1987 Land Rover 110 V8

Finished in Corris Grey with black accents, this 1987 Land Rover Defender benefits from a body-off programme of refurbishment by TJC Land Rovers between 2015 and 2017 that set its owner back around £25,000. Mind you, it did include a new galvanized chassis plus a rebuilt gearbox, transfer box, and axles, so was a proper job.

Fitted with the rare V8 from new, the petrol engine provides a much nicer driving experience than the more usual diesel. It provides a lovely note of V8 burble from the exhaust with improved performance for motorway use to keep up with modern traffic, but great low speed torque if you need to venture off-road. 

It’s now been six years since ‘E999 DHD’ was refurbished, which means it is due for a little TLC. However, the need for this is reflected in the price, so if you fancy a light project this winter, read on…

Originally finished in blue, the 110 has been resprayed in the modern colour of Corris Grey. It’s a great choice of colour and one that brings that familiar shape bang up to date.

The panels are well aligned and the shutlines are good. There are no major dents, scrapes or other serious damage to the bodywork, either; while few vehicles wear their battle scars better than an old Land Rover, we’d always prefer them without given the option…

The external Safety Devices roll cage is a sensible upgrade that not only looks brilliant but also significantly increases the Defender’s passive safety without encroaching on the precious interior space.

Another sensible upgrade is LED minor lights, which are brighter, more reliable, and draw a lower current than the standard bulbs. That they look so good is probably just a coincidence, right? 

A matching set of four BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres were fitted in 2020—and they were fitted without the white lettering showing, which is in keeping with the stealth look of the rest of the coachwork like the black, five-spoke alloy wheels, which are in fine fettle. 

And the black roof, clear indicators, and smoked side repeater lenses.

A rear NAS step-tow bar adds practicality, protection, and good looks in equal measure.

As for faults, the lower sections of the four passenger doors are starting to corrode, as are the bottoms of the front door pillars, the floor in the front passenger footwell, the windscreen frame, and the rear door. Some of the minor fasteners are rusty too, as is the rear wheel carrier and the rear cappings. 

There are also two scratches on the offside front wing and some marks to the front bumper.

The refurbishment included new half-leather front and rear seats, all of which still look fabulous. All are firm and comfortable, and none sport any damage whatsoever. In fact, only light creasing to the driver’s seat hints at their age.

The front seats are heated too, and the switches for this are located in the useful centre cubby box.

There aren’t any rear bench seats fitted but sourcing a set wouldn’t be hard. If in doubt, just Google ‘Exmoor Trim’ and you might even be lucky enough to find ones that match those already fitted.

A glass sunroof sits in a decent headlining and its presence floods the cabin with light.

Other goodies include a heated windscreen. 

As for flaws, the steering wheel is, perhaps, a little too patinated for most tastes and while the rubber mats on the floor are in good shape, the Dynamat underneath is exposed in places.

Again, some of the fasteners are rusty and could do with being replaced, and the headlining is easing away from the sunroof seal.

Finally, while the four door cards are presentable, albeit a little scuffed, the one on the rear door is scruffy.

TJC Land Rovers in Norfolk carried out the bulk of the work between 2015 and 2017, and the invoices are attached. The work ended up taking longer than anticipated due to parts shortages from Land Rover’s end following the announcement the Defender was going out of production…

Hampshire Diesel Services, the seller’s local garage and the folk who look after all his cars, picked up the baton in 2017. 

In addition to routine servicing, it has rectified poor starting and charging, sorted out the handbrake, rebuilt and tuned the carburettors, resolved a coolant leak, fettled door locks and dashboard lights and more. Again, the invoices are attached and we’d encourage you to read them to appreciate how well looked after it’s been.

We are told it has also been recently upgraded with a stainless-steel exhaust.

The V8 petrol engine, which isn’t a conversion but the same fuelling option it left the factory with, is “a nice engine” and much better to drive than the diesel you probably think you want. The seller has covered under ten thousand miles since it was finished and he thinks the extra cost of fuel has been well worth it.

The engine bay is a little rusty here and there, so if you’re looking for another job to keep you busy then detailing it would be very satisfying. 

The underside looks strong and is well protected by underseal. The galvanized chassis should keep rust at bay for a good while yet and certainly no MoT tester has ever had cause to mention structural corrosion during its annual checks.

That said, while some might appreciate the Land Rover’s attempt at self-preservation, others might prefer to investigate where the oil is coming from. 

Remember though, it’s an old Land Rover, so some oil loss is to be expected.

The Defender’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2024 and the recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for a change of colour.

The Defender comes with a wealth of invoices for both its restoration in 2015-17 and subsequent maintenance.

With few electrical components, Land Rovers of this era can be safely left for months at a time without fear of the battery draining. As happy in hibernation as they are out on the moors, they live for the moment you realise the weather throws you a Land Rover-shaped curveball and they’re called upon to save the day.

And this one is very well equipped to do just that thanks to its refined and powerful V8 engine, hefty safety cage, chunky rubber boots, and galvanized chassis.

You could invest a little time and money is erasing the corrosion that’s starting but if you are just looking for a trusty and reliable companion to throw dogs and firewood in with impunity, this is it.

Our guide price of between £12,000 and £15,000 also means you can tuck it away as a hedge against foul weather, a zombie apocalypse, or just the chance to amble along your local green lanes without having to invest three or four times that sum for a newer model.

And, when the time does come to let it go, you may find that that legendary Land Rover indomitability is matched by better-than-average residuals, too.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.