2012 Land Rover Defender 90 XS TD Station Wagon

The icon. As much a part of British car culture as the Mini, the Jaguar E-Type or the Ford Escort - perhaps even moreso. Though officially only known as a Defender from 1990, as a rebadge of the previous 90 and 110 models it was instantly familiar given the evolutionary relationship with the Series Land Rovers that preceded them. To the layman, the different versions have almost become interchangeable, not least because each represents the utilitarian, unpretentious, rugged off-roader that made Land Rover famous.

The Defender itself evolved gradually over its quarter-century on sale, gaining new Ford engines and the odd interior tweak, but perhaps the most significant change was nothing to do with the designers at Solihull, it was its gradual adoption by trendy metropolitan elites, declaring it as their carriage of choice, taking the Land Rover legend from the country into the city. It's now equally popular with both cattle herders and yoga instructors, a trend that is reflected in the latest models, as good up to their axles in clag as they are at carving through SW1.

This exceptional Defender 90 XS TD was supplied to its one and only owner by Land Rover Main Dealer, Armstrong Massey of York, and has covered only 5,781 miles from new. Delivered in Orkney Grey with Ebony interior, the mileage is supported by eight service invoices detailing an impeccable maintenance record.

The first two services in 2013/15 were conducted by Armstrong Massey at 1,388 miles (12,000 mile service) and at 2,750 miles (36,000 mile service). The following six services were carried by Yorkshire's independent Land Rovers specialists, JAS of York, and the history file contains invoices and records of the mileage over that period. Most recently, in September 2023, the Defender has had a full service and a new fuel pump fitted.

The factory Defender 90XS specification includes a high and low-range gearbox, fold-down rear seats, electric windows, an analogue clock, heated front and rear windscreens, air conditioning, heated front seats, its original OE radio and Optimill security hinges. It's supplied with all the Owners Manuals, service book and two keys with working fobs.

Still very much the vehicle for town or country, the Land Rover Defender 90's credentials have never been challenged and the last of the breed at this mileage and original condition will become increasingly hard to find.