Registration - L767 WEW

Chassis No. - SALLDHAC7LA939729

M.O.T. - October 2024

Odometer - 65,000

By the very nature of the beast, Land Rover Defenders can be found in every condition possible from fully restored to basket-case and back again. ‘L767 WEW’ would appear to be a very honest example that’s arguably led a relatively cushy life. It is an ex-MOD vehicle, the prime role of which we understand to have been ferrying soldiers between the port and army barracks in sunny Cypres. This would certainly account for why the odometer registers a very modest 65,471 kilometres (ie 40,682 miles), and the fact that the vendor describes the chassis as ‘the best I’ve ever seen’. She adds that the Landie ‘runs fab and tows well, and is an absolute pleasure to drive’. It has apparently recently benefited from an oil and filter service; the underside being steam cleaned and undersealed; the replacement of the roof seal, clutch master and slave cylinders; and the fitment of a new set of military-approved Goodyear G90 tyres. The Defender has also been treated to the insulation of the roof, plus plywood lining and carpeting of the rear compartment, while a diesel heater, leisure battery, USB charging points and lighting for the rear compartment add to the vehicle’s overall level of comfort and practicality. The vendor currently classes the 2.5-litre diesel engine and transmission as ‘excellent’, and the bodywork, camouflage paintwork and black vinyl trim as ‘average’. ‘L767 WEW’ comes complete with tow hook, spare wheel/tyre, door-mounted shovel, army service history and a selection of old MOTs.

The biggest development in the original Land Rover’s history was the cessation of the Series line and its replacement with the Land Rover 90 and 110 models, later re-badged as Defender. This change was necessitated by the launch of the Land Rover Discovery, meaning the father of the range could no longer be called just a Land Rover – it too needed its own model name. The Discovery also brought a new engine to the party, the 200Tdi which, as fitted to the Defender, resulted in higher cruising speeds and more load-lugging torque. Gone now was the long-standing leaf spring suspension to be replaced by coils all round. Engine changes became a regular occurrence with the 200Tdi being followed by the 300Tdi, Td5 and then the Ford DuraTorq that appeared in 2.4-litre form in 2007, and then 2.2-litre guise in 2012. Throughout the ‘90s, the model commenced the climb upmarket while remaining true to its roots.

In summary:

• A seemingly very honest ex-army example
• Was primarily stationed in the vehicle-friendly climate of Cypres
• Interior insulated, lined and carpeted for additional comfort