2008 Land Rover Defender 90 County SW SWB

This is a completely unmodified Defender 90, so it’s a blank slate for whatever you have in mind. The VIN number checks out, confirming that this has been a short-wheelbase Station Wagon in Zermatt Silver ever since it left the factory at Solihull.

Built in late November 2007, it’s equipped with the 2.4-litre Puma diesel engine, meeting EU4 emissions standards. Permanent 4WD is delivered via a six-speed MT82 manual gearbox with a high/low ratio transfer box, and there’s proper seating for four adults. 

The original owner had this Defender until about nine years ago, and we’re told she only used it about once every other week. The Defender’s second owner gave it a similarly leisurely existence, and although it was the family’s only car, it accrued only a few thousand miles. When he passed away, ownership passed to his wife, the vendor. 

As you can see, it’s in pretty good condition for any vehicle of this age, let alone a Defender. Aside from an edge of the roof and a panel seam on the front offside wing where some of the Zermatt Silver is starting to flake, the paintwork has survived well overall.

Close inspection will reveal some small dings or scuffs, for example at the front of the nearside front wing and rear offside wheelarch, and there’s a little bit of bubbling on the panel behind the passenger door. Very small though. Lamps and lenses are all clear and smart.

Those door hinges deserve a set of stainless bolts (easily attainable on the aftermarket) and one of the mirror arms needs some fresh black paint. Rear crossmembers on Defenders of this era weren’t well painted at the factory so this one is characteristically brown; only surface rust so it will respray nicely. One of the rear mudflaps is missing (easily obtained) but its bracket is still in situ. Tiny areas of rust are showing around some edges of the cappings – worth touching-up eventually but it’s not urgent.

All-terrain 235/85 R16 tyres (the original size) are fitted at each corner. The front wears a recent matching pair with very little wear, and the rear has a slightly older pair of premium General Grabber TRs, one of which has picked up a nail although it passed the MOT like this. These match the spare, which looks unworn. All five tyres are fitted to original five-spoke alloys in good condition – they’ll clean up well.

If you like simplicity, here it is! Interior equipment includes electric windows, a Kenwood CD player, heated screens and not much else. Solihull equipped these Station Wagons with a ‘bulkhead delete’ bar behind the front-row seats, giving much better interior versatility compared with some models.

You wont find any soggy footwells or mouldy seats, as this Defender has bucked the trend by being free from rainwater leaks. (There’s no sunroof, which helps.) That said, the owner has drawn our attention to a loose door seal which just requires a smidge of adhesive to hold it in place.

As you can see, it’s all in very good condition inside – definitely above average – and there’s no significant wear on any of the seats, floor mats, door cards or carpets. The one exception is the driver’s seatbelt which is damaged, although not enough to have caused an MOT failure.

The locking wheel nut key, original jack, chock and emergency triangle are all present.

As you can see from our video, the engine idles smoothly and revs willingly without causing undue smoke, and there are no warning lights.

We have found no cause for concern underneath. This Land Rover does not appear to have been used off-road as there is no significant build-up of mud, and no off-road damage. It also appears to be less leaky than many Defenders, with just the usual seepage underneath the diffs and around the chrome swivels. 

Chassis condition looks better than what you might guess from looking at the rear crossmember. The next owner would be wise to ‘lock in’ the structural integrity with a rustproofing treatment. 

In the engine bay you’ll find indication of a slight oil or fluid leak around the nearside of the engine, mentioned as an advisory on the latest MOT. It does not appear to be severe, but warrants attention.

Some later TDCi Defenders can experience Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging issues if they are not used for longer runs, but we believe this is a ‘sweetspot era’ model, dating from before the DPF became mandatory. We would however encourage you to confirm this rather than take our word for it.

Given the very low annual mileage in recent years, servicing hasn’t been a priority for the current owner, so it will need a good service and checkover.

The latest MOT (dated 9th May) lists only three advisories, all mentioned above (the nail in a tyre, the oil leak and the brake light bulb).

Although it’ll need a good mechanical service, the originality and gentle history of this Defender is its trump card. It could be a real bargain. 

A few cosmetic improvements would really help show off its minimal mileage and gentle usage, and maximise resale if you decide to sell it. Parts availability for these vehicles is unbeatable, so you’ll have no problem keeping it tip-top for decades to come.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £24,000.

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’.