1987 Land Rover Defender 90

Overview
 
1987 Land Rover Defender 90 2. 5 liter N/A diesel – Right hand drive
Mileage:  71. 00Location:  Atlanta. Georgia  USA - All import paperwork in hand.   Fully cleared with US Customs and Border Patrol.
 
Those of you that are viewing this listing hopefully know the history and legacy of the iconic Land Rover Defender. so I'll spare most of the general details (if not. and you would like to learn everything there is to know. see the following link:  http://www. brittle. co. uk/2011/08/the-full-history-of-the-land-rover-defender-including-series-i-ii-iii/).  
 
What is important for you to know is that this truck maintains most of its original parts. and aside from a few tasteful modifications. it has remained an original Defender that has not been fooled with.   The truck was imported from England in April of 2014. and comes with all of the original import paperwork from the US Government.   It also has a clean Georgia title. and the VIN plate on the brake booster and VIN stamp on the chassis both match.   Because this is an authentic British import. eBay will not accept the VIN. so here it is: SALLDVBC7AA265165
 
Now for the fun stuff.   Some of the aforementioned tasteful upgrades are listed as follows:
 
Betterments and Improvements
 
InteriorExmoor interior seats
Exmoor seat risers (for better forward/rearward adjustment)
Exmoor sun visors
Exmoor full interior carpet kit
Exmoor headliner
Exmoor complete floormat set
Exmoor rear folding bench seats
Onzlo interior accoutrements
Bulkhead removal kit (to allow for taller drivers)
Polished shift knobs
Rear diamond plate padded load space covering (w/sound deadening)
Anti-theft kill switch
Tinted window glaze
 
Exterior Nolden LED headlights for better light output during nighttime driving
European clear lens package
Respray in Land Rover Bonatti Grey (wheels painted to match)
Rooftop painted in bright silver
Underbody Waxoil treatment to prevent rust/corrosion
New front bumper
New windshield
New driver and passenger side steps
New rear step
New alternator in 2016
New shocks in 2015
Defender SVX badging
 
Driving characteristics
 
This Defender is an absolute joy to drive.   But before you get a chance to sit in the driver's seat. there are a few things that you should know beforehand.   As mentioned. this vehicle is a right-hand drive model straight from England.   You will often forget about that when returning to the vehicle. or when you go to pump gas.   This can be quite humorous at times. even when you are by yourself.   What's even more entertaining is to watch people point and stare in disbelief as they observe you driving in the passenger seat.   Surprisingly. it's fairly easy to become acclimated to driving a British car. and it should only take you a week or so with steady practice.   Trust me when I say that that the learning process is a hell of a lot of fun.   If you're a taller driver. fear not.   The Exmoor seat risers and rear bulkhead removal kit afford you with ample room to recline your seat and make yourself comfortable (I'm 6'3” and do just fine).  
 
Another amazing attribute about this truck is that everything is in pretty much working order just like it was back in the 1980s.   From the dome light to the rear defrost. there aren't any dead options or electrical gremlins that you can't pin down.   The heater. blower fan. horn. turn signals. windshield washer. lights. high beams. cigarette lighter. kill switch. rear fog…everything works. as it should.
 
More importantly. the Defender starts right up and drives perfectly.   It shifts smoothly through all gears. brakes without incident. and handles brilliantly with surprisingly very little body roll for its size.   The diff lock is a monster and will help you navigate over or through anything should the need arise.   Plain and simple. this truck runs like clockwork. and it is pretty much guaranteed to get you wherever. whenever.   But don't expect to be in the left lane on the highway for long.   This truck has a top speed of 70 miles per hour. and that is on level ground.   It prefers city driving. and will reward you with some very favorable gas mileage no matter where you are.   It may not go very fast. but it will go anywhere.   I have no doubt that someone could fly in from California and drive this Defender home from the East Coast without any trouble. save for the occasional sore thumb from all the “thumbs up” that you will get along the way…
 
Engine Details
 
For those of you that are unfamiliar with these types of diesel engines. they will emit a puff of smoke during start up as a result of unburnt fuel.   And because the diesel of today is not the diesel of the 1980s. I usually introduce a small amount of Diesel Kleen during regular fill-ups as this provides the engine with the necessary supplements that have since been regulated out.
 
The 2. 5 liter N/A diesel 12J engine has established a worldwide reputation for reliability and longevity.   Owners of the 12J will quickly describe this engine as being “bomb proof”. indestructible. and incredibly reliable.   This is due to the engine's relatively low compression ratio and simplistic design.   While this specific engine has been maintained well throughout its life. the 12J is easily tolerant of poor quality fuel and oil. as well as infrequent servicing.   With proper maintenance these engines can easily survive more than 250. 00 miles of service.   But again. fear not. this model has received lots of love in the maintenance department.
 
This Defender also leaks a few drops of oil.   If you can find me one that doesn't I'd like to see it firsthand. because that usually means it's empty.   I have found that the best way to combat this is to simply place a piece of cardboard underneath the truck when it's parked so it doesn't leave any mess. and remember to top it off every so often with Rotella diesel oil.   Problem solved.   Tell your wife it's just marking its territory.
Payment and Financing Options
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due and payable within 48 hours of the auction's end. and balance due in full within 10 days and/or upon taking possession.   While I am not a dealer. this vehicle was once financed through J&J Best Collector Cars out of New Bedford. Massachusetts.   Considering this vehicle is a 1987 Land Rover. chances are your financial institution won't recognize its inherent value. and you won't get very far with a car loan.   J&J on the other hand. knows what Defenders are worth. and provided you have fairly good credit. you can own this truck for a very reasonable monthly payment.   I should also mention that this exact vehicle is already known to J&J. and they have inspected it once before and it passed with flying colors.   You can contact them in advance to qualify. and they can be reached at the following:
J. J. Best Banc & Co. Classic Car Financing
Chris Lananelli
chris@jjbest. com
1-800-USA-1965
 
Closing Remarks
This truck will change your life the moment you drive it.   To say that it turns heads is quite frankly an understatement.   Some words of advice--prepare to devote some extra time for questions and comments during fill-ups. visits to sporting events. grocery shopping. etc.   This vehicle will also guarantee you that coveted front spot at the valet circle next to the occasional Ferrari and Maserati.
 
Also. prepare for lower insurance rates and tag fees.   Prepare for fewer visits to the mechanic on a 30+ year old car.   Expect there to be parts available if and when it does ever break down. and if you're handy with a toolset. chances are you can get her back on the road yourself.   And prepare for the value to continue to rise as original Defenders are no longer made.  
 
While this will be a blast to drive. make sure that you have the right expectations.   This is a 30 year old truck. and it lacks some of the creature comforts that we all expect today from vehicles coming off the assembly line.   Can it be your daily driver?  Certainly.   Does it take some getting used to?  Absolutely.   Is it worth whatever you have to go through to own and drive this Defender?  YES.
 
Plain and simple. you will not be disappointed with this truck. and it is sure to provide its new owner with many years of wonderful experiences.   Some say that one never really “owns” a Land Rover Defender.   We simply look after them for a time until the next generation comes along.   Chances are this vehicle will likely outlive you. but remember the Land Rover mantra:  YOLO (You Only Live Once).   Any questions. just ask.   And please note that I am in no great urgency to sell. so please refrain from low-ball offers.   First-hand inspections are welcomed. as are test drives for serious buyers only.  
 
Thanks for your interest.

Also published at eBay.com

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