1995 Land Rover Defender 90 by Arkonik

Description

For years, the name Land Rover has conjured images of square, tough, off-road vehicles. Production of what would become the Land Rover Defender commenced in 1983 under the name Land Rover 110, so called to denote its 110-inch wheelbase. Shortly thereafter, the British automaker introduced the Land Rover 90 (oddly, with a 93-inch wheelbase) and Land Rover 127 (with a more logical 127-inch wheelbase). 

Initially resembling the Series III Land Rover, the post-1983 models underwent subtle alterations, receiving an extended bonnet, revised grille, and widened wheel arches to accommodate broader-track axles. Despite these visual similarities, significant mechanical upgrades set the 90 and 110 apart, including the introduction of coil springs, adoption of a permanent four-wheel-drive system, and integrating a two-speed transfer gearbox with a lockable center differential.  

Unveiled in 1990, the Land Rover Defender 90 marked a pivotal moment for the brand, emerging after the Land Rover Discovery's debut in 1989. Aimed to differentiate Land Rover's new lineup from the original robust vehicle, the 90 offered uprated engines and interior appointments. This one was sourced, restored, and upgraded by noted UK Defender custom specialist Arkonik and imported to the U.S. in 2020. 

Highlights 

• Restored and customized by Arkonik in 2020, which made the following upgrades: 

  • Chawton White paint over Burnt Plum leather interior 

  • Rebuilt 300Tdi 2.5 liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine rated at 90 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque 

  • Frame primed and Raptor-coated for longevity and durability 

  • Rebuilt drive components 

  • New suspension system, brakes, and bulkhead and replaced the A, B, C pillars 

  • Side seals and rear body tub fitted to the frame 

  • Transmission, transfer case, and gear box stripped and refurbished back to original tolerances or replaced with new 

  • New, custom-made bulkheads assembled and aligned to new body panels to ensure original corrosion protection and water ingress 

  • Custom wiring loom created for the vehicle 

  • Interior fitted with sound proofing and carpeting 

  • All-new body panels assembled with new seals 

  • New windows 

  • 16 inch Mach 5 wheels spoked wheels 

  • BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 LT265/75R16 tires 

  • Two inch offroad kit with Raptor-coated steering guard (skid plate) 

  • KBX grille, headlight surrounds, and wing top air intakes 

  • LED lighting 

  • Heated front seats 

  • Folding rear bench seats 

  • Standard black OEM door cards 

  • Safety Devices rollbar 

  • Pioneer Apple CarPlay stereo with reverse camera and eight Alpine speakers and Alpine subwoofer 

  • Allisport performance intercooler radiator with remote switch to allow for automatic or manual activation 

• The chassis number (SALLDVAF8MA961090) decodes as: 

  • S – Europe 

  • A – UK 

  • L – Land Rover 

  • LD – Defender 

  • V – Wheelbase 93 inches 

  • A – Truck cab, hard top or soft top 

  • F – 200Tdi and 300Tdi 2.5L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel 

  • 8 – Left-hand drive, 5-speed manual transmission 

  • M – 1995 

  • A – Solihull (UK) assembly plant 

  • 961090 – Production sequence number 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

Features 

• Four-wheel-drive, three-door wagon 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Dual-range transfer case 

• Locking center differential 

• Dashboard instrumentation: 

  • 110-mph speedometer 

  • Tachometer 

  • Fuel 

  • Temperature 

• Lower dashboard instrumentation: 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Voltage 

  • Boost pressure  

• Air-conditioning 

• Locking center console with storage 

• Cup holders 

• Side mirrors with round blind spot mirror 

• Rear exterior light 

• Center-facing, rear hinged bench seats 

• Seat belts 

• Trailer hitch 

• Step plates on sides and in rear 

• Arkonik build plate No. 961090 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 by Arkonik is presented in excellent restored condition with no known imperfections at the time of cataloging  

Included 

• Rear-mounted spare tire 

• Roof rails 

• New Rudd tire chains 

Ownership History 

This 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 was restored and modified by Arkonik, a custom Land Rover builder in the United Kingdom. It was purchased by the consigner and imported to the United States on 29 February 2020, making him the first registered U.S. owner, as reflected in the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report.