1995 | Land Rover Defender 90

The Car

Built in late 1995 at Land Rover’s Solihull factory in England, this Defender 90 was specified as a basic hardtop station wagon and finished in the iconic Epsom Green metallic complemented by its original Alpine White roof. This particular example is equipped with a rare optional factory sunroof and Rayleigh cloth front seats.

First registered in Saarland, Germany, on August 21, 1996, the vehicle began its life as part of the fleet at Europe 1, a subsidiary of the RTL Group, one of Europe’s leading media companies. Used at the Europe 1 Saarland Longwave transmitter station, the Defender played a small role in the fascinating history of post-World War II broadcasting. The station, strategically located near the borders of France and Luxembourg, had a history of transmitting commercial radio into France during a time when commercial broadcasting prohibition was in force throughout France. The station ceased operations in 2020, with the last masts demolished the same year.

The Defender remained with the RTL Group throughout its life, transferring internally between subsidiaries in 2014 from Europe 1 to BCE Broadcasting Center Europe. A contract documenting this €1 transaction remains on file, along with its original German and Luxembourg registration documents, substantiating its single-owner corporate history.

The vehicle’s mileage is extraordinarily low, having covered just 48,212 miles in its 29 years. Its ownership records are supported by periodic technical inspections, with documentation showing 36,075 miles at the time of its 2014 transfer. Its bodywork is in excellent condition, with the original lacquer still presenting beautifully—a testament to careful storage and maintenance.

During our preparation, the Defender has undergone a detailed preparation to ensure it is ready for the next chapter of its life. The following work has been completed:

• Replacement of the rear door seal and lower retainer

• Installation of a new torsion bar (left-hand side)

• Replacement of radius arm bush, wheel bearing, and halfshaft oil seal

• Installation of a swivel-to-axle gasket and panhard rod bush

• Addition of a new grey cubby box

• Upgraded steering damper with a Bilstein unit

• Fitting of heavy-duty steering rods and geometric wheel alignment

• Refinishing of the headliner in Alcantara

• Stainless steel fixings added throughout

Mechanically, the Defender is in excellent condition. A full service will be carried out upon purchase, which will include replacing all fluids and oils (engine, gearbox, transfer case, and differential). The timing belt will also be replaced, alongside a new water pump and a complete cooling system flush.

Such originality is becoming increasingly rare among Defenders of this era. With its very low mileage, carefully documented history, and sympathetic preparation, this vehicle represents an exceptional opportunity for an enthusiast or collector. Whether restored further or preserved in its current condition, this Defender is a standout example of an iconic. 

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.