Land Rover Defender 110.

By Jonathan Campbell

I’ve a split personality: half Porsche, half Land Rover Defender. After the sale of my beloved 50th Anniversary model, or 249 as I called her (she was number 249 of a limited run of 500), there was a Defender-shaped hole in my life […]

Some cars you own become a part of you, almost your identity. People associate you with them. I’ve a split personality: half Porsche, half Land Rover Defender. After the sale of my beloved 50th Anniversary model or ‘249’ as I called her (she was number 249 of a limited run of 500), there was a Defender-shaped hole in my life.

My friend Adrian bought a beautiful Stornaway Grey 110 XS (L316). She came with everything from the factory, and then he dropped an obscene amount of money on her at a specialist. He trundled around in her a while until he realised that she was a rather expensive front garden ornament—he wasn’t using her. He wanted to sell her, so I mentioned that our friend (and his school friend) Andy was looking to replace his 110.

The deal was done and off she went to live in Buckinghamshire. She lived here for some time, clocking up the miles in the country lanes whilst never tackling anything too difficult, just a family holiday to Île de Ré in France. But Andy also started to use her less at just the time I wanted another Defender. A deal was struck and she came to live with me.

The benefits of a newer 110 over my previous old 90 were considerable. Enormous loud carrying ability, Jack Russell on the back seats that had the protective cover option. The Puma diesel engine was strong and torquey with quite unbelievable frugal MPG. Although, Adrian had her chipped for motorway driving and better MPG. The interior was positively luxurious by Defender standards with leather bolsters and cloth inserts.

The six speed manual box was bulletproof although the clutch was a little heavy in London traffic. My bike would slide in the back, no need to remove the front wheel. I moved home twice using it and it never once let me down, although I am a fanatical about vehicle maintenance any hint of trouble and my cars are off to see Alex (Porsche trained mechanic).

On one of these visits she was up on the ramp and due to her leading a privileged life the underneath was as clean as whistle and all her factory inspection approval stickers still clearly visible. She wasn’t perfect, gaping panel gaps which meant you got a wash when she did. Due to her height multi story car parks were mostly no go areas.

I bought one of the eye-wateringly expensive retro infotainment systems from Land Rover to put in her. The design was perfect; they’d even sourced the correct cheap plastics so it would match the dash. I wrote about it for The Road Rat.

I used her as my daily every day and never tired of her, you really do have to drive these Defenders. But, unfortunately on the horizon was a forced separation, ULEZ was coming and that Puma diesel engine wasn’t Euro 6. Thankfully, she’s stayed in the family and our friends Mark and Ludmila have her now and she’s getting used for Mark’s regular trips to Le Mans as he runs the hospitality VIP Camping at Le Mans called Team Langoustine. Which is where I saw her again this year (2024). Andy, Adrian, Zachary and myself drove down to Le Mans in a brand new Defender 110 (L663), which is just an amazing vehicle. We arrived and parked up next to the old girl.

All Images. The Obsessive

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