1999 | Land Rover Defender 90 Td5

The Car

Built on the 28th of July 1999 in Solihull, England, this Land Rover Defender TD5 Highlander Edition was destined as an export model for Land Rover France SAS. Delivered to a Parisian Land Rover dealer and first registered on 7th December 1999, this vehicle may well represent one of the rarest variants of the Highlander line.

Originally owned by its first keeper until February 2004, the vehicle was then purchased by its second owner, restaurateur Helaine Regis. It has benefited from low ownership, with just two custodians over its life. Despite a documented 185,000 miles, the Defender presents in remarkable condition, a testament to careful maintenance.

The Highlander Edition was Introduced in 1996 as a limited series exclusive to Land Rover France SAS, and quickly gained popularity, blending Epsom Green Micatallic paint with quintessentially British styling and added luxury accessories. Originally intended for the 1996 model year only, demand extended production until 1999. However, TD5-powered Highlanders are exceedingly rare, as the 300TDI variants dominated production until they transitioned to the TD5 in late 1998. This example, likely one of the few produced during a brief six-month TD5 production window, stands as a true rarity.

Factory-Original Features Include:

• Metallic Paint with Color-Coded Arches

• Freestyle Alloy Wheels fitted with 265/75R16 tires

• Sunroof and green-tinted glass

• Front and rear anti-roll bars

• Factory Cassette Stereo (now modernized with a Blaupunkt Madrid 200BT with Bluetooth)

• Highlander-specific graphics adorning each side

The Defender retains its original factory paint across the bodywork, save for the roof, which was refinished early in its life to match the Epsom Green body (originally Alpine White). Factory spot welds are present on the front and rear wings, underscoring bodyworks originality. Upgrades include LED Wipac indicators, brake lights, and side lights, enhancing visibility while respecting the Defender’s character. Original Britax door mirrors and factory-etched glass bearing the chassis number—a unique French security feature—remain intact.

The cabin defies its mileage, featuring original seating for seven (three front seats and two rear benches), factory rubber mats throughout, and a newly retrimmed grey Alcantara headliner. While the original cassette player is absent, a tasteful modern Blaupunkt Madrid 200BT with Bluetooth provides a period look.

The chassis is remarkably well-preserved, retaining its original factory finish, stickers, and even Braille dot axle markings are very clear and easily visible in the photo gallery, rare touches for a vehicle of this age. Maintenance history since 2013 documents extensive maintenance, including:

• Machined cylinder head with new gaskets and injector adjustment

• Replacement of essential TD5 components like the injector harness

• Recent timing belt service and full fluid replacements (engine, gearbox, transfer case, and axles)

• Upgrades such as heavy-duty steering arms, Bilstein steering damper, and stainless steel external fixings

Additionally, rebuilt calipers, new brake discs, and pads ensure reliable stopping power. Mudflaps, door hinges, and external details have been replaced or upgraded for durability.

This 1999 Land Rover Defender TD5 Highlander Edition is a rare gem, combining low ownership, a detailed service history, and unique features to make it one of the rarest Defenders available.

Delivery & Paperwork

This vehicle is currently located in Europe. We can offer shipping and all necessary import procedures to the USA for $3,850. This includes shipping to Port of Baltimore or Brunswick along with export/import clearance and terminal handling charges at the destination port. The following tariffs apply for US importation of passenger vehicles:

– Bond Fee: Single Entry 1.3515% of Vehicle Value

– Import Duty and HMF / MFP: 2.9714% of Vehicle Value

We can arrange insurance coverage for your vehicle during shipping to provide you with peace of mind. We offer All-risk insurance at a rate of 2.2% of the vehicle value. Please note that this insurance policy has a deductible (excess) of $1,250 and a minimum premium of $125. Our insurance is arranged through Abbott and Bramwell Insurance Brokers and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc, ensuring reliable coverage for your vehicle.

Upon completion of the sale, you will receive the foreign registration document and Bill of Sale, accompanied by a Heritage Certificate. If the buyer chooses our shipping and import services, they will also receive essential import documents for the US, including:

– Department of Transportation (DOT) Declaration

– Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Declaration

– Stamped CBP 7501 Entry Summary

These documents are crucial for obtaining a title from your state DMV. If needed, we can connect buyers with a title agency service in your state to assist with the title arrangement. Feel free to contact us for further assistance.

For additional information and answers to common queries regarding shipping and purchase, you can refer to our Shipping and Purchase FAQs on our website, Samuellloydco, accessible through the FAQ page.

History Of The Land Rover

The Land Rover Series range, originating in 1948, evolved into the Defender model, officially launched in 1983 and concluding its continuous run in January 2016 after an impressive 67-year history. Initially inspired by the US-built Willys Jeep post-World War II, Land Rovers gained widespread longevity, with a claim in 1992 that 70% of all vehicles ever manufactured were still in use. Throughout its production span, the Defender and Series ranges maintained a distinctive international presence, being exported, manufactured, and produced under license by various companies in diverse markets. These markets included Australia, Southern and North Africa, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, Malaysia, and more.

In a strategic move to tap into the US market, Land Rover entered the North American scene in 1993, following the successful introduction of the Range Rover brand in 1987. This move aimed to provide a sophisticated alternative to the Jeep Wrangler, catering to adventurous buyers. However, economic challenges led Land Rover to withdraw from the North American and Canadian markets in 1997. The Defenders offered in the US during the 90s underwent significant modifications compared to those destined for Land Rover’s other export markets. Subsequent amendments to federal safety regulations ultimately compelled Land Rover to entirely remove the Defender from the US market in 1997. Consequently, the company redirected its focus towards the production of upmarket Discovery and Range Rover models, built from the ground up.