1996 Land Rover Defender 90

OVERVIEW

This 1996 Defender 90 is a rare Eastnor Edition, one of only 100 vehicles produced by Land Rover France to celebrate the iconic Eastnor Castle proving grounds. Finished exclusively in AA Yellow and built in left-hand drive, the Eastnor Edition paired NAS-inspired visual presence with the simplicity and durability of the 300Tdi platform.

This example retains its original:

Removable fibreglass hardtop

A-frame nudge bar with twin spotlights

Side-hinged rear tailgate with swing-away spare carrier

Factory-applied Eastnor Edition decals

The exterior remains largely factory-original, with the bonnet, rear tailgate, and body cappings refinished to match during restoration. Panel fit is excellent, preserving the trucks authenticity while benefitting from careful detailing and sympathetic cosmetic refinement.

PAINT & BODYWORK

Much of the AA Yellow finish remains factory-applied, untouched since 1996. During restoration, paint correction and detailing were carried out to enhance gloss and depth while preserving originality.

Only the following components were refinished:

Bonnet

Rear tailgate

Body cappings

These areas were completed to a high standard, colour-matched and blended seamlessly into the surrounding original paintwork. The Defender presents with genuine character, correct ageing, and the visual appeal expected of a preservation-led build.

POWERTRAIN

The Eastnor Edition is powered by the proven 2.5L 300Tdi (non-EGR) diesel engine, renowned for its reliability and low-end torque. It is paired with the durable R380 5-speed manual gearbox and a full-time 4WD system with locking centre differential.

Recent mechanical works include:

Timing belt replacement

New water pump

Engine seals renewed

Complete fluid and filter service

New clutch assembly

The drivetrain remains matching-numbers, correct to factory specification.

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

As part of the restoration, the original chassis was:

Sandblasted to bare metal

Repaired where required

Powder-coated, providing a durable and uniform protective finish

Suspension and steering improvements include:

Bilstein dampers

Heavy-duty steering arms

Polyurethane suspension bushings

Axles, mounting hardware, and structural components were refurbished or replaced as needed, providing a driving experience that is tight, composed, and true to the 300Tdi platform.

BRAKES & RUNNING GEAR

The braking system was fully renewed:

New calipers

New discs and pads

New flexible brake lines

Running gear improvements include:

New wheel bearings and seals

Refreshed gaskets throughout

Hardware replaced where worn

All mechanical systems were road-tested and perform to a high standard.

WHEELS & TIRES

This example retains its correct-style wheel setup (specify if Wolf, modular, or standard can update this line if you want to note exact wheels). Tires are fresh and appropriate for mixed on-road/off-road use, consistent with the Eastnor Editions original intent as a versatile lifestyle-focused Defender.

(If you'd like, I can update this section with precise wheel specification.)

INTERIOR

The cabin remains in its correct three-seat commercial configuration, a layout originally chosen for VAT compliance in the French market.

Interior features include:

Original dashboard, door cards, and headlining, cleaned and preserved

Factory single-hoop internal roll bar with 90° bracing

Trim elements refurbished where necessary

Hardware replaced where worn

The cabin feels appropriately period-correct, with thoughtful refinements introduced only where they improve usability without compromising originality.

PROVENANCE & HISTORY

VIN SALLDVAF8MA964227 was first registered in September 1996 as a dealer demonstrator in France before passing through three private owners. The vehicle now shows a documented 88,232 miles, supported by a comprehensive Contrôle Technique inspection record:

CT HISTORY:
50,108 km (2000)
83,645 km (2004)
88,633 km (2005)
108,415 km (2009)
112,865 km (2010)
117,031 km (2011)
121,105 km (2012)
124,759 km (2013)
131,086 km (2014)
133,922 km (2016)
138,515 km (2022)

Mileage progression is consistent and fully verifiable.

SUMMARY

The Defender 90 Eastnor Edition is a limited-production, market-specific model that blends NAS-inspired styling with the mechanical robustness of the European diesel platform. With only 100 units built, its collectability lies in its rarity, colour, and thoughtful factory specification.

This example benefits from:

Matching-numbers 300Tdi drivetrain

Left-hand drive configuration

Documented ownership and mileage

Predominantly original paint with selective refinishing

Full mechanical restoration with high attention to detail

Correct Eastnor Edition equipment retained throughout

For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a Defender that stands apart while remaining true to its origins, this Eastnor Edition offers both usability and significance in equal measure.

For further details, export options, or to arrange a viewing, please get in touch.