Sourced from northern France, approximately 50 km south of Caen, this 1994 Portofino Red Defender 90 was a rare find: a two-owner truck, barn-stored on a horse farm, and showing only 38,514 miles with documented mileage consistency. Its dry indoor environment and careful ownership preserved the vehicle remarkably well, making it an ideal candidate for a preservation-led restoration.
This build retains 90% of its factory Portofino Red paint across all original body panels. Never repainted, never repaired, and displaying beautifully honest, well-earned patina, the vehicle remains one of the most original Defenders of this era still in existence. Only three areas were refinished to ensure structural longevity:
All factory spot-welds remain visible, confirming untouched, filler-free bodywork. To preserve the original panels, we carried out targeted paintless dent removal and paint correction rather than over-restoring or repainting.
As with every Pods Overland commission, the approach balances authenticity with subtle improvements chosen specifically for the client’s intended use.
The focus for this restoration was preservation, not replacement.
The original finish was carefully refined to recover depth and clarity while honouring the Defender’s originality. Only the replacement TD5 rear door, hinges, and sills received fresh paint to ensure long-term durability.
This results in the rare combination of an exterior that remains fundamentally factory-original while mechanically renewed throughout.
Equipped with its numbers-matching 300Tdi (verified by BMIHT Heritage Certificate), the engine was removed and fully serviced during restoration. Work included:
The R380 5-speed gearbox and LT230 transfer case were inspected and serviced, maintaining their well-known durability and smooth operation.
The original matching chassis was in excellent condition prior to restoration. It was:
This process creates a clean, highly durable foundation that far exceeds traditional paint-based corrosion protection.
Both axles received the same treatment—sandblasted, powder-coated, and rebuilt. Suspension and steering upgrades include:
All hardware was renewed throughout.
A complete brake-system overhaul includes:
Running gear components were refinished or replaced, ensuring performance and reliability well beyond factory level.
The Defender sits on Wolf steel wheels, selected for their strength and proven reliability in military applications, fitted with BF Goodrich KO2 235/85R16 all-terrain tyres to provide the ideal balance of comfort, grip, and durability.
The interior has been sympathetically upgraded while retaining the Defender’s original character:
A major improvement to everyday usability is the installation of factory-style under-dash air-conditioning, fitted by Cool Air Logan, the authorised specialist used by Land Rover Classic.
The accompanying BMIHT Heritage Certificate confirms the vehicle’s build specification, matching mechanical numbers, and original Portofino Red finish. The truck remained in northern France for nearly 30 years under just two owners, supported by a consistent inspection and mileage history.
One of the strategic factors in selecting this base vehicle is its 1994 model year, which qualifies it for California’s pre-1997 diesel smog exemption. This allows the Defender to be registered and operated in California without ongoing emissions testing, making it a highly practical long-term ownership proposition.
This 1994 Defender 90 represents a rare blend of originality, mechanical renewal, and documented provenance. With:
…it stands as one of the most authentic, usable, and well-preserved examples brought to the U.S. market.
A special preservation-restoration, now part of a California collection.
GALLERY
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Provenance, capability, and character.
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