2015 Land Rover Defender 90 'Landmark'

A plaque on the dashboard of this gorgeous metallic red truck will tell you (if you really didn’t already know) that its a Land Rover Defender 90 Landmark; number 162 of the last limited edition of 200. That is, it’s one of the very last Defenders built, bestowed with virtually every mechanical and cosmetic refinement that Solihul ever gave the model - or didn’t give it in the case of that bespoke-looking, hand-stitched interior. Anyway - more of that later.

This last hurrah of Land Rover’s genre-defining (once) minimal masterpiece featured the cold climate pack, the convenience pack and the very visible Black Pack, which included rather tasty black finish

to the headlight facias, wing vents, wheel arches, front grill, bonnet script, rear privacy glass, side step protection runners, and… a gloss black roof. All rather tasty.

This particular wagon has had only one owner who, before putting it into storage, used it only for the most routine trips - covering some 12,500 miles. He says that it has never been off road, and, glancing at the gleaming wheels and those satin-finish bumpers alone, we are inclined to believe him.

This Defender looks absolutely stunning in Montalcino red; a metallic colour that was unique to Land Rover’s defining model. The body retains virtually a showroom finish all round, with all panels boasting a deep gloss, which is set off by the contrasting black trim. There are no significant scratches anywhereand only the smallest areas of accumulated dust. The rugged Defender always had a Meccano set feel - big hinges, rudimentary shaping of the alloy, but this example boasts some decidedly discreet panel gaps, with no warping in those flat sides (slight dimples at rivet points come as standard).

The Black Pack components accoutrements are in equally good shape, the enamel-style finish of the headlight surrounds showing no stone chips and remaining flush with the bodywork. Note the subtle and rather tasty metallic finish to these and the wheel arch extensions, which also remain in excellent shape - no scuffs or cracks.

As is often the case, it’s the details which tell the real story of a vehicles life. Take a look at the rivet heads, the screws retaining the lights, their rubber mounts and the seals around the doors and windows. All are clean (light lenses too), oxidation-free and, in the case of the latter, retain a deep healthy shade of black and a firm shape. You could say there are no devils in the detail, save perhaps a slight untidiness at the upper join in the off-side mirror support arm where there may be slight corrosion under the finish. The overall condition of the Landy’s superstructure is so good that it makes you notice the smallest imperfection.

Defender build and finishing at its best.

I think we can safely say that, unlike many of its forebears, this Defender has never carried sheep or straw bails. Actually, looking around the interior, I’m not sure it’s ever carried anyone - at least not in any seat other than the driver’s - and we only really know that’s been sat in because there’s 12000 miles clocked on the speedo. The ‘ebony’ leather is in more or less as-new condition (any speckles you might see are rain drops from our photo session), retaining all of its deep rich colour and suppleness. Those high-backed well padded (Land Rover motif-embossed) heated front seats are probably the nicest they put in a Defender. The clean white stitching makes for a great contrast and, again, shows no signs of wear or looseness.

The leather steering wheel carries the same finish and is just as nice.

The black Alcantara suede headlining is like the leather - as good as new and the interior plastics, though tough-looking, have never had to stand up to any kind of durability test - look at the back door plate or the ‘cargo shelf’ backs of the folding rear seats. That goes for the rubber mats too (I don’t reckon they’ve ever seen a pair of Hunter wellies.) They are a matching, added-cost extra - Defender logo’d - set, with every ridged edge still perfectly defined. (Can you believe the cargo mat on its own is was 120 quid?).

Since you’re probably not aiming to use this truck as your main off-roader, you may be glad to know that alternative entertainment can be had from an upgraded 150-watt Alpine audio system (CD/radio with Bluetooth) with sub-woofer. Enjoy.

Taking a look under the truck does at last prove that the Land Rover has been out and about on British roads. There is some surface rust on the larger components and along some edges. Even so, everything looks immensely sturdy, with chassis rails, struts and outriggers all appearing very strong. Nothing is bent or distorted, nor seems to have endured any kind of severe impact. Dampers, coil springs and suspension arms look to be in great shape and brake assemblies appear similarly good. Everything looks eminently servicable and the underside of the body tub looks to be in excellent shape. The exhaust looks a little rusty in places, perhaps giving you the option to swap in a more swanky stainless steel system - just because you can. To back up the owner’s comments - there are absolutely no signs of off-road shenanigans. (Or any other kinds of shenanigans for that matter.)

Finishing off the Landy’s connection to the ground, the silver16-inch diamond turned alloys are in superb condition, fitted, as they are with the original 235/85/R16, all-terrain tyres (date coded to 2015) . Are all in prime condition, as is the matching spare, which still carries the yellow wear-detecting stripes on the rubber.

Moving up into the engine bay, the 120bhp, 2.2 litre DT224 diesel presents nicely. (By the way; did you know it’s mated to a six-speed ’box on these?).

One or two ancillary components have oxidised slightly but everything looks clean and in the right place. There are no signs of leaks and the underside of the bonnet (clean and rust-free) shows no signs of heat damage.

Joints, clips, hoses, pipes and guiders all appear clean and tidily jointed, with no signs of neglect, hasty or ham-fisted replacements. The black fan cowl and engine cover look especially new and fatigue-free. All very tidy.

Being a relatively new machine with such a low mileage and no dramas in its lifetime, the Defender’s history is understandably rather succinct. The Land Rover retains its original leather wallet containing the standard issue literature and owner’s manual, as well as a stamped and dated warranty booklet. There is also a selection of other Land Rover publications and the V5. As previously stated, this is a one-owner vehicle.

This vehicle has been in storage for the last nine months and in view of this, a new battery has been fitted. The truck will also be given a new 12-month MOT certificate before it is collected by the new owner.

Beyond the reigning monarch, James Bond and perhaps the sword Excalibur, few things are as iconically British as a Land Rover. That’s on top of the Defender being, in many minds the world over, the very definition of a 4x4. Add to that that this one of the very last of the breed - built as good as they ever built ’em - and we think you have several hugely compelling reasons to buy this particular Land Rover.

It’s condition is excellent, while it has done just enough miles not to make you feel guilty if you do use it - sensibly. That, plus all of the above, will help to keep its value very strong - not many classics out-perform these one-time farmers’ wagons.

And, again, for all of the above, this particular example won’t come cheap. We expect it to command between £45,000 and £55,000. The only downside being you might want to buy another older one as well to get mucky with.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Brighouse, West Yorkshire; 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’.