2010 Land Rover Defender 90 Soft Top

Starting life as a Defender 90 Hard Top, what we see before us is something rather special. A two-seater convertible with a bespoke canvas soft top and one that has been customised by our seller for country sports.

But first let’s rewind a tad as the Defender’s previous owner was a professional car trimmer. He really went to town with the interior using the finest quality leather and Harris Tweed. He introduced a sense of luxury so obviously missing from a stock vehicle. He may well have made the top too.

Our classic car enthusiast seller Adrian purchased the car at the beginning of the year, joining his immaculate TD5 (which we are also selling on his behalf) amongst other things. Although he didn’t need another 4x4, he was unable to resist temptation and we can easily see why.

Not unexpectedly, this Defender is a head-turner extraordinaire, with the ability to stop traffic. Parked up, it usually draws an appreciative crowd.

However, this Landy is not all show and no go, for the 2.4-litre diesel engine is an old smoothie, its 121bhp ensuring spritely performance. And with a six-speed manual gearbox, it is long-legged enough to cope admirably with a motorway cruise.

The reluctant sale of this and the TD5 are to fund the purchase of a new toy. It will be missed.

So, if you want to turn heads and have some fun, then look no further.

Our seller tells us that the Keswick Green paintwork is all original and we have no reason to doubt this. What is most important is that it really appears from the images in quite stunning condition. This is a car that has clearly been well looked after and lavished with care and attention.

Complementing the shiny bodywork are the smart, black DV8 wheels, each shod with a BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyre. Many feel that these are the best in the business and are well suited for extreme off-road adventures. Good tyres show a level of attention to detail that we approve of.

The canvas soft-top keeps everything safe from the elements, and if anything, the Landy looks more distinctive hood up than down.

Adrian, our seller, chose to remove the top at the start of summer and has enjoyed many an alfresco adventure. Of course, a cosy garage kept the 4x4 safe at night and out of the elements when not in use.

What an interior! The Defender’s previous owner was clearly keen to demonstrate their considerable talents. Up front, two comfortable seats are covered in the finest hide. They are heated too, therefore ideal should a little open air winter motoring seem like fun.

The dash, door cards and central cubby box have been trimmed in Harris Tweed, a proper country look. We’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Proper Land Rover floor mats are fitted, and lift them up and all appears shipshape.

Our seller is a keen lover of country pursuits, so he decided to further customise the rear load bed. To that end, he created a series of compartments designed to hold fishing tackle, or even guns and ammunition. His friends were most impressed and perhaps a little jealous. It is all easily removable should a new buyer have other ideas. We can think of a few…

As one would expect, everything works as it should and enhancing the driving experience is a wood-rimmed steering wheel, which is said to give better control.

This later model Defender comes fitted with the Puma engine, aka the 2.4-litre Duratorq unit, courtesy of Ford. It’s a tried and tested motor and suits the Defender rather well with power aplenty for towing and off-road work.

The six-speed manual gearbox allows for relaxed motorway cruising up to a heady top speed of around 85mph. First gear is somewhat on the low side, with many drivers choosing to set off in second, unless pulling a load.

The engine bay itself is in good order with all the signs of caring maintenance there to see. We would expect no less.

Our picture gallery contains images of the Defender’s underside and other than some surface dirt, we cannot see anything untoward.

The Defender was MoTed in March of this year, and a pass certificate was issued with no advisories. It was the same story in 2021.

Invoices are a little scant, but we do note that a service and the fitment of a new clutch was carried out in 2016 (cost £827.76). Also included is a further invoice for servicing in June 2021.

Our seller had an interim service carried out this year by his local garage in Lechlade at a most reasonable £201.12.

The purchaser of this fine Land Rover will become its fifth registered keeper and it seems likely that each one has made their mark. The bespoke compartments in the load bed are our seller’s contribution and his predecessor created the delightful, luxurious interior that helps make this a standout car.

Head-turning looks are what really sets this Defender apart from the rest, plus its excellent condition. Get used to being the centre of attention if you are the lucky new owner.

The ability to enjoy top-down motoring should not be underestimated either, particularly as you have a capable vehicle, ideal for a spot of green laning, far away from the madding crowd.

Our seller complemented our photographer on his great work but does emphasise that the Defender is even more spectacular to behold in the metal. You are welcome to pay him a visit and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed in the condition or the way it drives.

We estimate that a sale price of between £25,000 and £33,000 will be achieved, so get bidding without delay.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Lechlade, Gloucestershire. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.