1983 Land Rover One Ten County V8 Station Wagon

Highlights

• Rare factory V8 from the first year of 110 production
• In the most recent ownership since 2025
• Retains all rare 1983 'crossover' production year features, including split doors, flush exterior handles and external bonnet lock
• Extensive history file with receipts spanning decades

The Appeal

When the car we now know as the Defender hit the world stage, it was dubbed the One Ten or the Ninety. It arrived in 1983 with two engines available - a detuned Rover V8 or the familiar 2.25-litre petrol straight-four. These early examples carried unusual crossover features, taken from the MK3 before it - split doors with sliding windows, flush exterior door handles and an external bonnet lock; all along with the coil-sprung chassis that would go on to define the Defender for decades.

Previous owner bought the car in 1988 and has clearly cherished the car, representing some 38 years of dedicated custodianship. The service history is well documented, with the majority of work over the past two decades carried out by specialist E. H Douglas, and receipts retained for everything from engine rebuilds to individual nuts and bolts. A full service has recently been completed, and the vehicle passed its most recent MOT in 2025 with just one advisory.

The exterior retains its brown paintwork with off-white County graphics and roof, presenting with a pleasing period patina. The sale includes multiple boxes of period spares, original dealer plates from the supplying dealer Colliers of Birmingham, a workshop manual and a parts catalogue.

As a 1983-registered vehicle, this is one of the very first coil-sprung 'Defender shape' Land Rovers to qualify for historic vehicle status - it's also eligible for export to the USA under the 25-year rule. A remarkably rare prospect, ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

• Mileage: 146,000 miles
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: exempt as a historic vehicle; most recent MOT (2025) passed with one advisory
• Technical specs: 3,500cc V8 petrol with documented LPG conversion, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: Workshop manual, parts catalogue, extensive service receipts, original dealer plates, and owner's correspondence and notes

The Detail

• Full service recently completed, including engine oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs, ignition coil, gearbox oil and transfer box oil
• 3.5-litre V8 rebuilt in 2020 by E. H Douglas Four Wheel Drive Centre, approximately 2,000 miles ago, with an upgraded early Range Rover camshaft
• Most recent MOT (2025) passed with one advisory: drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated at drop arm end
• Factory-fitted air-conditioning and power steering
• Freshly powder-coated wheels with all new tyres, including the spare
• Full 12-seat County interior with 'Brushwood' cloth seats and headliner reported to have no rips or tears
• Chassis and bulkhead described by the vendor as original and in remarkably good order, having been dry stored long-term with only surface rust noted
• Corrosion present on front outriggers, likely caused by a previously leaky radiator; replacement parts are readily available
• Small dent on the driver's side roof
• Sound-deadening material remains adhered to the roof following removal of a previous aftermarket addition
• Some age-related blemishes, scratches and imperfections to the exterior
• Multiple boxes of period spares included, many still in original packaging or wax dealer paper
• Four individual side steps, mudflaps, rear door-mounted spare wheel and tow bar fitted
• All gauges reported to function correctly, including temperature, battery voltage, fuel level and speedometer

BEFORE YOU BUY

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