This is my 1994 Land Rover Defender 90. It’s a very much a work in progress. I’m trying to restore the 17-year old vehicle back to something close to its original condition.
I’ve discovered an incredible Land Rover community online since buying the former farm vehicle. Forums and communities such as LandyZone are packed with enthusiasts willing to guide a novice along the way.
In fact almost all the parts have been purchased from eBay or sought out via online forums. Last week a second-hand window and set of door seals arrived at home, tracked down by someone that I’d emailed via their eBay shop. Doors, seals, lights and chequer plate have all come via a similar route.
The Defender was purchased from a dealer in Lancashire last winter also via eBay. It wasn’t so much a panic buy, but I had my eye on one for months and the Northumberland snow provided the excuse required to meet domestic approval.
It’s almost certainly going to cost almost double the price of an equivalent vehicle to restore. But that’s misses the point entirely Mrs Waddington. It’s a journey; an adventure of its own.
Nice one. I grew up in LandRovers in Africa, and will always have a soft spot for them. I always envied my cousin’s ’53 Series II short wheel base which he rebuilt. The Defenders are pretty much the last of the real 4x4s, with limited electrics and computer controls, so they can be rebuilt without a professional workshop.
Good luck with the rebuild, hope you get everything you need.
You’ve got the bug now!
(there is no cure, nor is anyone working on one thankfully)