LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 LRPV
ENGINE 2495cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 66bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 113lb ft@1800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 68mph 0-60MPH 25 secs approx. FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-25mpg TRANSMISSION 4WD, five-speed man MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 62,610km
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Well, this is an experience! With no doors or windscreen you’re very exposed to the elements and the side mirrors are essential because the army-built side panniers stick out a long way. The unassisted steering is very heavy at low speeds, but gets much lighter as speed picks up. Although everything feels tight and correct, the steering is a little vague – quite normal for a Defender. The clutch is also unassisted and takes a lot of force to move. The gear lever is something of a soup-stirrer and a bit notchy but, once learnt, finding the gears is easy. The servo-assisted brakes stop the car well, drawing up straight. The drivetrain all works perfectly, the low range gears and diff’ lock engage properly, and all the knocks and clonks are the good kind that you really want to hear in a Land Rover.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Defender is in its correct Pathfinder LRPV spec with all the original parts custommade by the Royal Engineers workshop, including panniers by the door openings and carriers in the rear load bed.
EXTERIOR
Excellent bodywork unique parts present
INTERIOR MECHANICALS
Heavy clutch and steering
A pick axe and shovel are included on the front wings, and a winch is mounted on the heavy duty front bumper. It has larger military spec sidelights, indicators and tail lamps behind metal guards. The machine gun mounts are located in the centre of the load bed and on the front passenger scuttle, which is slightly raised and bulletproof. The panels are in excellent condition with almost no knocks and no rust, and the chassis is also in great shape. The mud terrain tyres have very deep tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The two front seats are simple square padded squabs for the base and back, with inertia real belts mounted to the large
central roll hoop, and there is a big metal stowage box between them. There is a military-type power connection under the passenger seat and a switch for convoy lighting, and the speedometer is calibrated in kilometres per hour. It still has its windscreen wiper switch but no wipers. In the back there are metal side benches either side of the gun mount.
UNDER THE BONNET
The four-cylinder diesel is non-turbo – quite basic but simple and dependable. There’s nothing fancy or shiny under the bonnet but it’s very original, with no signs of rust or damage.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a unique piece of British military history, the sole survivor of just 12 air-portable Defender 90s converted for Long Range Patrol reconnaissance by the Pathfinder Platoon of 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, and a vehicle which saw action in Bosnia. Driving it is hard work but it would make a special addition to any military vehicle collection. A one-off opportunity.
1978, 40,513 miles, £4,950, ovno, An original, rust-free car. Mileage stated is from new. Tax and MoT exempt but has a current MoT. Excellent history file, reliable and drives well. 07779 341280, 01489 892932, Southampton 1970, £7,000, ono, Rebuilt engine, Overdrive gearbox. CV driveshafts and uprated suspension with adjustable shocks. Resprayed.Wolfrace alloy wheels but also original wheels and rostyle trims. 07952 815618, Kent 1981, 38,000 miles, £6,500, Platinum Grey. Full restoration by S&S 2011 when I purchased. 3.5L Rover. MGF wheels. Lowered suspension. Vitesse brakes. Mohair hood. Good but not perfect all round condition. 07875 202019, Cornwall
PRICE £3999 (T) TEL 07545 703474 OR 02380 766870 (SOUTHAMPTON)
Black, petrol, in lovely original condition throughout, only covered 69k miles from new, with service history, no advisories on recent MoT, service and handbook present, heated seats, alloys, a fine example of this very sought-after convertible, (Trade). www.kinsonmotorcompany.co.uk (SC 3040)