Car Overview
Originally delivered via Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, this 1997 Defender 110 was built as part of a fleet allocation, likely ordered by a government, NATO, or UN agency. Specified with the venerable 300Tdi and R380 5-speed gearbox, it remains a matching-numbers example with just 106,645 km (66,288 mi) from new.
The vehicle has since benefited from a comprehensive, itemised $75,000 restoration, completed with a focus on rugged usability and coastal styling. Now fully converted to soft top configuration and presented in Marine Blue, it’s been rebuilt with tasteful upgrades and a modern-retro aesthetic, offering standout curb appeal without sacrificing the Defender’s practical DNA.
With European homologation for its 9-seat configuration, clean CARFAX and CarVertical reports, and EPA & DOT age-based exemption for US import, this is a superb opportunity to own a turn-key, collector-quality utility Defender.
Exterior
Finished in Marine Blue (LRC006), the bodywork is topped with a sand canvas soft top with black interior lining and supported by a heavy-duty, non-integrated roll cage.
Carefully upgraded details throughout include:
● Nakatanenga heritage grille with period-style Land Rover badging
● Body-colour light surrounds and mirrors
● Silver bumper with billet aluminium end caps
● Billet aluminium door handles
● TD5-spec bumper caps and door hinges
● Full LED lighting kit including main headlights
● Heritage-style rear mudflaps with white Land Rover script
● Wolf steel wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2s
Chassis & Underside
The restoration included a full strip-down of the original chassis, which was sandblasted and powder coated in gloss black, preserving its structure and enhancing long-term durability. Underside and mechanical systems were similarly refreshed:
● Fully polybushed suspension
● Heavy-duty anodised steering arms
● Upgraded brakes and hardware throughout
● Stainless fasteners and renewed fixings
● Drivetrain components cleaned, resealed, and protected
Powertrain
Under the bonnet is the factory-original 300Tdi 2.5L Turbo Diesel (engine code 16L), paired with the R380 5-speed manual and LT230 transfer case with centre diff lock:
● Unrebuilt matching-numbers engine, strong compression and great torque
● Known for reliability and simplicity, the 300Tdi is widely considered the ultimate Defender diesel
● Originally fleet-registered and likely maintained under a strict service regime
Interior
Inside, the vehicle has been completely retrimmed with a nod to expedition and open-air driving. The cabin is both refined and resilient:
● Seating for 9: 2 front seats (Land Rover-embossed), 3-seat middle bench, and inward-facing rear benches for 4
● Beige synthetic leather upholstery with hexagon stitching
● Stitched dash top and door cards
● Exmoor-style rubber matting system for insulation and durability
● Closed-cell foam and sound deadening under all trim panels
● Blaupunkt MADRID200BT stereo with Bluetooth connectivity
The layout is practical, minimal, and refreshingly open, built for comfort during summer use without compromising on wipe-clean usability.
Summary
This Defender 110 has undergone a $75,000 no-expense-spared restoration, blending factory durability with tasteful upgrades and practical usability. It retains its matching-numbers powertrain, now enhanced with a new chassis finish, LED lighting, soft top conversion, and an interior that mixes ruggedness with considered detail.
With its removable soft top, beach-ready colour scheme, and clean minimalist interior, this is a Defender that’s just as at home on the coastlines of the Balearic Islands as it is exploring trails in New England or parked at a Montauk summer house. It offers that rare combination of collectability and usability, a 110 you’ll drive often and keep for years.
With a clean CARFAX/CarVertical, US import eligibility (EPA & DOT age exemption), and European homologation for its current seating layout, this example is uniquely well-prepared for enjoyment across both sides of the Atlantic.
