2003 Land Rover Defender 90 ‘Heritage’

By Cool & Vintage

November 16, 2016

Story by By Andrew Golseth

Photography by Cool N Vintage

2003 Land Rover Defender 90

Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Chassis: SALLDVA582A640951
Engine: 2.5-liter turbo diesel five-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Mileage: 28,000 original miles
Color: Nonmetallic Cappuccino / Connolly Brown Leather

The Cool & Vintage Land Rover Defender ‘Heritage’ Edition

The Lisbon, Portugal based classic automobile specialty house appropriately named Cool & Vintage is making a splash in the classic car market. With a knack for sourcing enthusiast aimed vehicles and refinishing them with meticulous attention to detail, it’s no wonder the adventure advocates at C&V are now offering a limited run of special edition Land Rover Defenders called the “Heritage.”

After moving a number of restored Land Rover Series and Defender models, C&V have decided to produce a batch of Land Rover Defenders that reverberate the brand’s ethos: “If life’s about the journey not the destination, isn’t it about time you hit the road? Turn off the TV and do that road trip. Feel the drive unfold into a thousand stories, stick your tongue out, push the boundaries, make memories, take a chance and tell us about it. Cool & Vintage is about experiences, so we’re in it for the long-haul with you.”

Cool & Vintage are aiming to make just 20 special edition ‘Heritage’ Defenders, this example being the first completed and available for sale.

While this example is not available for US importation, future builds will be!

DESIGN

Already starting with an icon that’s easily identified around the world, C&V named this model the ‘Heritage’ to embrace the Defender’s already well-deserved 4×4 legacy. By selecting earthy tones and modest modifications, the ‘Heritage’ 90 pays respect to the Series Land Rovers and Defenders before it. By selecting color schemes and aesthetic elements that have adorned this legendary shape for decades, the Heritage Defender has a retro feel whilst still offering all the creature comforts and modernities offered in the late Defender.

THE CAR

This one-owner 2003 Land Rover Defender 90 was used as a summer beach car on a small island in the Atlantic. After C&V acquired the Landy, they cosmetically refinished and modified the truck for a new look and added luxury—specifically implemented to recreate the truck’s historical look without detracting from its capabilities or character.

Originally painted white, the rust-free all-original body was professionally resprayed in a nonmetallic Cappuccino beige with color-matched steel off-road wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires—full set of five. An Series style front grille and unpainted front bumper further backdate the body to resemble earlier model Land Rovers—notice the headlight bezels were removed as well to mimic the Series style trucks. A new contrasting mohair brown canvas roof was the final touch to the bodywork, which complements the cabin materials beautifully.

The factory plastic door panels were ditched in favor of custom plush checkered stitched leather replacements. The original seats were reupholstered in the same Connolly brown leather with the inserts matching the checkered door panels. The dashboard, steering column shroud, two-spoke wheel, center console, armrest, shift boots, and e-brake boot all wear matching leather with consistent stitchwork. To suit the Cappuccino paint and milk chocolate hide, premium Beige Raffia carpets were custom fitted front to rear with impressive precision.

CONDITION

Mechanically, the Heritage 90 retains its factory 2.5-liter turbo diesel five-cylinder that’s been religiously serviced since new. The truck starts, idles, shifts, steers, and rides like new with no deferred maintenance to catch up on.

The lighting equipment, rubber seals, bushings, glass, and panels are all in impeccable presentation with no corrosion or requirements warranting issue. Everything works as it should including fully operational instrumentation, and air-conditioning system. All switchgear, levers, and driving operations work as intended.

Exterior Highlights

New Mohair Brown folding canvas roof
Fresh Cappuccino paint near flawless finish
Upgraded steel wheels and brand new Goodyear Wrangler tires (full set of 5)
Tasteful backdated grille, removed headlight surrounds, and front bumper to mimic early Series model Land Rovers

Exterior Blemishes

None / Unknown

Interior Highlights

All new custom beige raffia carpeting
Fully functional instruments, switchgear, and accessories
Custom Connolly brown leather seats, door panels, dashboard, shift boots, and dashboard

Interior Blemishes

None / Unknown

Mechanical Highlights

No deferred maintenance
No leaks or mechanical issues to note
Original 2,500cc 2.5-liter turbo diesel inline four-cylinder

Mechanical Blemishes

None / Unknown

ORIGINALITY

The drivetrain and powertrain remain original Land Rover equipment. The body panels and frame are free of rust or major imperfections. It goes without saying this Defender 90 has been modified and, therefore, is not entirely original. Namely, the front grille, bumper, removed headlight bezels, and aftermarket steel wheels, which were specifically selected to harken back to early Land Rover Series styling.

DOCUMENTATION

Included in the sale are various service records. The cosmetic restoration was heavily documented with photographs and invoices.

OWNERSHIP TIMELINE

2003 – 2016 | 1st Owner | Island of Madeira

2016 – present | Cool & Vintage | Lisbon, Portugal

CLOSING THOUGHTS

If you’ve always dreamt of exploring in a Land Rover but are hesitant to make the plunge into an older more mechanically demanding classic model, this Cool & Vintage special ‘Heritage’ edition Defender is a perfect module for modern performance with classic visuals. With the rugged and scrappy short Defender 90 frame wearing traditional colors, backdated styling, and a custom stitched cabin, this retro Landy is ready to take on an adventure without sacrificing the luxuries of creature comforts and modern reliability.