Teepee the Landy
I needed a vehicle that could handle a muddy dog, carry shopping and DIY supplies, and be practical for tip runs. Since I'm moving to the countryside, I figured a Defender would be the perfect choice.
Ideally, I wanted either a van version or an older model to keep the car tax at £350 rather than £770 for a newer or ‘country’ version. My dream Defender would be a 300Tdi, as it’s the most reliable engine Land Rover ever made—capable of 500K miles—and offers the best fuel economy. I also wanted it as a van (for tax purposes), with a galvanised chassis (since they all rust), and, if possible, in Epsom Green—my favourite colour and the same as HRH The Queen’s Defender.
However, I quickly realised that Defenders were astronomically priced. Nice examples with a galvanised chassis were going for £20K–£25K. With a budget of £17K, I had two options: a 130K-mile Defender with a patched-up rusty chassis that looked good or a 180K dented dog with a galvanised chassis.
Then, I came across this advert:
Classic 1995 Land Rover Defender 90, 300TDI, 2 Previous Owners, 78K Miles, Richards Galvanised Chassis, LED Light Upgrade, Upgraded Intercooler, Upgraded Radiator, Upgraded Brakes – £13,995
I called the seller and arranged to view it the next morning, 250 miles away. He had other buyers lined up for the evening, but it was first come, first served. The weather was terrible—strong winds and heavy rain, far from ideal—but given that it had passed its last two MOTs with no advisories and the seller assured me it was in great condition, I decided to buy it.
For the price, I expected a few issues, but not as many as I encountered on the 250-mile drive home. The MOTs were clearly dodgy—how does a vehicle pass when the washers and indicators aren’t even wired up? The engine smoked under deceleration, it squeaked, rattled, smelled bad, and most of the electrics didn’t work.
So, I grabbed my spanners and got to work...
Replaced valve seals , Replaced head gasket, Replaced all head and cam bolts, Replaced missing thermostat, Replaced aux belt tensioner, Replaced clutch master and slave cylinders, Replaced aux belt, Replaced expansion tank, Replaced missing exhaust bracket, Replaced broken mirrors, Replaced missing badges, Replaced door locks, Replaced fuel cap and surrounding, welded stress crack in stainless exhaust (due to not having a bracket), Rewired and fixed: 1. The front washer jets, 2. Side indicators, 3. Dash lights, 4. Reversing light, Fixed issue with Indicators not cancelling, Fixed clutch pedal - travel and squeak, Fitted an Apple Car play stereo, Fitted a Reversing Camera, Fitted rear bench seats, Fitted rear seatbelts, Fitted a dog guard, Fitted a centre armrest...... and I gave it a full service.Even with the list of issues I had I’m very happy with it.
I’ve now spent around £2,500 on it so its sets me in £16,500, which is a lot but… I now have a low milage, low owner, galvanised Defender, with the best engine, they ever made, the best gearbox, in the best colour that drives like new and everything works perfectly…. and is independently valued at £22K
The Land Rover Defender is a timeless icon, effortlessly combining rugged practicality with unmatched style. It looks just as at home navigating the muddy tracks of a farm as it does parked outside an elegant restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge.
With its unique blend of durability and sophistication, the Defender transcends class, appealing to a wide range of people and situations. Whether it’s driven by a hardworking farmer braving the elements or a member of the Royal Family attending a prestigious event, the Defender never feels out of place.
Its versatility and iconic design make it an enduring symbol of British Ingenuity, reliability, strength, and adaptability.
