utilises the TD5 engine which had just been launched. The Highlander was the highest-spec Defender of its day, finished in metallic Epsom Green and featuring colour-coded arches, alloy wheels, sunroof, tinted glass, and bumper end caps.

It has covered 95,000 miles from new and retains its original dealer-stamped service book, documenting consistent maintenance over its lifetime. Additionally, the vehicle has passed regular Contrôle Technique inspections in France, a mandatory biennial roadworthiness test which further support its documented mileage and mechanical upkeep:

10/2020 – Counter-visit (retest) – Favorable at 144,770 km
10/2019 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 137,863 km
02/2018 – Pollution Inspection – Favorable at 133,539 km
01/2017 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 121,495 km
02/2016 – Pollution Inspection – Favorable at 111,081 km
05/2015 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 100,832 km
09/2014 – Pollution Inspection – Favorable at 92,518 km
06/2013 – Counter-visit (retest) – Favorable at 82,070 km
05/2013 – Pollution Inspection – Favorable at 80,569 km
12/2011 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 76,629 km
10/2009 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 70,445 km
05/2008 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 64,571 km
11/2007 – Pollution Inspection – Favorable at 60,962 km
11/2006 – Periodic Inspection – Favorable at 56,599 km
09/2005 – Pollution Inspection – Favorable at 49,746 km