1998 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90

This low-mileage Defender is stored at our Aiken, SC showroom. The inventory shown is owned, maintained, and driven by us here at Car Cave USA. For more pictures, information, financing, and videos, as well as to view our large inventory of left-hand-drive Defenders, please visit www.carcaveusa.com. A full walk-around video is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/1b8PgFDamik.

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Highlights:

Great Unmolested Condition

63K Original Miles

Sourced from a Dry Climate

Shown here is a factory-built 1998 Land Rover Defender 90 with the highly regarded 300Tdi engine, sourced from Sicily—a region known for its hot, dry climate. Built in September 1998 in Solihull, UK, this example is among the final production 300Tdi Defenders. It was shipped to Italy and sold new in Sicily on September 24, 1998. We acquired it in 2025 and imported it to the United States.

The Defender is finished in the original Land Rover factory color Coniston Green (Paint Code LRC570) with an Alpine White (Paint Code LRC456) roof and matching Alpine White 16" steel wheels. A high-quality respray was completed under previous ownership in Italy, including matching the wheels to the roof for a proper vintage aesthetic. It rides on a set of 7.50R16 Michelin tires, which is a perfect size for stock suspension, offering excellent stance and balanced performance both on and off-road.

We received this Defender in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. The previous owner clearly maintained it well. The paint presents beautifully, and the undercarriage is exceptionally clean thanks to Sicily's climate. We've logged approximately 100 test miles and continue to drive it occasionally while it awaits a new home. It runs smoothly, the turbo spools as it should, and it shifts confidently. The engine fires up with just a tap of the key and drives like the low-mileage example it is.

Car Cave performed a comprehensive mechanical inspection and service totaling around $4,500 to ensure this Defender is ready for adventure. Service included a fuel filter, oil change, oil filter, air filter, crankcase filter, oil pickup gasket, rear A-frame ball joint, front and rear differential pinion seals, greasing of front swivels, turn signal/horn combination switch, and full brake service. Additional upgrades include new front vent flap seals to prevent water intrusion, upgraded alloy shift knobs, and a new front bumper. Contact us for service receipts.

Coniston Green remains a timeless Land Rover color, and it pairs perfectly with the Alpine White roof and wheels, black grille, and headlamp finishers. The exterior presents a clean, traditional, and unmodified appearance (but we can handle any upgrades you have in mind!) The interior features rugged, stain-resistant, waterproof grey vinyl with front bucket seats and rear benches, offering seating for six with rear seatbelts included. A matching vinyl cubby box serves as the front center console. The interior is tidy, functional, and presents well.

Exterior details include fold-down side and rear steps, kept clean by factory mud flaps, which make entry easy at every door. In the rear load space, you'll find two fold-up bench seats for hauling gear or passengers. Rubber floor mats up front and a rear cargo mat protect the floors. The upgraded alloy shift knobs feel excellent in hand, and although an Alpine CD player is installed, we are not guaranteeing functionality; we’ll include a $250 credit toward parts and labor for a modern radio install.

Upgrades and Features:

300Tdi 2.5L Turbo Diesel

5-Speed R380 Manual Transmission

LT230 2-Speed Transfer Case

Locking Center Differential

16" Color-Matched Steel Wheels

7.50R16 Michelin Tires

Fold-Down Side and Rear Steps

Rear Bench Seats with Seatbelts

Sliding Rear Glass

Mud Flaps

Grey Vinyl Seats

Cubby Box

Rear Spare Tire Carrier

Power Steering

Power Disc Brakes

Alpine CD Player (not tested)

Front and Rear Live Axles

This Defender is factory-equipped with the durable and reliable 2.5L 300Tdi turbo diesel engine, paired to a 5-speed R380 manual transmission. The engine runs strong, and the gearbox shifts properly through all gears. At Car Cave, we drive our inventory regularly, often logging several hundred—sometimes thousands—of miles to ensure mechanical soundness. This Defender has been thoroughly reviewed and well cared for, and we’re happy to provide additional photos or video upon request, including driving footage and detailed undercarriage shots.