The Land Rover Defender
The Defender that we know and love was effectively introduced in 1983, though the actual Defender name was introduced later on in 1991, when the Discovery was launched. The 110 was introduced first in 1983, with the 90 following a year later. Its history can be traced back to 1948 when the Series 1 was introduced. It took over from the Series 3 with multiple vast improvements, delivering a significantly more capable and refined vehicle. The Defender has been produced in a variety of body styles and sizes, and has become one of the most popular and iconic off-road vehicles in history. It was highly successful from the start and went on to become one of the most iconic and beloved 4x4 vehicles of all time.
Over the years the Defender evolved, though it maintained its core identity, introducing uprated brakes, improved engine and gearbox options, and refreshed interior features. It has been used by military, public, and private entities across the globe, and is famous for its durability, ruggedness, and capability in extreme off-road conditions. In 1993 Land Rover decided it was time to take the Defender to the US after the success of the Range Rover since 1987, they felt it could offer a more upmarket alternative to the popular Jeep Wrangler targeting adventurous buyers. It was eventually discontinued globally in 2016 after 33 years in production, and it’s claimed that more 75% of the Defender’s ever produced are still in action around the world.
This Land Rover
First registered in Aix-en-Provence on 31th August 1992 and delivered by Land Rover France SAS. It would stay in Provence till late 2003 when it was purchased by its second keeper Le Domaine de la Rochelierre. A highly regarded vineyard and winemaker in the Languedoc wine region famed for producing Fitou made from a blend of old-vine Carignan, Grenache Noir and Syrah. Enough about the wine! Perhaps more importantly for admirers of the Land Rover the vehicle has resided for the past 29 years entirely between Perpignan and Provence, two of the most southern regions of France known for their temperate wine climate. Unsurprisingly a marvellous area of France for preserving vehicles.
The vehicle was repatriated back to the United Kingdom in July 2020. Where a comprehensive but considerate restoration was undertaken. Starting with a very original and low mileage Portofino Red 2 door 90 pick up, it seemed fitting to preserve an element of its factory specification. The vehicle has been cosmetically fully restored with every exterior panel stripped for repainting in the original Portofino Red. The doors have been fully replaced with new series doors complete with satin black door tops to give the option of open summer air motoring. The rear door has been replaced with a Genuine Land Rover NAS swing away Safari door, which is complete with a Genuine wheel carrier. In keeping with the NAS inspiration there are genuine NAS rear light capping’s which allow for oversized NAS rear lights for improved on road visibility, these also allow for the upper European lights to be omitted. Given the vehicle was delivered as a pick up, it seemed most fitting to convert it to soft top specification. In doing so we have fitted a Protection & Performance external & internal NAS cage with roll cage and frame along with rear bulkhead removal kit. P&P Cages one of the few defender roll cage manufacturers that sell a 6 point chassis bolted cage. This offers both style and function with improved safety.
The interior of the vehicle has also been entirely repainted in a matching textured Portofino finish, this gives greater durability and sound deadening, the upper and lower dash have been fully re-trimmed in period correct vinyl. The front doors benefit from NAS styled door cards with net pockets. The vehicle has black vinyl front seats with synthetic suede inserts and black vinyl rear occasional benches. The utilitarian NAS beach look is then finished with Genuine Land Rover rubber matting throughout.
Structurally the vehicle is in exceptional order, the chassis is a true testament to its time in Southern France and benefits from zero corrosion repairs to the frame, along with a factory original crossmember. Not something that many Defenders can boast about. The chassis has never been separated from the body which is another testament to its originality, it has been fully cleaned and treated for longevity. Mechanically the vehicle has been maintained while in France by Garage Pascual Freres in Caves, who are now a Renault main dealer and service centre. The vehicle was last serviced by them in March 2020 prior to our purchase and has more recently been serviced by ourselves. Mechanically the vehicle also benefits from a fully rebuilt LT77 transmission, new clutch and starter motor along with a selection of other engine related auxiliary components and consumables. Bearings, ball j
