1999 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90

This performance modified, low-mileage Td5 Defender 90 is located in our Aiken, SC climate-controlled showroom. The inventory shown is owned, maintained, and driven by us here at Car Cave USA. For more pictures, information, video, and to view our large inventory of left-hand-drive Defenders, please visit www.carcaveusa.com or call 803-262-4742. Check out the walk-around video with a full rundown of the build on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/oSAnwBJArns with a start-up and exhaust video here https://youtu.be/-I15Q1agoYA.

Financing Available! Apply directly with our lending partner Woodside Credit: https://woodsidenew.defidirect.com/Application/apply?id=32200. Contact us for additional lenders and financing options. Also, we have no dealer or doc fees!

Looking to customize your Defender? The Car Cave team specializes in transforming these icons into tailor-made masterpieces. From performance upgrades and air conditioning to rear seating, roll cages, and countless accessory options, we bring your vision to life. Drive a Defender that’s uniquely yours—discover the limitless possibilities with Car Cave.

Highlights:

Stage III Performance Tuned Td5 Turbo Diesel

Custom Build by Car Cave

Full Tear Down Pearl White Paint

One Owner

Car Cave sources, builds, services, and sells a lot of Defenders. We started this build by sourcing a one-owner, extremely clean chassis and body Td5 Defender with low miles from the dry climate of Sicily. Manufactured at the Solihull, UK Land Rover facility on March 12, 1999, and delivered new to Italy, this one-owner Defender spent its entire life as a fleet vehicle near Palermo. Car Cave purchased and imported this Defender in 2024, and after arriving in Aiken, South Carolina, it underwent a complete transformation totaling over $60K in upgrades, reconditioning, and performance work.

Under the skin, this Defender has been fully upgraded mechanically for performance and reliability. The 2.5L TD5 turbo diesel now benefits from a Stage III Empire tune package, which includes a hybrid turbo, Empire stainless 2.5” downpipe, performance intercooler, and remapped ECU (currently working on dual map capability). We took it a step further with a Demand Engineering full stainless 3” turbo-back exhaust with a Captain’s Call muffler bypass valve. You now have the option to run your Defender loud and proud with the push of a button. The result is an increase of approximately 100 HP and 120 ft-lbs of torque—this is no longer your average Defender. For Td5 models, we can also offer cruise control for those highway drives. And don’t worry—this Defender won’t lack power on the interstate.

The build was designed to keep the entire look simple, elegant, clean—and oh yeah—almost double the power and make it more comfortable in the cockpit. A respray was completed in Pearl White; the Defender’s body was fully repainted following disassembly, all glass removed, windshield frame, hinges, hood, doors, seals, and roof removed. Custom half-doors were fitted, and the rear door was modified into a matching open style. The wing tops feature custom smooth color-matched protection plates. A full set of five silver 18" x 9” Venti alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich LT275/70R18 All Terrain tires complete the stance and look, which fits perfectly in the wheel wells. The tire and wheel combo matches perfectly in line with the +30mm wheel arches (British for wider fender flares). In the rear, a Mantec rear swing-out spare tire carrier holds a full-size matching wheel and tire. We were very careful in using contrasting elements of white, metal, black, and camel to keep our color palette to four. All exterior fixtures have been upgraded to LEDs.

Inside, all six seats have been individually reupholstered in camel leather, including four inward-facing rear jump seats with lap belts. A new cubby box was refinished to match the interior upholstery. A full-length seat belt bar is located behind the front seats to retain the factory 3-point harnesses. This will keep you safe and strapped in while having an open experience to the stars. We retained the original dash—one of the key points Land Rover also tried to carry over to the new model. The interior does feature some proper upgrades, including alloy shift knobs, USB and USB-C charging ports, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a matching upholstered center cubby with cupholders. Black molded rubber mats protect the floors, and new seals, latches, visors, and trim pieces complete the clean, functional interior.

Upgrades and Features:

Low Original Miles

Factory Built 2.5L 5-Cylinder Td5 Turbo Diesel

5-Speed R380 Manual Transmission

Hi-Low LT230 Transfer Box with Locking Center Diff

2” Lift Kit

18” Venti Silver Alloy Wheels

275/70R18 BF Goodrich All Terrain Tires

Custom Camel Leather Seats

Custom Camel Leather Cubby Box (Center Console)

Full Safari Style Build with Half Doors

Empire Stage III Performance ECU Tune

Upgraded Hybrid Turbo

2.5” Stainless Downpipe

Uprated Performance Intercooler

Demand Engineering 3” Turbo Back Selectable Exhaust

2” Extended Brake Lines

Smooth Wing Top Color-Matched Protection Plate

Extended Wheel Arches

Bulkhead Removal Kit (front seats can recline and move back further)

Wood Steering Wheel

Mantec Rear Tire Carrier

Full-Size Matching Wheel and Tire

Color-Matched Rear Crossmember

Front Seat Belt Bar

LED Headlights

Full LED Marker Light Kit

LED Rear Fog Lamp

LED Reverse Lamp

HD Shock Towers

Alloy Shift Knobs

Custom Interior Lighting

Rubber Floor Mats

Power Steering

Power Brakes

A complete TerraFirma MED load suspension kit with upgraded HD front shock towers, shock tower retainers, 2” extended brake hoses, and a heavy-duty steering damper provides added height, stance, and refreshes the suspension components. This Defender can handle the toughest of off-road situations while cruising comfortably on-road. Car Cave also addressed all major suspension wear items with a thorough service, including front radius arms, a-frame bushings, control arm bushings, pitman arm, ball joints, brake pads, lines, master cylinder, filters, and fluids. Contact us for a complete review of our service and build invoices.

Additional highlights include LED 7" headlights, a full LED exterior lighting kit, new front grille and finishers, sun visors, cubby box, dash panels, bulkhead removal kit, and an upgraded windshield with new glass, seals, and grommets.

This is not your average Defender—this is a purpose-built, open-air experience with the soul of a classic Landy but the performance of a modern automobile. Whether you're carving through desert dunes, running mountain trails, or cruising under a Carolina sky, this Defender will get the job done. 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.