1997 Land Rover Defender 90 County 300Tdi

Few vehicles have earned quite the reputation of the Land Rover Defender. Designed with utility and longevity at its core, the Defender became a world-renowned icon through its ability to excel in environments where most vehicles simply could not. By the late 1990s, the Defender 90 represented the most refined iteration of this philosophy, blending agricultural robustness with just enough comfort to make it usable every day, while retaining the character that made it a legend. The ability to look ‘at home’ whether parked in Knightsbridge, covered in mud with a sheep in the back or tackling the sandy deserts of Africa is borderline unparalleled.

This particular example is a 1997 Defender 90 Soft Top and presents in truly exceptional condition. Showing just over 32,000 miles, it has been completely stripped down and rebuilt to an extraordinarily high standard by Land Rover specialists, with every body panel and component removed, restored or replaced where necessary. The axles were dismantled to individual components and rebuilt with new swivels, bearings, stub axles and braking components throughout. Suspension has been comprehensively renewed with new springs, shocks and bushes, alongside a new power steering box and fuel tank.

Power comes from the revered 2.5-litre 300Tdi engine, widely regarded as one of Land Rover’s most dependable powerplants due to the lack of complex electronics. Producing around 111bhp and 265nm/torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, permanent four-wheel drive and a lockable centre differential, it's rightfully prized for its mechanical simplicity, durability and ease of maintenance.

Crucially, this Defender retains its original engine, gearbox, axles and chassis, making it eligible for export to the USA. The original chassis was shot-blasted, zinc primed and powder-coated, preserving originality while ensuring long-term protection. A new galvanised bulkhead, doors, tailgate and cappings have been fitted, with tub cappings hot dip galvanised and finished in silver for lasting appearance.

Finished in Porsche Arctic Grey, the exterior is complemented by new Wolf wheels, a heritage grille, LED lighting and a Safari Equip single-arm spare wheel carrier. The interior is equally impressive, professionally trimmed in tan throughout with front seats, rear inward facing seats and matching cubby box. As a factory County Station Wagon, it remains a genuine six-seater with correct factory seatbelt mounting rails, a detail often lost on converted examples.

The Exmoor Trim Stayfast soft top is a standout feature, offering a far more practical and refined solution than cheaper alternatives, with a simple zip and roll system that transforms usability.

As this fabulous Landy was primarily used as a farm vehicle for the majority of its life, lending to the low-mileage, the early history is missing so while the mileage is almost guaranteed, it unfortunately cannot be warranted.

With bills and invoices on file exceeding £26,000 for the restoration alone, an MOT valid until 18th July 2026, and in a condition that is remarkable both above and below, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a properly restored, low mileage and fabulously well finished Defender that's now ready to go.