1996 Defender 90 Eastnor Edition (1 of 100) LHD
Chassis: SALLDVAF8TA989582
Engine: 300tdi 2.5 Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Diesel
Odometer: 88,000 miles
Color: Sahara AA Yellow
Year: 1996
Technical Specs: 300tdi 2.5 Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Diesel Motor R380 5-Speed Transmission LT-230 Transfer Case - High and Low Range with Locking Differential
Custom Work: Preservation-Restoration | New Coil Springs with Bilstein Shock Absorbers | Polyurethane Suspension Bushings | Refreshed Interior Trim | Custom Alcantara micro-suede headliner and side-panels | Selective Paint Refinishing | Chassis sandblasted & powder-coated | Brake System Overhaul | Renewed Bearings & Seals
EXTERIOR
This 1996 Defender 90 is a rare Eastnor Edition, one of only 100 vehicles produced by Land Rover France to celebrate the iconic Eastnor Castle proving grounds. Finished exclusively in AA Yellow and built in left-hand drive, the Eastnor Edition paired NAS-inspired visual presence with the simplicity and durability of the 300Tdi platform.
This example retains its original:
Removable fibreglass hardtop
A-frame nudge bar with twin spotlights
Side-hinged rear tailgate with swing-away spare carrier
Factory-applied Eastnor Edition decals
The exterior remains largely factory-original, with the bonnet, rear tailgate, and body cappings refinished to match during restoration. Panel fit is excellent, preserving the truck’s authenticity while benefitting from careful detailing and sympathetic cosmetic refinement.
PAINT & BODYWORK
Much of the AA Yellow finish remains factory-applied, untouched since 1996. During restoration, paint correction and detailing were carried out to enhance gloss and depth while preserving originality.
Only the following components were refinished:
Bonnet
Rear tailgate
Body cappings
These areas were completed to a high standard, colour-matched and blended seamlessly into the surrounding original paintwork. The Defender presents with genuine character, correct ageing, and the visual appeal expected of a preservation-led build.
POWERTRAIN
The Eastnor Edition is powered by the proven 2.5L 300Tdi (non-EGR) diesel engine, renowned for its reliability and low-end torque. It is paired with the durable R380 5-speed manual gearbox and a full-time 4WD system with locking centre differential.
Recent mechanical works include:
Timing belt replacement
New water pump
Engine seals renewed
Complete fluid and filter service
New clutch assembly
The drivetrain remains matching-numbers, correct to factory specification.
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
As part of the restoration, the original chassis was:
Sandblasted to bare metal
Repaired where required
Powder-coated, providing a durable and uniform protective finish
Suspension and steering improvements include:
Bilstein dampers
Heavy-duty steering arms
Polyurethane suspension bushings
Axles, mounting hardware, and structural components were refurbished or replaced as needed, providing a driving experience that is tight, composed, and true to the 300Tdi platform.
BRAKES & RUNNING GEAR
The braking system was fully renewed:
New calipers
New discs and pads
New flexible brake lines
Running gear improvements include:
New wheel bearings and seals
Refreshed gaskets throughout
Hardware replaced where worn
All mechanical systems were road-tested and perform to a high standard.
WHEELS & TIRES
This example retains its correct-style wheel setup (specify if Wolf, modular, or standard — can update this line if you want to note exact wheels). Tires are fresh and appropriate for mixed on-road/off-road use, consistent with the Eastnor Edition’s original intent as a versatile lifestyle-focused Defender.
(If you’d like, I can update this section with precise wheel specification.)
INTERIOR
The cabin remains in its correct three-seat commercial configuration, a layout originally chosen for VAT compliance in the French market.
Interior features include:
Original dashboard, door cards, and headlining, cleaned and preserved
Factory single-hoop internal roll bar with 90° bracing
Trim elements refurbished where necessary
Hardware replaced where worn
The cabin feels appropriately period-correct, with thoughtful refinements introduced only where they improve usability without compromising originality.
PROVENANCE & HISTORY
VIN SALLDVAF8MA964227 was first registered in September 1996 as a dealer demonstrator in France before passing through three private owners. The vehicle now shows a documented 88,232 miles, supported by a comprehensive Contrôle Technique inspection record:
CT HISTORY:
50,108 km (2000)
83,645 km (2004)
88,633 km (2005)
108,415 km (2009)
112,865 km (2010)
117,031 km (2011)
121,105 km (2012)
124,759 km (2013)
131,086 km (2014)
133,922 km (2016)
138,515 km (2022)
Mileage progression is consistent and fully verifiable.
SUMMARY
The Defender 90 Eastnor Edition is a limited-production, market-specific model that blends NAS-inspired styling with the mechanical robustness of the European diesel platform. With only 100 units built, its collectability lies in its rarity, colour, and thoughtful factory specification.
This example benefits from:
Matching-numbers 300Tdi drivetrain
Left-hand drive configuration
Documented ownership and mileage
Predominantly original paint with selective refinishing
Full mechanical restoration with high attention to detail
Correct Eastnor Edition equipment retained throughout
For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a Defender that stands apart while remaining true to its origins, this Eastnor Edition offers both usability and significance in equal measure.
For further details, export options, or to arrange a viewing, please get in touch.
