When you think about iconic off-road vehicles, the Land Rover Defender instantly comes to mind. There’s something special about their rugged charm and unparalleled capability. Imagine discovering a truly unique example, like this recently refurbished and modified 1996 Land Rover Defender 110. This vehicle has been completely transformed, offering a blend of classic appeal and modern enhancements, ready for any adventure you throw its way.
A Comprehensive Transformation: The Exterior Refurbishment
This 1996 Land Rover Defender 110 began its new life as a pickup truck. It then underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2023 and 2024. The entire vehicle was disassembled, stripped, modified, and finally repainted in a striking Slate Gray finish. You will notice the frame and rear crossmember also received a powder-coating during this extensive project. Critical components like the bulkhead, doors, front fenders, and rear quarter panels were completely replaced, ensuring a solid foundation.
Key Exterior Features: A Bold New Look
The exterior boasts a range of impressive features that contribute to its bold new look. It sports a sleek black bikini top, perfect for open-air driving on sunny days. A modern Puma-style hood gives it a more aggressive stance, while an Adventure Edition-style grille enhances its front fascia. You will also see body-color wheel arch flares, adding to its rugged aesthetic. A NAS-style rear bumper, LED lighting, a powerful winch, side steps, and mud flaps complete the robust exterior package.
Upgraded Suspension and Robust Running Gear
This Defender 110 truly stands ready for serious off-road challenges. A Terrafirma suspension lift kit has been expertly installed, providing increased ground clearance. The truck now rides on robust 16-inch wheels, fitted with massive 38.50×12.50-inch Maxxis Mud Trepador tires. A spare tire is securely mounted on the rear of the vehicle, and galvanized wheel wells are also equipped, adding to its durability.
Enhanced Braking and Steering System
Safety and control are paramount, especially in a vehicle of this caliber. The four-wheel disc braking system received a comprehensive overhaul during the refurbishment. This included fitting replacement calipers and new brake lines. Furthermore, the steering box was replaced recently. These upgrades ensure precise stopping power and responsive steering, providing confidence on any terrain.
A Reimagined Interior: Luxury Meets Utility
Step inside this incredible 1996 Land Rover Defender 110, and you will find a cabin that beautifully blends luxury with rugged utility. The front bucket seats and split second-row bench were sourced from a Range Rover. They are now exquisitely upholstered in a rich Mocha Brown leather, offering superior comfort. The interior continues to impress with a custom wood dash cap, a matching center console, and stylish wood floor panels.
Modern Technology for Your Journey
Beyond the luxurious finishes, the cabin incorporates modern technology for an enhanced driving experience. An aftermarket stereo has been installed, featuring Apple CarPlay connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. You also benefit from aftermarket speakers, delivering crisp audio quality. Power locks add a touch of convenience, making this classic Defender more user-friendly in everyday situations.
Powerhouse Performance: The Rebuilt 300Tdi Engine
At the heart of this formidable 1996 Land Rover Defender 110 lies a 2.5-liter 300Tdi turbodiesel inline-four engine. This legendary powerplant is renowned for its reliability and torque. During the refurbishment, this engine received a complete rebuild, ensuring it performs optimally for years to come. This involved replacing critical components such as the cylinder head, turbocharger, wiring harness, radiator, and water pump. New pistons, valves, fuel injectors, and glow plugs were also installed, bringing this engine back to peak condition.
Drivetrain Built for Extreme Capability
Power reaches all four wheels through a robust five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a locking center differential. The manual transmission was reportedly rebuilt during the refurbishment. This included replacing synchronizers and gears, ensuring smooth and precise shifts. A new clutch, pressure plate, and flywheel were also installed at that time, providing reliable power transfer. Heavy-duty axles and differentials were powder-coated and fitted during the project, ready for rigorous use. A double-cardan driveshaft was also fitted, further enhancing its robust capability. The 300Tdi, in its original configuration, typically produced around 111 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, a solid foundation for off-road prowess.
The aftermarket steering wheel faces a 140-km/h speedometer and additional auxiliary gauges. The odometer currently shows only 270 kilometers, which equates to about 170 miles since the refurbishment. The total mileage of the vehicle before its transformation is currently unknown. This Defender’s Carfax report is clean, showing no accidents or other reported damage. This vehicle represents a rare opportunity to own a highly capable and beautifully restored classic.
Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications, modifications, and refurbishment details are based on information provided and may require independent verification. Mileage indicated reflects post-refurbishment travel.
Source: bringatrailer.com
