Finished in the iconic Epsom Green metallic with its original Alpine White roof, this 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 was built as a basic hardtop station wagon at Land Rover’s Solihull factory in late 1995. This example is equipped with the rare optional factory sunroof, and retains its original exterior configuration, presenting with exceptional originality.
The bodywork remains in excellent condition, with the factory lacquer still presenting beautifully — a clear reflection of careful storage and sparing use. Panel fit is clean and honest, and the overall exterior appearance remains remarkably authentic to its 1990s specification.
The paintwork is predominantly original, showing deep preservation quality and consistent gloss across the Epsom Green metallic finish. No signs of prior accident damage or structural repair are evident.
During preparation, minor exterior refinements were undertaken to preserve originality while improving overall presentation. These included:
Replacement rear door seal and lower retainer
Selective weatherseal replacement
Stainless steel fixings added throughout
The result is a Defender that feels visually unaltered yet subtly refreshed in the areas that matter.
This Defender is powered by the durable 300Tdi diesel engine, paired with the R380 5-speed manual gearbox and full-time four-wheel drive with locking centre differential. With only 48,212 miles recorded from new, the drivetrain shows exceptionally low wear.
Recent and upcoming works include:
Completed:
Replacement timing belt planned upon purchase
New water pump to be installed
Full cooling system flush
Replacement of radius arm bush, wheel bearing, and halfshaft oil seal
Replacement torsion bar (left-hand side)
Swivel-to-axle gasket replacement
Upgraded Bilstein steering damper
To be completed as part of the final delivery service:
Complete fluid and oil replacement (engine, gearbox, transfer case, differentials)
Final mechanical inspection and adjustment
Mechanically, the vehicle is in excellent condition and prepared to a standard suitable for continued preservation or light use.
The chassis presents in remarkable original condition for its age, showing none of the typical corrosion often seen on northern European Defenders. Its preservation is due in part to long-term dry storage and limited use.
Recent suspension works include:
Installation of a new torsion bar (left-hand side)
Heavy-duty steering rods fitted
Geometry and wheel alignment completed
Replacement panhard rod bush
These updates were carried out to enhance drivability while maintaining originality.
Recent recommissioning included:
Replacement of radius arm bush
Replacement of wheel bearing and seals
Swivel housing seal and retainer plate
General running gear inspection and adjustment
Upon sale, the Defender will receive a complete service covering all drivetrain fluids, ensuring the vehicle is mechanically turnkey for the next owner.
The Defender retains its correct wheels and tyres appropriate for its original specification. (If you’d like to specify tyre brand and condition, I can add that line.)
The stance and wheel fitment remain true to the factory look, contributing to the exceptional originality of the vehicle.
The cabin remains exceptionally original and is fitted with its correct Rayleigh cloth front seats, a rare surviving trim option. The factory dashboard, door cards, and trim panels are all present and in excellent condition.
Interior works completed include:
Headliner refinished in Alcantara
Addition of a new grey cubby box
Stainless steel interior fixings added
General interior hardware refresh
The result is an interior that balances originality with subtle refinement — clean, functional, and period-correct.
This Defender has a highly unusual and fascinating corporate ownership history.
Built late 1995 at Solihull
First registered 21 August 1996 in Saarland, Germany
Delivered new to Europe 1, a subsidiary of the RTL Group, one of Europe’s largest media networks
Used at the Europe 1 Saarland Longwave transmitter station, a historically significant broadcasting site
Internal fleet transfer in 2014 from Europe 1 to BCE – Broadcasting Center Europe
Ownership documented by a €1 internal transfer contract
Original German and Luxembourg registration documents retained
Verified single corporate owner from new
Mileage documented at 36,075 miles in 2014, now showing 48,212 miles
The transmitter station ceased operations in 2020, adding a unique historical footnote to the vehicle’s provenance.
Such originality is becoming extremely rare among Defenders of this era. With:
Extraordinarily low mileage
Single corporate ownership from new
Rare factory sunroof and Rayleigh cloth trim
Original paintwork and exceptional body condition
Sympathetic mechanical preparation
…this 1996 Defender 90 represents a standout opportunity for an enthusiast or collector seeking a genuine, unspoiled example.
Whether preserved in its current state or taken further toward concours-level refinement, this Defender stands as an exceptional piece of Land Rover history.
GALLERY
VIDEO
Provenance, capability, and character.
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