Built on the 16th of February 2000 in Solihull, England as an export model, destined for Land Rover Italia. This Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon was ordered and purchased by Sergio Corazzin through Gidalcar s.r.l. a Land Rover Concessionary in Treviso in northern Italy for delivery on 29th March 2000. Finished in Coniston Green, this stunning Defender has covered just 36,800 km or just under 23,000 miles from new. Sig. Corazzin, a local from Treviso would keep the Defender until his death, but such was the sentimentality of the vehicle, his partner kept the Defender, although they rarely used it, until it came to us via an Italian dealer, selling it after almost 25 years of family ownership.
According to a copy of the original order form, Sig. Corazzin optioned the Defender with ABS and Freestyle Wheels, and then accessorised it with a Stereo, Fold Down Side Steps, Tow Hitch and a Bull Bar. Being a higher specification vehicle from the factory, it was fitted with carpets throughout and a sunroof.
To say this is probably one of the finest condition and best preserved Defender 110’s is probably an understatement. The vehicle has original paint throughout, (except for the wheels, but more on that later) which is in really lovely condition with just a few marks conducive with its age and mileage. This ‘6-point’ matching numbers vehicle (Chassis, Engine, Gearbox, Transfer Case, Front & Rear Axles) is a true collector-grade quality Defender.
The interior of the vehicle is much like you would expect. There is minimal wear inside, with the only signs of any real use being on the original Land Rover floor mats and some gentle wear on the steering wheel. The front seats are in immaculate condition and show no wear, no doubt helped by the seat covers that were fitted. Behind the front seats, are 60/40 second row seats in matching Techno Cloth, these too are immaculate. In the boot, not one but two overmats were fitted, so naturally the carpets have been very well protected. At some point the original factory stereo was upgraded, though still with a cassette player and the 25+ cassettes of Italian opera that came in the cubby box tell us the type of owner Sig. Corazzin was! We have since replaced this stereo with a retro-modern Blaupunkt Stereo.
The engine bay, unsurprisingly, is in very good condition! This car has been properly maintained throughout his life, so naturally some components have been replaced. However, the condition is very very nice. The Defender has loads of power, the gearbox is wonderfully tight, and it drives beautifully, which I guess you’d expect having barely been run-in at less than 23,000 miles…
The Defender sits on a set of Wolf Wheels colour coded in Coniston Green to match the body. A set of BF Goodrich AT KO2 tyres are fitted, which are our favourite All Terrain tyre. A set of Stainless Steel wheel nuts are fitted and contrast well against the green wheels. The vehicle came on its original Freestyle Alloy Wheels and another testament to its use and condition, is the fact that it still had its original BF Goodrich tires with minimal wear and no cracking! The spare wheel and tyre appears to never have been used!
The Defender was Undersealed at some point early in its life, which has kept the chassis and underbody in wonderful condition. You can even still see where the chassis sticker once was! We have has chassis and drivetrain dry ice blasted to remove the remnants of the underseal. For those that don’t know, dry ice blasting is one of the most extravagant and appropriate processes for the chassis of vehicles. It involves shooting granules of frozen carbon dioxide to remove dirt and coatings. The force of the pellets and the cold shock of being at -80°C carefully removes the underseal and importantly without using water or chemicals!
It has been completely serviced with all fluids changed including the engine oil, gearbox oil, transfer box oil, front and rear differential oils, as well as the brake fluid and coolant. The water pump has also been replaced. Since entering our ownership, the Defender has been driven some 300 miles and needless to say drives beautifully and is ready for many many more miles!
