The Car
Built on the 24th of August 1994 in Solihull, England, this Land Rover Defender 90 began life as an export model destined for Land Rover España SLU. Now beautifully finished in Fiji White (LRC867) with a striking Santorini Black (1AG) roof, wheel arches, and front grille, this Defender presents as an extraordinary and unique example. What sets it apart is its seamless re-bodying with an L316 Defender 90 SW Puma body, which rolled off the Solihull production line on the 4th of December 2015—just two months before the beloved L316 ceased production on the 29th of January 2016. This rare body reflects one of the final chapters in the iconic 90/110 L316 lineage.
The restoration began with a highly original, one-owner vehicle from Valenciana, Spain. The Defender was meticulously stripped to its bare chassis, which was then sandblasted, primed with a durable 2K epoxy, and finished with a satin black topcoat. The axles were dismantled, repainted in satin black, and reassembled. Differentials were disassembled, inspected for wear and new bearings fitted. The original AP Lockheed brake calipers have been fully refurbished, while all brake lines were inspected and replaced where necessary. The braking system has been further modernized with new Puma-era components, including a genuine factory brake servo, master cylinder, and associated lines, ensuring optimal performance.
The suspension has been entirely renewed with uprated shock absorbers, OEM springs, and fresh mounts. The steering system received similar attention, with a refurbished steering box and new ball joints.
This Defender rides on a striking set of ECD – ICON 7 forged aluminum wheels, finished in a classic Land Rover style, paired with brand-new BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires (265/85R18), making it as capable off-road as it is stunning on-road.
Inside, the interior adheres to the factory specification of the 2015 Puma body, featuring a refined Graphite trim with durable Denim vinyl upholstery. The station wagon configuration benefits from a factory optioned rear bulkhead delete for enhanced legroom, reinforced with a strengthening bar. Two individual forward-facing fold up Puma seats, also finished in Denim vinyl, provide practicality and comfort in the rear. The custom instrument binnacle integrates the original 300 TDI analog dials into the modern Puma cluster, while all switches and gauges are new, genuine Puma components.
Mechanically, this Defender is as robust as its exterior suggests. The dependable 300 TDI engine underwent a comprehensive top-end rebuild, including a newly machined cylinder head and a new turbocharger. All ancillary components—timing belt, oil pump, water pump, starter motor, and alternator—were replaced, while the injection pump was professionally rebuilt. A new radiator and intercooler complete the drivetrain overhaul, ensuring reliability for years to come.
This Defender 90 is truly one-of-a-kind, a masterful blend of the timeless 300 TDI drivetrain and chassis with the admired Puma-era body. Whether for adventure or admiration, this meticulously restored and thoughtfully updated vehicle is one exceptional Land Rover.
Delivery & Paperwork
This vehicle is physically located in Easton PA and US titled. We can offer nationwide shipping. Please call or email for a delivery quotation.
History Of The Land Rover
The Land Rover Series range, originating in 1948, evolved into the Defender model, officially launched in 1983 and concluding its continuous run in January 2016 after an impressive 67-year history. Initially inspired by the US-built Willys Jeep post-World War II, Land Rovers gained widespread longevity, with a claim in 1992 that 70% of all vehicles ever manufactured were still in use. Throughout its production span, the Defender and Series ranges maintained a distinctive international presence, being exported, manufactured, and produced under license by various companies in diverse markets. These markets included Australia, Southern and North Africa, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, Malaysia, and more.
In a strategic move to tap into the US market, Land Rover entered the North American scene in 1993, following the successful introduction of the Range Rover brand in 1987. This move aimed to provide a sophisticated alternative to the Jeep Wrangler, catering to adventurous buyers. However, economic challenges led Land Rover to withdraw from the North American and Canadian markets in 1997. The Defenders offered in the US during the 90s underwent significant modifications compared to those destined for Land Rover’s other export markets. Subsequent amendments to federal safety regulations ultimately compelled Land Rover to entirely remove the Defender from the US market in 1997. Consequently, the company redirected its focus towards the production of upmarket Discovery and Range Rover models, built from the ground up.
