1985 Land Rover Defender 90 Soft Top Restomod

Land Rover's venerable Defender series debuted in 1983, taking over from the tried and trusted 'Series' Landies so beloved by generations of farmers, soldiers, explorers and adventurers. A design icon that’s as globally recognised as a London black cab or double-decker bus, the Defender took the all-wheel drive, go-anywhere, do-anything Land Rover into a new era, introducing improved road manners thanks to its all-coil spring suspension and permanent all-wheel drive with its lockable centre differential – both adopted from the Range Rover.

Given a production volume of more than 2,000,000 units from the early 'Series' models to the very last Defender, their distinctive shape remains a very common sight globally. Adaptable, supremely competent in any conditions, the Defender brought the Land Rover right up to date, while losing none of its rugged appeal.

This stunning Land Rover is no ordinary Defender. Originally registered on 2nd April 1985, it was recently restored to an extraordinarily high standard by Greg Morris of Auto Audio Installations as his personal vehicle. Greg runs a high-end audio business and much of the work was supplemented by marque specialists, Vitesse Engineering.

This 'no expense spared' RestoMod features a John Eales 3.9-litre fuel-injected V8, producing a very healthy 220bhp. This is mated to an upgraded 5-speed gearbox by Ashcroft Engineering, driving through a rebuilt transfer 'box to Ashcroft-rebuilt front and rear axles.

This sensational Land Rover’s spec is almost too extensive to list but key features include:

• Bilstein dual-mode electronic suspension for superb fast road and off-road capability
• Upgraded braking with vented, slotted discs all round
• A custom-made stainless steel ARO sports exhaust which makes this Defender sound as good as it goes (see video below)
• Bowler 18” lightweight alloy wheels, shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres
• Bowler lightweight front rally bumper and steering guard
• Bowler rear steps and side rails have also been fitted, along with a Bowler gear-shifter kit
• A Momo classic leather steering wheel controls the all-important power steering
• The interior is bespoke, with custom-made leather trim, heated front seats with Exmoor trim and four inward-facing seats in the rear
• A heated front ‘screen, remote central-locking and electric windows are among the refinements added to the vehicle, for ease of everyday use
• Battery cut-off switch and trickle charge attachment fitted. Registered with Meta Trak (subject to subscription)
• Under its current ownership, a tow bar has been added, along with an electrics kit, Fire And Ice side steps, mud flaps and a pillar grab handle.
• A Pioneer TS-WX140DA sub-woofer has also been added, to complement the Pioneer SPH-EVO93DAB multi-media screen/system and Morel Virtus Nano Carbon integrated sound system. The media system allows the use of Carplay, Google Maps etc, as well as featuring a reversing camera.
• The transfer ‘box ratio was recently changed from 1.4 to 1.2 for better road use and in October 2024, the vendor renewed the crank pulley, all the belts, plus oil and filters.

This outstanding Land Rover is even more eye-catching thanks to the choice of Lamborghini Blu Caelum paint paired with the cream interior. The current MOT is valid until April 2025.

This Defender 90 Soft Top stands out from the crowd in every way, emanating quality. The upgraded components and standard of workmanship involved are absolutely first class and this RestoMod is sure to put a smile on the face of its new lucky owner.