1995 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi 5-Speed 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.  

This particular Defender 90 was sourced, refurbished, and upgraded throughout by noted Defender specialist Arkonik of Somerset, England, prior to being imported to the U.S. by the seller in 2020. Refurbishment highlights include overhauling the exterior, interior, powertrain and drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and other major systems as detailed below. Power comes from a rebuilt 300Tdi turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, which sends power through a five-speed manual gearbox linked to a dual-range transfer case and locking center differential.

This extensively upgraded Defender 90 is now offered with a clean CARFAX history report, some spare parts, and a clean Colorado title in the seller's name.

Highlights 

• Refurbished and customized by Arkonik of Somerset, England, in 2020

• Imported to the U.S. by the seller in 2020

• Rebuilt 300Tdi turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine

• Rebuilt five-speed manual gearbox

• Clean CARFAX history report

Factory Equipment

• Four-wheel drive 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Dual-range transfer case 

• Locking center differential 

• Center-facing, rear-hinged bench seats

• 110-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and temperature 

• Lower dashboard gauges for oil pressure, voltage, and boost pressure  

• Air conditioning 

• Optional trailer hitch

• 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

Modifications

Refurbished and customized by Arkonik in 2020 (build plate No. 961090) as follows: 

• Exterior and Structure:

  • Refinished in Chawton White paint over Burnt Plum leather interior

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

  • LED lighting 

  • New body panels assembled with new seals 

  • Replaced bulkhead and the A, B, and C pillars 

  • New windows

  • Frame primed and Raptor-coated for longevity and durability 

  • Side seals and rear body tub fitted to the frame 

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

• Interior:

  • Reupholstered front/rear seats and trim

  • Upgraded sound proofing and carpeting 

  • Heated front seats 

  • Folding rear bench seats 

  • Black door cards 

  • Safety Devices roll bar 

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

  • Custom wiring loom

• Powertrain/Drivetrain:

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

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

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

  • Rebuilt drive components 

• Suspension/Brakes/Wheels/Tires:

  • New suspension and braking systems

  • 16" Mach 5 wheels

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

  • 2" offroad kit with Raptor-coated steering guard (skid plate) 

Servicing and Documentation

• Clean CARFAX history report

Ownership History 

This 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 was purchased by the seller and imported to the United States in February, 2020, making him the first registered U.S. owner, as reflected in the accompanying clean CARFAX history report. 

Included Items

• Rear-mounted spare tire 

• Roof rails 

• Unused Rudd tire chains