Built as a 1995 model year vehicle in Solihull, England, as an export market model and delivered to Land Rover France SAS, where it was first registered on the 22nd of February 1996. The vehicle was last registered to its most current and 3rd owner in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, located in southeastern France near the Italian border, on the 19th of December 2003. The vehicle has averaged just over 6000 km each year while in regular use up until 2017, at which point it was put into storage and did not re-emerge until earlier this year.

We are fortunate enough to have a very comprehensive digital history far to come for a vehicle which documents change of ownership and annual French technical inspections. Below is a summary of the inspection history which aids to substantiating its low mileage:

11/17/2017 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 131,845 km
11/18/2016 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 129.477 km
11/20/2015 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 127.124 km
11/21/2014 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 123,766 km
11/22/2013 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 121,239 km
11/23/2012 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 118,661 km
11/25/2011 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 116,258 km
11/29/2010 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 113,009 km
11/27/2009 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 110,928 km
11/12/2008 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 108,661km
11/30/2007 – – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 106,748 km
11/24/2006 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 103,524 km
02/12/2005 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 98,828 km
15/12/2004 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 93,584 km
08/12/2003 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 88.127km
03/12/2003 – Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 87,842km
12/21/2002- Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 74,020 km
12/20/2001- Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 61,865 km
12/26/2000- Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 45,235km
03/10/2000- Periodic Technical Visit- Favourable Pass at 36,186km

Upon our acquisition, the vehicle was found in remarkably original condition. I would love to say we have carried out an extensive array of work; however, it just wasn’t required. The Portofino Red paintwork is entirely factory original, with evidence of localized touch-ups in

place and a smart repair carried out on the front right wing. Overall, it’s a delight to see original paint that has held up this well, certainly something harder to find in today’s Defender market.

Cosmetically, we have refreshed the vehicle by replacing any broken exterior trim items and replacing exterior hardware with stainless steel items. Additionally, a new front bumper with TD5 end caps has been fitted for practicality.

The interior has seen much the same approach. Overall, it was in very good condition, with exceptionally well-preserved front door cards and rubber matting. However, some items were letting it down. All the seats have been re-trimmed in black vinyl, and a new rear door card and handle have been fitted. As is typically the case with Defenders, the headlining was sagging badly, and this has been retrimmed in Black Alcantara. Lastly, we’ve fitted a premium chubby cubby box, which significantly improves the ergonomics for the driver.

Mechanically, we’ve been through the vehicle, replacing a variety of ball joints, drop radius, and arm bushes. There was a fueling issue, which was rectified by replacing the left pump. We’re also taking the opportunity to rebuild all the brake calipers and replace discs and pads all around. Given the vehicle had been stored for some time and not regularly used, we have fitted a timing chain kit and serviced the engine, along with changing axle oils.

Structurally, the vehicle’s body and chassis were in surprisingly solid condition. As is often the case with Defenders of this age, there was surface corrosion that needed addressing. It’s critical to keep on top of cleaning a Defender chassis and sealing it regularly for longevity. With this one, we have sandblasted the entire chassis and painted it with a proxy primer, applying Dinitrol 4941 as an underbody topcoat protection.

The vehicle is completed with a new set of 5 Land Rover Genuine Boost wheels fitted with a matching set of Continental Cross Contact AT tires in the size of 235/85/R16. This was the preferred tyre of choice by JLR for late Puma vehicles that were to roll off the production line.

To view the full listing, please visit https://samuellloydco.com.