The Car
This 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 is a rare Eastnor Edition, one of just 100 examples produced by Land Rover France to celebrate the legendary Eastnor Castle proving grounds. Finished exclusively in AA Yellow and specified in left-hand drive, the Eastnor was developed for lifestyle-focused customers seeking a more refined and visually distinctive Defender 90, without compromising on mechanical simplicity or off-road capability.
This example, VIN: SALLDVAF8MA964227, was first registered in September 1996 as a dealer demonstrator in France. It has since passed through three private owners and now shows a documented 88,232 miles. The vehicle has recently undergone a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration with attention to detail throughout, while preserving much of its original finish and character.
Contrôle technique (CT) - Safety inspection history:
10/19/2000 – 50,108 km
12/22/2004 – 83,645 km
11/02/2005 – 88,633 km
09/01/2009 – 108,415 km (Pollution check)
08/31/2010 – 112,865 km
09/07/2011 – 117,031 km (Pollution check)
09/06/2012 – 121,105 km
09/11/2013 – 124,759 km (Pollution check)
11/19/2014 – 131,086 km
10/14/2016 – 133,922 km
12/02/2022 – 138,515 km
Exterior
The Eastnor Edition was styled to reflect the visual appeal of the North American Specification (NAS) Defenders, sharing its bold AA Yellow paintwork while forgoing the external roll cage cutouts for a cleaner European profile.
This example retains its original:
Removable fibreglass hardtop
A-frame nudge bar with twin spotlights
Side-hinged rear tailgate with swing-away spare wheel carrier
Factory-applied Eastnor Edition decals
The paintwork is predominantly original, with only the bonnet, rear tailgate, and body cappings refinished to match. Panel fit and finish are excellent throughout, and the exterior presents with genuine character and authenticity while benefiting from careful detailing.
Interior
The interior remains in its original configuration with seating for three across the front, a layout chosen for VAT compliance in the French commercial market at the time. Cabin features include:
Original dashboard, door cards, and headlining, cleaned and restored
Factory single-hoop internal roll bar with 90° brace bars
Trim elements refurbished as needed, with hardware replaced where worn
The overall feel remains correct to period, with small refinements made to improve cabin comfort and usability without detracting from originality.
Mechanical Overview
Power comes from the trusted 2.5L 300Tdi Non EGR diesel engine, known for its low-end torque and reliability, paired with the durable R380 5-speed manual gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive with locking centre diff.
Recent works include:
Chassis sandblasted, repaired, and powder-coated
Bilstein dampers, HD steering arms and polyurethane bushings fitted
Full braking system overhaul including new calipers, discs, and lines
Renewed wheel bearings, seals, and gaskets
New clutch assembly
Water pump, timing belts, and engine seals replaced
Complete fluid and filter service
Interior trim, fasteners, and hardware restored or replaced where necessary
All mechanical systems have been tested, with the vehicle driving exceptionally well, responsive, composed, and true to its original mechanical character.
Summary
The Defender 90 Eastnor Edition occupies a unique space within the Defender lineup, a rare, market-specific variant that brought NAS-inspired styling to the European diesel platform. With just 100 units produced, its appeal lies in its limited production, standout colour, and considered factory specification.
This example benefits from:
Matching-numbers 300Tdi drivetrain
Left-hand drive configuration
Documented mileage and ownership
A blend of original paintwork with targeted cosmetic refinishing
Recent full mechanical restoration with strong attention to detail
Ideal for collectors or enthusiasts seeking a Defender that stands out without being overbuilt, it remains both highly usable and historically significant.
For further details, export options, or to arrange a viewing, please get in touch.
