1988 Land Rover Defender 110 – South African RHD V8

Model History

The iconic Defender was made by Land Rover from 1983 – 2016. The “Defender” moniker, though, didn’t actually come into view until 1991, when Land Rover needed to distinguish it from the incoming Discovery. The One Ten (110) represents the 110″ wheelbase length. The earlier ROW trucks differ from the later North American Spec (NAS) examples mostly in engine and drivetrain components and lack of an internal roll cage. Very little changed in the 10 years prior to seeing them stateside. In fact, very little changed at all, ever.

Lesser known in the Defender heritage is a group of trucks built in South Africa by the Associated Automotive Distributors (AAD) company. They are considered CKD (complete knock down) builds and are especially desirable given they were originally specified with a galvanized chassis and bulkhead. They are legally allowed into the United States as they are original frames.

Car History

Second Daily is proud to offer this 1988 Land Rover Defender 110 for auction. Power in this 110 comes from a factory V8 3.5L paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. and has a reported original 167k kms. The seller reports the 110 was a 1-owner in South Africa from new and has records dating back to 1988, including the original purchase invoice and all SA road licence paperwork by year. It was recently imported by the seller and is located in California (VT plates). It ships with a clean clear Vermont title in the seller’s name.

Financial and shipping assistance is available. We also offer our Buying Assistance program to help facilitate the transaction between buyer and seller. If you would like to have this vehicle inspected, Second Daily will cover up to $200 on a pre-purchase inspection if you go on to purchase the vehicle.

Exterior

Outside, the paint appears to be in good condition for a 30+ year old Land Rover. It is unknown if the paint is original. As so many of these trucks are now respray/shine/Kahns, this is seemingly and refreshingly a straight honest represented 110. It is fitted with a full length platform roof rack, swing tire carrier, rear step, and full front brush guard. Also, this 110 is fitted with an additional 60 liter fuel tank, winch, stainless steel exhaust system, and Hi-Lift jack. Wheels are non-factory fitted with BFG AT’s. Some of the typical hinge rusting is noted.The chassis is galvanized and the seller reports it was additionally waxoyled at some point.

Rust areas

We note some corrosion spots on the door bottoms, hinges and some areas of the tops of the doors. None could be seen on the bulkhead and the seller reports nothing.

Interior

Inside is the barren stark rustic interior we all know and love of a 110, with seating for up 9 including the rear cargo area jump seats. This one looks to be clean. There is a small tear on the rubber transmission tunnel cover and one of the back seats. The headliner looks to be in good shape. The plastic trim around the heater slider switch and hazard light switch is cracked. It is fitted air conditioning though the seller notes it would need to be serviced.

Maintenance

The seller reports he has a folder full of receipts dating back to 1988. This 110 just completed a $3000 service at a Defender specialist which includes:

• SU carbs overhauled and new choke cable
• Oil and filter change
• Replaced bent steering rod
• Check all hydraulics
• Front wheel alignment
• Front drive shaft removed and installed correctly
• New Rear Brake back plates with brake adjusters and adjust wheel bearings
• Rear brake shoes have just been been replaced
• Fuel tank sender unit
• Repair rear lights and front spot lights
• Rewire Alternator and ignition wiring
• Repair Right rear door – check strap fabrication and fitting

Known Issues

Air conditioner needs servicing and the heater blower motor is not operational.

Final Thoughts

Well, if you’ve seen the latest 2020 Defender, you know “they ain’t making anymore of them”. It’s as if Land Rover forgot their roots and left the enthusiast audience behind in our opinion.These original Defenders like this one here will remain the staple of what we all want and think of as a Defender. It is titled, tagged and 100% legal in the US. Inspections are welcomed and encouraged for any serious buyers. If you order an inspection on this truck and ultimately purchase it, Second Daily will credit you for the cost of inspection up to $200.

Bid Now and Drive Fun Daily.

Bidding at Second Daily

Second Daily is an online curated auction service for specialty vehicles like you see here. Auctions run 24/7 and are 100% online. A reserve price has been set, so you must meet the reserve price with your bid in order to win the auction. If your bid is below the reserve, you may continue to bid until you hit the reserve price. The estimated value of the vehicle will give you an estimated indication of where the reserve price sits.

Disclaimer: We do our best to represent the vehicle from the information provided but this should not be implied as an inspection. Second Daily is not the owner of the vehicle and therefore we recommend as with any online vehicle purchase, as a potential buyer you should either arrange to visit it in person for a personal inspection, or hire a professional service to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. The full VIN number is available upon request, as potential buyers, you can perform your due diligence to determine if this vehicle meets your standards. Second Daily is not liable for the condition or contents of the vehicle. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.