Modified South African 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 2.8i

Description

The Land Rover Defender 90 is a legendary off-roader, rooted in a revered heritage that dates back to the original 1948 Series I. Known for its rugged construction, utilitarian design, and unmatched capability, the Defender has earned a cult following around the world. While most American enthusiasts are familiar with the North American Specification (NAS) models, a far rarer variant was produced exclusively for the South African market: the Defender 2.8i.

Factory-equipped with a BMW M52 2.8-liter inline-six engine, the Defender 2.8i stands as one of the most unique and desirable iterations of the beloved 4x4. With only 656 units ever built, this elusive Bavarian-powered British box offers a dramatic performance upgrade over other gasoline and diesel-powered counterparts. With it’s smooth spinning BMW straight-six capable of revving to 6,000 rpm, the 2.8i transformed the Defender into a more spirited and highway-capable cruiser.

This right-hand drive example was refurbished in 2024 by TATC UK/SA, a well-known Land Rover specialist who conducted a frame-off rebuild, with the original BMW engine disassembled, reconditioned, resealed, and reassembled to factory specs. The odometer was reset to zero during the process and the engine has reportedly travelled approximately 878 kilometers (550 miles) since. Finished in Fuji White, this unique D90 seamlessly blends classic Land Rover aesthetics with refined, upgraded, and modernized equipment both inside and out.

Highlights

• Factory-equipped BMW M52 2.8-liter DOHC inline-six engine model, one of only 656 produced for South African market 

• Rebuilt engine by TATC UK/SA with less than 900 kilometers (560 miles) 

• Rebuilt R380 five-speed manual transmission with dual-range transfer case 

• Repainted in Fuji White over black diamond-stitched black leather 

• Full frame-off refurbishment completed in 2024 

• Puma bonnet and black Bowler wheels 

Features

• Alpine Halo 11-inch touchscreen with Focal speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay 

• Replacement springs, bushings, and other suspension components 

• Leather Recaro front seats and custom foldaway rear seats 

• Bedrock aluminum and leather steering wheel 

• Aftermarket Masai 4x4 panoramic glass 

• Smoked LED lighting front and rear 

• Soundproofing throughout cabin 

• Aftermarket upgraded bumpers 

• Powder-coated frame 

• Heated front seats 

• Terrafirma shocks 

Known Imperfections

• Minimal small chips in paint on front fascia congruent with mileage since refurbishment 

• Reverse camera installed and previously functional but not currently working 

Included

• Letter from TATC UK/SA documenting engine rebuild and odometer reset 

• All customs and EPA importation documents 

• Restoration Receipts/Invoices 

• Clear State of Nebraska title 

• Two Sets of Keys 

Ownership History

This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 2.8i was originally sold in South Africa and first registered in Gauteng Province in 1998. After 24 years on the road in South Africa, it was purchased by the current owner in 2022 and underwent a meticulous frame-off refurbishment in 2024. The seller states, “The vehicle has since been driven approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) and was imported to the United States in April 2025 and is now ready for a discerning collector or enthusiast.”

This Defender is offered with a clean Nebraska title in the seller's name.