For Sale: 1983 Land Rover Defender in O'Fallon, Illinois

Gateway Classic Cars of San Antonio/Austin is proud to present this 1983 Land Rover Defender. Though inspired by the World War II jeep, the Land Rover immediately distinguished itself from all other cars. From launch, it was the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car with doors on it, and an available hard roof. Contrary to conventional car and truck chassis, it used a sturdier fully box-welded frame. Furthermore, due to post-war steel shortage, and aluminum surplus, Land Rovers received non-rusting aluminum alloy bodies, favoring their longevity. This Series III has a South American in origin but was brought back to Florida and then Texas. This Rover has only 39,232 kilometers although the odometer doesn't work so the real mileage is unknown. The exterior is finished in a nice Beige Glasurit paint with beautiful black interior. The original and still featured champion of go-anywhere/do-anything sports utility has to be the evergreen Land Rover. This remarkable 1983 Land Rover Series III Santana is a seldom seen treat here in the US, but around the world, on the most forbidding terrain, in the loneliest places, these trucks have been grinding their way into history. Distinctive styling with recessed grille, flat windshield, close set headlights, flat plane sheet metal and huge steering wheel, are some of the most distinctive styling clues in the 4x4 community. Wherever you are going, the Land Rover will get you there. Admittingly not built for speed, but the stout 2.25L inline-4 diesel performs well. The manual gear box is synchronized in all gears and the 2-speed transfer case allows you to crawl over obstacles that would disable a Hummer. You'll pull plenty of looks with this former safari vehicle as you determine what new adventures this car is ready for.