Vehicle Story

Up for sale is this 1990 Land Rover Defender 90, finished in gloss black with a black interior. It is fully legal and currently registered in Santa Barbara, California, with current registration valid until September of 2022. It is powered by a 200 Tdi liter turbodiesel engine, running a full-time four wheel drive system with high- and low- ranges, coupled by a five-speed manual transmission.

With 174,000 miles on the chassis, this Defender has been both battle tested and pampered. While having covered long distances, it also benefits from both full cosmetic and recent mechanical work, even seeing screen time during its tenure in Los Angeles. But while its looks justify the desire for Hollywood to utilize its presence for entertainment, this example’s specification proves that its beauty is more than skin-deep. First, the Defender was treated to a thorough detail correction and trim replacement by the Toy Store of Newbury Park, California, in 2018.

On the exterior, this involved replacing multiple bezels, minor brackets, panels and trim pieces, then a full color sand and polish to correct the finish. On the inside, the seats were freshly reupholstered, and wiring and mounting/relocation for the stereo was performed. Parts like the rear step, fuel tank and spout, and various detail parts were replaced and/or upgraded.

The next step the Toy Store took was a complete refresh of the 200 Tdi motor. This included a new crankshaft with new main and rod bearing sets, new intake and exhaust valves with head work, and new head and engine gaskets. Ancillaries like the water pump and timing belt were replaced, and a new clutch was installed while the engine was out.

While all this made for healthy power, the current owner decided a thorough upgrade of the suspension was necessary. Performed by Coastline Defender of Hawthorne, California, the entire driveline and suspension was significantly upgraded from stock. The starting point were Fox Shocks, employing tubular shock towers with fresh OEM springs, fastened by galvanized spring seats and hardware. All new tie rods and radius arms with new bushings were installed. The existing trailing arms were removed, stripped and then powdercoated for durability, with new bushings pressed in.

Other refreshed and powdercoated parts include front and rear axles, swivels, Panhard bar and brackets, and all radius arms and trailing arms. All brakes, brake cylinders and the propshafts were replaced, and Coastline finished the work with detail items like a new dash top, new sliding rear side windows, headlights, and fresh fluids for all systems.

The receipts for all this recent work – and in much greater detail - are complete and well documented, proving this Defender 90 needs nothing to be fully ready to go for the next owner. It is capable and well thought out no matter where you look, inside, outside or underneath.

Please contact Scott Rouleau at (Text or Call) 502.836.4513 or scottrulo@gmail.com
Santa Barbara, CA $135,000.00