Built on the 31st of March 1998, in Solihull, England, as an export model destined for Land Rover France. This final year of production of the 300Tdi engine was supplied by NGA Provence 4x4, a Rover-Land Rover Dealer in Marseille, in the south of France to a M. Deschamps. He would keep the Defender until September 2019 covering just over 41,000km, before selling it to its second owner, Mme. Vandenbussche, who lived only around 30 miles away. Mme. Vandenbussche would cover around 6,000 km or 3,800 miles over the next 4 years. This Highlander Edition is finished in Epsom Green metallic, and has covered just 48,500 km, or around 30,000 miles in the hands of its two owners.
The Highlander edition was first introduced in 1996 and built exclusively for Land Rover France. Whilst the exact production numbers are unknown, it is believed only a couple of hundred were built over three years. The Highlander Edition was offered as a top-of-the-range model with metallic paint, in the rather handsome metallic dark green colour of Epsom Green. It was the highest specification Defender available at the time, featuring Metallic Paint with colour coded arches, Sunroof, Tinted Glass, Carpeting throughout the interior, Sunroof, Bumper End-Caps, Alloy Wheels, Front and Rear anti-roll bars and a factory-fitted Cassette Stereo. The Freestyle alloy wheels featured larger 265/75R16 Tyres, which are around an inch wider than the more common 235/85’s and give a greater stance. Special Highlander graphics feature down each side of the Defender. Being such a late production 300Tdi, this vehicle has features more commonly found on Td5’s, including the later-style stronger door hinges, rubber bumper end-caps and threaded bulkhead vent pins. It also features a high-level brake light in the rear door.
The Defenderwas fitted from the factory with a folding rear step, a ‘Land Rover’ tow hook and mud flaps. It also features something incredibly rare which, although I knew that they existed, I’ve never seen fitted to a Defender, which is the engine protection and insulation panels. These live under the engine and gearbox. It also features a pair of plastic inner wheel arches liners over the top of the original galvanised steel ones.
Externally the Defender is in superb condition with only a few age- related marks and blemishes. It still has its original Wipac Quadopic Headlights, LEP side lights, brake lights and indicators, and Britax door mirrors. It featured all the original window glass which has been etched with the chassis number, presumably by the supplying dealer, as the supplying dealer’s name has been added above the number plate light.
The interior is much like you’d expect on any vehicle, that’s covered only 30,000 miles. There is a very minimal amount of wear on the Rayleigh cloth seats, a Trim option that was only offered in the 98MY. It features seating for seven people, with three seats in the front, and four individual rear seats. All seats have seat belts. It was fitted with grey carpeting throughout, rather than the more utilitarian rubber mats. As one of its factory options, the Defender was fitted with the Land Rover branded cassette stereo system, which it still retains today. In order to help preserve the original carpets, we have installed a new set Land Rover rubber over-mats. The original headlining was just starting to hang down, so it was decided to retrim it in Grey Alcantara. Being such a late model 300Tdi, it has the later-style steering wheel featuring the centre crash pad more commonly found on the Td5’s.
The engine bay, unsurprisingly, is in lovely original condition. Naturally, some components have been replaced over its 25 year life in line with regular maintenance, however, the condition is quite exceptional with all the original stickers and plated metal finishes still in place. The chassis is in remarkable condition as might be expected, with all the original marking and stamping very clearly visible. It still has its original springs and ‘Land Rover’ shock absorbers. We have upgraded the steering arms for heavy duty versions and fitted a Bilstein steering damper.
Since entering our ownership the Defender has covered just shy of 1200km, or around 800 miles and it drives beautifully. It has had a new Cambelt/Timing Belt fitted and all oils (engine, gearbox, transfer case and axles) have been replaced, as well as the coolant and brake fluid. It has a great annual inspection history or Controle Technique back to 2003 when the system started, which also shows mileage gently climbing throughout its life. It has its two original sets of keys including the factory immobiliser remotes, and its original book pack and jack and original locking wheel nuts , and even its original tool kit which is unopened!
