SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An all-conquering Land Rover Defender 110 County TD5 with two owners.
EQUIPMENT
CSW body (County Station Wagon), 12 seats with seat belts, high underbody clearance, permanent four wheel drive, differential locks, side steps, wheel arch extensions, mudflaps, quartz clock, cigar lighter, heated rear window and wash/wipe. Factory options: Metallic paint, cargo cover, stereo radio cassette with two speakers.
EXTERIOR
Little introduction is needed for the Land Rover Defender which has earned true legendary status as the original and ultimate utilitarian workhorse, worthy of much accolade. This 2000 Defender County Station Wagon firmly embodies Land Rover’s unfaltering approach to offering a purposeful and formidable off road machine. Finished in factory optional Oxford Blue (code LRC602/JSJ), the paintwork boasts a pleasing deep gloss shine. Having carried out only light domestic duties at its previous rural home, the bodywork is remarkably well preserved with only minimal minor dings and scratches to be seen, more so to the nearside doors. All panels are factory original the vehicle is structurally perfect owing to underside protection treatment. The robust trim sections have avoided the damage inflicted on many examples and the absence of common aftermarket add-ons is very pleasing. The original true 4×4 and still the best!
INTERIOR
Built for a tough life and little else other than the essentials! The interior of a defender is delightfully sparse and functional with all switches, buttons and controls operating with a reassuring clunk. This example is clean, simplistic and everything functions just as Land Rover intended. The County Techno Cloth upholstery is superbly durable and has remained free from damage or undue wear to all twelve seats, each with a seat belt for safety assurance. Extra thick and ultra-tough materials are easily cleaned but fortunately the factory carpeting has seen little hard use. To drive an iconic defender is a real sense of occasion which opens all manner of possibilities for adventure in the outside world and respect amongst all walks of life and this fantastic example firmly upholds that belief.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Of the many revisions to the Defender model over the years, the TD5 power plant offered modern engine characteristics to a time proven chassis and design. The 2.5 litre turbocharged and intercooled unit with electronic high speed direct injection offers 122bhp at 4200rpm and plenty of low end torque at 300Nm at 1950rpm. Performance never being of primary importance to the model, nevertheless a top speed of 87mph and 0-60 in 16.7 seconds. Crucially the impressive off road credentials to include a maximum gradient climb of 45 degrees, maximum transverse angle 30 degrees, minimum ground clearance 215mm and a wading depth of 500mm, this incredible machine is unsurpassed in its capabilities. The ultra-strong five speed gearbox is assuring and heavy in operation but not to the extent of being difficult. A real ‘go anywhere’ machine.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Factory optional Freestyle 110 Choice alloy wheels are in superb order and are shod in quality matching BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres with masses of tread remaining. Servo assisted brakes incorporating ventilated discs all round offer ample stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
Registered on 31st July 2000 by Land Rover Main Agents Hartwell of Northampton, this fantastic example was purchased new by a Mr R J Blencoe as a useful vehicle to assist with projects undertaken in his retirement. A new vehicle order form and sales invoice outlines a purchase price of £22,000. Upon ceasing driving in 2014, the vehicle was passed to his son John Blencoe to enjoy and continue the superb upkeep that has featured throughout its life. The history file consists of the original leather wallet with all handbooks and guides, as well as the original service portfolio displaying a host of main dealer and specialist stamped entries, the most recent service entry being June 2015. The low mileage of 74,123 miles and the fastidious upkeep is further upheld by a huge collection of invoices and receipts in a separate history folder.
Having enjoyed light duties for its rural owners, this example has avoided the tough and tumble life that many working Defenders are exposed to as well as the massive modification trend of the serious off-road enthusiasts.
This unmolested example represents exactly what Land Rover has always stood for and preserved examples such as this are a delight to see.
HPI Clear.