1991 Land Rover Defender 90 200tdi RHD

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. In the U.S. however, we did not have the pleasure of such vehicles until 1993. Land Rover of North America approved the importation of 500 Defender 110’s for the 1993 model year, all numbered and badged on the right rear. Following that ’93 run, in 1994 the 2-door Defender 90 version rolled ashore.  Less than 7000 Defender 90’s were imported into North America in 1994 – 1997 and became known as the NAS ‘North American Spec’ (also numbered on rear badges) trucks.

NAS Defenders had to meet specific US EPA guidelines so some differences do exist between same model year ROW (rest of world) and NAS Defenders. The One Ten (110) represents the 110″ wheelbase length. The earlier ROW trucks differ from the later 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.

Car History

Second Daily is proud to offer this 1991 Land Rover Defender 90 in Portofino Red, offered with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust document detailing its factory history. It was imported in 2016 and has since had 2 owners, one in KY and now in PA where it enjoys a leisurely weekend life with a host of other Rovers in the seller’s collection. This D90 was originally imported from the UK and retains its original plate attached to the front of the vehicle. It has passed two PA state inspections with no reported issues. It ships from PA with a clean clear Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

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 this D90.

The VIN decodes as the following:

Exterior

The seller reports the exterior to be in excellent condition. The prior owner is responsible for the respray in original Portofino Red. The panels appear to be straight, the front bonnet wing tops may have minor undulations showing. Lights are all new LED units and are said to work perfectly. The roof shows well and the rain gutters were resealed about a year ago. The most notable external alteration are the side/rear quarter panoramic windows which are said to be leak free. The front windscreen was added new last year, as was a new seal. Side front windows have tinted film (driver’s side is a little scored).

A tow hitch to match US standards was added. A 6″ lift kit, snorkel, and side rock sliders were fitted prior to current seller’s ownership. The engine bay looks tidy, a Duralast battery shows in the tray and the heat insulation is still present. The top is absent the alpine windows and the door bottoms look clean.

Interior

Inside, the carpets were replaced last year with Exmoor trim kit for the front and back. Adjustable seats (with middle bench) are also from Exmoor and appear to be in good condition, showing only some general wear. Always nice to see seat belts on all front seats. The rear bench seating is new as of 2018. There is a bracket arrangement pre-installed for a Hi-Lift jack if the new owner would like to add one. The CB Radio is new this year and is included with the sale. Ceiling materials were refinished in early 2018, and the dash shows well with no major cracks or damage. Dials are said to all be working, and the seller recently added a turbo boost gauge. Door cards are in good condition, and the windows are said to be operational. Air conditioning was fitted in July 2018. The center console was replaced this year with a USB charging point plus switches for rear spots/rear wipers & wash. New speakers were fitted in 2018 when the A/C was added.

Maintenance

• Hub seals were recently refurbished with new seals inner/outer and greased new bearings in late 2018.
• Oils were changed 8 months ago in transfer case and diffs, engine oil changed 150 miles ago.
• Hub swivels regreased in June 2018, front/rear driveshafts regreased June 2018/June 2019.
• All door locks replaced so one key fits all doors. Two keys provided for ignition.
• Air filter changed annually, oil twice a year minimum.
• Brake fluid flushed through as was clutch slave cylinder fluid in March 2019.
• Slickshift fitted by previous USA owner and makes gear changes easy.
• Fuel pump has revised pin internally for improved acceleration. Boost modified to around 8-10 psi.

Known Issues

The chassis is said to be in very good condition and was sealed before ownership. The seller believes the current rear cross-member to have been added, and reports the welds appear to be very well done. There are two other patches known near the front, about the size of 3″x6″. No obvious signs of bulkhead rust can be seen.

Final Thoughts

This D90 reportedly starts easily and every time, no matter the temperature. Directly from the seller…”turn the key to glow plug setting, let orange light extinguish and it NEVER fails to start on first turn even in winter. Power steering works OK, however long term I would upgrade as bigger wheels are fitted. Steering wheel is straight, vehicle drives without tracking left/right. No real slack in steering response, maybe 5mm max as I keep steering box tension maintained. Gear changes swift and easy with the slick shift fitted. Clutch is good and bites at correct point each time. Transmission drive to diffs is good, usual age related noise but not anything different to 10-12 other Land Rovers I’ve owned when I was in the UK previously. All gears are good, reverse selects easy, no gears jump out of gear. This is a great everyday vehicle especially with air conditioning. I can’t comment on winch strength as I don’t use it however I’ve tested all features and they work well from an electrical point of view, comes with both wireless and wired controllers.”

It is titled, tagged and 100% legal in the US. Inspections are welcomed and encouraged for any serious buyers. We know what buying a 30 year old Land Rover online looks like, first hand. So with that, 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.

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 can be provided 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.