2011 Land Rover Defender 110 XS 7-seat

“The vehicle was purchased by my employer for use as my company car,’ explains vendor “I had the option to purchase it – hence, it has two owners in the logbook. It has never been off road as I simply used it to travel into London from Hertfordshire and back everyday, as well as for holiday trips”. 

Given the amount of mileage he covered in the Land Rover during its early years, vendor had a Red Booster vacuum-assisted clutch kit fitted. “It significantly reduced the weight of the clutch pedal operation, making its operation much lighter and more traffic friendly”.

The Land Rover also has a Stage 1 performance chip and large-bore stainless steel exhaust system by Alive Tuning. “This increased power from 122bhp to 150bhp, and lent it a significant improvement in performance both in terms of pulling away and at overtaking speed”.

The improvements don’t end there, with Bilstein gas shock absorbers, a Polybush Blue comfort suspension bushing kit, an Old Man Emu steering damper, OMP steering wheel and a Slick Shift short-shift gear lever modification also all fitted. They combine to make the overall driving experience more relaxing, with a compliant ride and handling. It significantly improves upon the vague, bouncy and sluggish proposition that is a standard vehicle.

The Land Rover has an excellent service history and comes with all of its original receipts (see History Highlights section, below). “As you will note from the MOT test certificate mileages, we have not used the car very much in the last six years or so, as we have the use of other vehicles. For this reason, we feel it is time for it to move on to a new owner for them to appreciate”.

This XS is a pretty mean looking urban warrior and one that remains in very tidy condition, indeed. The paintwork remains sharp with a very pleasant hue that shifts in tone as the light hits it. The vehicle has been driven and enjoyed so there are one or two small marks here and there, and a scuff or two, but these are minimal and generally it remains remarkably clean. 

It’s fitted with four factory mudguards and you’ll find useful full factory checker plate kit with footpads on the front bumper, on top of the front wings and the sills. At the rear you will find a Factory NAS rear step bumper with an adjustable height tow bar and 13 Pin electrics, and a Ladder allowing access to the roof.

The five-spoke alloy wheels suit the rugged aesthetic (as do the tyres, but more on those in a moment) and are generally sharp, although again have one or two small scuffs. 

New BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres (including the spare) were sourced and fitted on 01/11/2021 at a cost of £949.26, with the car covering a relatively minimal mileage since (just over 1000 miles!). 

New 5mm 304 stainless steel Stealth powder coated sidesteps were also sourced from Uproar 4x4 (cost of £799.99 and fitted on 27/10/21)

It’s a very sharp and modern looking example that still retains that underlying essence of ‘old-school’ Landie aesthetic – we love it. 

Once upon a time Land Rover interiors did not present like this… Forget the stark, basic cabins of the Fifties as it has an extremely highly specification inside. You will find black half-leather heated Cobra sports seats, which grip you wonderfully. An OMP sports steering wheel. And on the audiovisual front, there are DVD players on the back of the front seat headrests – perfect for entertaining little tykes or nan and granddad. While up front, is an Alpine Apple Carplay touch screen stereo audio system installed by Auto Audio that works its magic through eight (yes, 8 speakers) coupled to an Alpine colour reverse camera.

In terms of patina, it’s still in the process of developing one with the hardwearing materials retaining an excellent appearance. Seats are free from rips and tares, carpets retain a pleasing amount of pile and the headlining is pretty much without mark. 

The best bits about the cabin are the amount of people that it can swallow or, if you prefer, the sheer storage capacity available once the rear seats have been stowed. 

It’s super flexible. 

Vendor's running gear tweaks have ensured that the next owner will be getting an XS that has been moderately tuned for improved on-road performance. As such, it provides a more comfortable and refined driving experience over that of a standard vehicle. There’s extra perk from the engine upgrades and a touch more aural titillation from the stainless sports exhaust system.

It’s worth noting that H.R. Owen Sports Cars fitted a cruise control kit on the 17/11/2011 – the total cost, spread across two invoices, being £541.00 (£351.70 and £190). Again, this improves both the Landie’s flexibility and driveability. 

The engine bay remains nice and clean. While popping your head underneath the vehicle reveals a sump guard in-situ and a nice solid looking underside. Whilst the car was originally undersealed with a full Dinitrol treatment, yes there’s a touch of surface corrosion on some leading metalwork edges, one or two cross members and some suspension components, but nothing to worry about. If an immaculate under body is important to you then a couple of hours spent with a wire brush and a little retreatment with a can of Dinitrol should see most of this tidied up.   

The included V5c document notes two owners from new, with, as vendor explained, the first of these being his employer. A current MOT test certificate (expired ones are also to be found in the history file) is also present and runs until 23/11/2023. 

All service and Owner handbooks are included, with the former having the following service stamps in it:

• 12,605 miles (16/10/12) – Lookers Land Rover, London
• 25,205 miles (11/09/13) – Lookers Land Rover, London
• 36,383 miles (02/07/14) – Lookers Land Rover, London
• 47,712 miles (20/04/15) – Lookers Land Rover, London
• 58,496 miles (15/10/15) – Lookers Land Rover, London
• 61,728 miles (27/10/2017) – CSK Automotive, Hertfordshire

 A range of invoices for service, consumable, replacement parts and upgrades can also be perused. These give prospective bidders a clear picture of exactly how well cared for this vehicle has been. 

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a first-class standard. 

This generation Land Rover is a wonderful combination of classic and modern. You get those iconic looks, yet matched to all mod cons in terms of the driving experience and interior accoutrements. The vendor's car has also had some magic dust visited upon it to further improve the on-road experience for both driver and cabin inhabitants. 

Having covered the majority of its mileage early in its life, it comes with a comprehensive service history for that period. The history file demonstrates too, that it’s received TLC and replacement parts as and when necessary. 

We think that this lovely example of Land Rover’s 7-seater XS will achieve somewhere between £30,000 and £35,000. For that, the next owner will receive a subtly upgraded example of the breed that has never been off road and remains in excellent condition. It’s been enthusiast owned and enjoyed, and is now ready for another to take on its mantle. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at 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’.