2010 Land Rover Defender 90 - 4.8-Litre V8 by JE Motorworks

An icon for over 68 years, production of Land Rover's Defender ceased in January 2016 with more than 2,000,000 having been built since the original Series I arrived in 1948. Never has there been a car that has so captured the imagination of the world. Land Rovers have saved lives, won wars, delivered aid and hope, conveyed Kings and Queens and numerous Popes, ferried injured animals from the lowliest sheep to the proudest lion to safety. The Land Rover has conquered ravines, deserts and snow, broken records and, along the way, won the hearts of millions.

By the late 1990s, Land Rover had begun to realise that most Range Rovers rarely saw turf, and fuel efficiency was at the forefront of the suburban driver’s mind, so development of a more refined diesel engine for the Range Rover and Discovery began in earnest. Ironically, during this time, the V8 Defender had begun to appeal to the 'lifestyle' end of the market and a number of limited-edition cars were developed and marketed by the company. Over the past decade, this has led to a new sub-market for upgraded used Land Rovers with leather interiors and more powerful engines. Proving popular for occasional use in a similar way to a classic car, a well-finished, canvas-topped 90 packing a V8 engine is regarded as the most in demand.

Very few of these 'restomod' cars can boast single ownership from new, however. This example was purchased new by our vendor, an architect, on 12th March 2010 and used as a daily driver for commuting to his practice and, when required, for muddy site visits. In 2021, at which point it had covered some 104,000 miles, our vendor decided to give the car a new lease of life. A new canvas tilt was fitted over the newly trimmed green leather seats which complemented the Keswick Green paintwork, however, the most serious part of the project was the engine and drivetrain.

A new gearbox, clutch, transfer box and exhaust system was mated to a very special 4.8-litre V8 built by the industry leaders in Land Rover V8 upgrades, JE Motorworks of Coventry. Famed for their decades of work in preparing racing Land Rovers engines for the Paris to Dakar rally, they have commercialised their 50-years of experience by providing private individuals with precision engineered engines for retro fitting into their Land Rovers. Our vendor chose the 4.8-litre V8 and auxiliaries as a bespoke installation and the result is very impressive. We note that the current price for such an engine, according to the JE Motorworks website, is £39,995.

This seriously 'cool' Defender has been enjoyed by our vendor and his family for some 5,000 miles since the conversion and it's presented to auction in smart order and ready for the next custodian. The history file incudes service history records, receipts, the V5C and an advisory-free MOT valid until 18th April 2024.

A rare opportunity to purchase a very smart Defender, professionally upgraded by acknowledged marque experts and all commissioned by the Land Rover's sole owner from new.