1987 Land Rover Defender Pick-Up

Background:

The Land Rover Defender Pick-Up is a rugged, utility-focused version of the iconic Defender, designed primarily for off-road performance, durability and versatility. The original Defender was in production from 1983–2016, with minor updates over the decades. It was powered by various diesel and petrol engines, including the Tdi, Td5 and later Puma (Ford) engines.

The pick-up versions of the Defender are usually referred to as:

Single Cab Pick-Up – two seats, long load bed.

Double Cab Pick-Up – four seats, shorter bed.

High-Capacity Pick-Up (HCPU) – extended load bed with reinforced chassis for heavy loads.

These were especially popular in farming, military and expedition roles due to their reliability and load-carrying ability.

The Car:

First registered in 1987, this short-wheelbase Land Rover 90 Pick-Up has been under its current ownership since 2023 where it’s affectionately referred to by the vendor as a 'pub car'.

Now finished in a shade of Marine Blue, it features black chequered plates, light surrounds, sills and wheel arches. The vehicle was resprayed in 2008 from its original black and while the paintwork shows signs of wear in places, it adds a rugged charm and character befitting a classic utility vehicle.

It sits on classic Limestone wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, ready for a variety of conditions. Inside, you'll find a grey patterned fabric interior, along with an aftermarket steering wheel and dashboard.

Under the bonnet is a reliable 2.5-litre Isuzu turbo diesel engine, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, complete with low range gearing and four-wheel drive. According to the vendor, the vehicle runs well and is ready to hit the road — or the trail.

It’s worth noting that the vehicle was recorded as stolen and recovered in 2008, though no damage was logged on the HPI register. While documentation is limited to the V5, it does come with a current MOT valid until February 2026, with 'no advisories' listed.

With excellent off-road capability and a practical rear load bed, this Land Rover 90 is equally suited for work or weekend adventures. Whether you're after a daily driver with character or a dependable utility vehicle, this rugged classic is ready to be put to use.

Location: Nr Colchester

Photography: Professional

Seller: Private