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- Chassis # SALDV324XVA102565
- Engine # 30G301A
- Desirable North American Specification No. 176
- Showing a Well Cared For 209,491 Miles From New
- Delivered New To California & Residing There Until 2019
- Offered With BMIHT Certificate, Original Manuals, Service Book, Jack, Spare, Tools, Wheel Locks, Chock, and Seat Covers
The Overview
History
Few off-roaders hold the same pedigree and name recognition as the Land Rover Defender. The Land Rover One Ten of 1983 started a legacy that continues to this day with the unveiling of the 2020 Land Rover Defender. But just like today in Land Rovers Contemporary offering, we see both the Defender 110 and the Defender 90 filling both a need and a market segment.
If we turn the clock back a few decades, the first change to the model came in 1990 when it gained the “Defender” moniker thanks to the introduction of its sibling, the Discovery. A plethora of engine choices were offered, depending on the region, ranging from a 2.8 L BMW M52 I6 to a 3.9L and 4.0L Rover V8 or various displacement turbodiesels. The Defender also continued the naming scheme of its predecessor, with the Defender 90 representing the shorter wheelbase of around 93 inches.
1997 marked the final year of NAS Defender 90 production, with those models benefiting from a 4.0L V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It is reported that around 1000 hardtop examples were produced, with 326 of them being in Alpine White.
This Car
This particular example, Chassis # SALDV324XVA102565, is one such 1997 Defender 90. According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate on hand It was built on October 16, 1996, as a North American export in Alpine White over an Ash Grey Twill interior. On October 22 of the same year, it was sent to Land Rover in Newport Beach, CA, where it was registered to its first owner in February of 1997. The first owner held on to this Defender 90 for nearly 6 years and meticulously adhered to the recommended service intervals in the service book with the help of Land Rover Newport Beach. The last stamp was at 90,000 miles in February 2003 at Land Rover Thousand Oaks, a month after they sold the SUV to a Malibu dealership (incorrectly counted as the third owner on the CARFAX Report). The actual Second owner purchased the Defender in August 2003 with 91,711 miles, although no records are on file from their ownership. In November 2003, a fourth owner was reported at 100,000 miles, and they went on to own it for nearly ten years, adding over 60,000 miles to the odometer. The CARFAX Report shows regular service visits to Silver Star Motor Company in Westlake Village, CA, attesting to the fact that regular maintenance can keep a car running indefinitely.
The fifth owner took possession in February 2014 and held on to the Land Rover until December of that year. There is a single service record reported on the CARFAX under their ownership in November 2014 at Yorks & Lancs Automotive in Chatsworth, CA, when the exhaust pipe, hood release cable, and radiator fan were replaced. The seventh owner purchased this Defender 90 in December 2014 with 170,201 miles on the odometer. They enjoyed it until October 2018. Then in January 2019, and showing 206,988 miles, the Defender was purchased by its current owner. A Philadelphia based enthusiast with an extensive and diverse collection.
As it sits, this is a well loved example and thanks to long-term CA living it is rust free and in excellent condition, especially for the miles. This particular D90 has seen a lot of service and care over the years, with the current collector owner continuing that maintenance until today. Offered with the sale are the BMIHT Certificate, original manuals, stamped service book, jack, spare, tools, wheel locks, chock, and seat covers.
The Market
The Details
exterior
body and paint
This Defender 90 appears to be mostly if not all original paint from a visual inspection. It is straight down the sides with all of the factory spot welds and rivets clearly visible. There are various paint chips, dents, scratches to be found here or there on just about every panel. Along with touchups as well. However, it is all in keeping with the consistency this Defender shows throughout. It would not make any sense to try and improve upon the condition, rather it is in a very inviting condition, ready to use and enjoy. Its presentation is respectable and authentic.
glass and trim
The glass all appears to be original to the vehicle with the only item to note being the windscreen which is peppered throughout. All of the rubber trim pieces and seals are in excellent condition and still doing their job. The only exception to this is the top ¼ windows which do show some surface defects on the rubber and have hardened a bit, they do however look complete and continue to seal properly from what we can tell - minor. Otherwise all of the black plastic has little-to-no fading, and all emblems and various trim is present and in good condition.
wheels
The wheels, which are specific to the Defender 90, are all in fair condition overall, as they show some age through a fading finish. Again, in keeping with the consistency of the rest of the vehicle, they should not be touched and present in a manner consistent with the rest of the vehicle.
interior
seats and surfaces
The interior is highly original and in excellent condition considering the mileage. There is wear to be found here or there, a flaw or two, and aged items but with consistency being the key element to the condition of this Defender, we can say that the interior is overall in good condition. The seat covers front and rear show nicely as they have benefited from being covered for many years (covers included). The kick panels, door cards, carpets, center console etc… all show signs of use, wear, and perhaps some flaws such as the hood release cable is a bit stretched. But all commensurate with mileage. However, none of the delicate plastics appear to be cracked! Which we find impressive considering the mileage. A genuine original interior.
functionality and accessories
There is not much to the interior of these Defenders, but what is present from the factory works exactly as intended. Our testing of various functions showed that everything is in correct working order with no issues noted. All knobs, pulls, switches work as intended, all gauges read as they should. The AC turns on, blows cold, and all lighting and HVAC systems are in correct working order. A complete and functioning example.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The engine bay is the recipient of recent cosmetic refurbishment to bring it back to a higher standard. It presents wonderfully with fresh finishes, hardware and services completed as needed during the current ownership. Everything appears to be present, in order, stock and without any obvious issues to note.
Underside
The underside shows off the long-term CA history quite well, dry with some oxidation here or there, but straight and solid with signs of use but not with any obvious needs. A respectable underside.
mechanicals
engine
The engine starts instantly, calms down to a steady idle and holds oil pressure and temperature well. We have seen on occasion during our use that as idle once in a while the oil light will flicker indicating low pressure. A touch of the throttle makes it go away. It could either be that the sensor is bad or perhaps the oil being used is too thin, as it seems to hold excellent oil pressure at all other times.
transmission
The automatic transmission shifts as it should with no slipping or trouble selecting gears. A fitting transmission especially if your intention is for a beach cruiser or around town.
brakes and suspension
The brakes and suspension are what one expects in a purpose built off roader. The suspension is firm but with lots of travel and no unwanted noises. Though we have noted that the tires do rub at full lock. The brakes work well with no pulling upon braking.
tires
The tires are Interco TRXUS M/T 265/75/R16 with date codes of 2015 on all 5. Trade life is ample and the tires remain supple to the touch.
driving experience
The Defender 90 really impresses upon the driver that this vehicle is your “buddy” . It makes you want to drive barefoot and take the long way, where the road doesn’t go. This particular example while showing high mileage is a very well proven example, honest, consistent, and well cared for as to make you feel quite trusting of it. It is a joy to drive and is likely even better off-road. A wonderful addition to any enthusiast's garage, carport, or driveway.