1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi 5-Speed
Overview
This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi showcases a remarkable restoration with just ~300km driven since completion. Green over Tan, this truck’s factory left-hand drive configuration arrives renewed from the ground up for a highly capable 4WD with contemporary comfort. A new Exmoor Trim soft top and full cage span 6-passenger synthetic leather seating, alongside elevated details throughout including a 3-spoke steering wheel, Marshall Bluetooth audio, and air conditioning.
Under the hood, this Land Rover’s 2.5L direct-injected turbodiesel engine and 5-speed manual transmission benefit from no-expense-spared rebuilds to OEM-spec. Lifted suspension rides on fully reconditioned drivetrain front to back, completed by Black Wolf wheels and a matching full-size spare wrapped in Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires. Exterior modifications further extend to widened bodywork, LED lighting, a custom rear bumper w/swing-out spare tire carrier, and more.
Completed by RE-VI-VE restorations in Lisbon, Portugal, this example displays painstaking attention to detail in all regards. Frame-off craftsmanship brings new corrosion-resistant hardware, updated wiring, and comprehensive overhauls of steering, braking, and cooling systems ready to go the distance on road or off. Imported in 2025, this Defender 90 is now offered with a clean Carfax report, Seller’s Disclosure, build sheet, and restoration documentation.
Features & Options
- Dark Green metallic exterior
- Brown synthetic leather upholstery
- 300Tdi 2.5L Inline-four engine, Fully rebuilt
- 5-speed manual transmission, Fully rebuilt
- Exmoor Trim soft top roof & cage
- 6-passenger seating
- 3-spoke steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- Land Rover rubber floor mats
Modifications
This Land Rover's frame-off restoration includes the following modifications from stock. A comprehensive full Build Sheet is viewable in Documents (above).
Body & Paint
- Aluminum panels straightened, repaired, and re-sealed
- Full repaint with automotive-grade finish (interior and exterior surfaces)
- Underbody coated with rust-inhibiting protection
- Dynamat acoustic sound insulation
Chassis, Wheels & Tires
- Wolf steel wheels (Set of 5)
- Cooper Discoverer STT Pro Tires, 265/75/R16
- Chassis shot-blasted to bare metal
- Crack inspection and reinforcement where required
- Anti-corrosion treatment + epoxy primer + protective top-coat
- New hardware throughout (zinc-coated bolts, mounts, brackets)
Suspension
- HD coil spring suspension
- Terrafirma Pro Sport shocks
- Bilstein Advance steering damper
Drivetrain
- Transfer case inspected & resealed (LT230)
- New clutch (pressure plate, friction disc, release bearing)
- Driveshafts inspected & balanced
- Differentials cleaned, inspected, & serviced
- Complete braking system overhaul
- New suspension arms, ball joints, and poly bushings
- New track rods, drag link, tie rod ends
- Steering column bushings replaced
- Power steering system serviced with new seals and fluid
Engine & Electrical
- Upgraded cooling system & exhaust
- New battery (high-capacity AGM type
- Updated wiring sections, connectors, terminals
- Upgraded relay and fuse protection where applicable
- Complete LED lighting (headlights + indicators + markers + tail lamps)
- Integrated Marshall Bluetooth speaker
Service Records
- Clean Carfax report
- Seller's Disclosure
- Restoration documentation including mechanical rebuilds, paint/body, and interior restoration
Ownership History & Provenance
Commissioned by the seller, this truck's frame-off build was completed by RE-VI-VE in Lisbon, Portugal prior to its US-importation in 2025. With 300 km driven since, the vehicle remains in a fresh state of tune, currently located in Bend, Oregon.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi shows wear consistent with its age and restored condition according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Items included in the Sale
- 2 Key fobs
- Build sheet
- Restoration documentation including mechanical rebuilds, paint/body, and interior restoration