Located in our climate-controlled showroom, this 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 had a full tear down repaint and complete mechanical reconditioning. Originally sold new in Italy and later imported to the United States by Car Cave. For more information and to view our large inventory of Defenders, visit www.carcaveusa.com. A walk-around video is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/s88dSVrhQdA.
Simple and easy finance options are available through our classic car preferred lenders, Woodside Credit (https://woodsidenew.defidirect.com/Application/apply?id=32200) and Collector Car Lending (https://get-started.collectorcarleaders.com/id/197). With knowledgeable teams that understand the value of your unique vehicle, an accessible online form that helps you find the best terms, and a quick response time, classic car lenders can help you drive off in your dream vehicle.
We can customize your Defender purchase to match your vision. From upgraded performance features and air conditioning to roll cages and accessory options, our team is dedicated to transforming your Defender into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Highlights:
Camel Trophy Tribute
58K Original Miles
Fully Reconditioned
The power of this vehicle comes from the dependable 300TDI 2.5L turbo diesel engine paired to a smooth-shifting R380 5-speed manual transmission. It delivers excellent torque, great fuel economy, and long-haul durability. We started with a clean, low mileage example for the base build, so this engine runs smoothly and shifts great. An entire mechanical overhaul, upgrades, and reconditioning work was completed on this awesome Camel Trophy build. What is the Camel Trophy? The Camel Trophy was an international off-road endurance expedition that ran from 1980 to 2000, often referred to as the “Olympics of 4×4,” where small teams navigated some of the world’s most remote terrain using specially prepared Land Rovers. These events combined extreme driving, navigation, and physical challenges in harsh environments such as the Amazon, Siberia, and Borneo, cementing Land Rover’s reputation for durability and adventure. This build is an homage to the rough terrains and feats of this extreme event.
The exterior underwent a documented (ask us for pictures) full tear-down repaint, where the body was completely removed from the chassis and all glass removed. Refinished in the epic Sandglow Yellow (Paint Code LRC361) with all new seals, side glass, mounts, and hardware utilized during reassembly with the chassis also being refinished. The paint contrasts well with the black and metal accents including the Safety Devices NAS style roll cage, Insa Turbo tires, and steel bead lock wheels. A strong lifted stance utilizing the superb Bearmach blue lift springs (no longer being produced) upgraded steering and high quality Bilstein shocks yet not overdone. Moving inside we refinished the interior in a combination of high-grade brown leather with tweed inlay as a tribute to the of the Camel Trophy. The cubby box and rear door card were matched to the custom interior.
On top of its stunning looks, we completed a comprehensive mechanical service and build at Car Cave USA, made easier due to starting with a low mileage Defender. The completed suspension was refreshed and upgraded with new Bearmach Blue lift springs, Bilstein shocks, complete set of polyurethane bushings, castor-corrected front radius arm components, extended brake lines, and upgraded shock turrets. This was not a budget lift kit but a complete upgrade for better drivability. We improved the steering system to support the larger tires and track properly down the road with a new steering gearbox, power steering pump and hoses, heavy duty steering rods, adjustable panhard rod, Gwyn Lewis drop arm conversion, Bilstein steering damper, and complete bushings. The axles and driveline were inspected and rebuilt with new bearings, seals, front swivels, extended driveshafts, complete brake service, and hardware. Engine work included a complete timing service, resealed oil pan, valve adjustment, valve cover gasket, new intercooler and upgraded silicone hoses, diesel fuel spill rail kit, fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, and oil change. The turbo was inspected and spools properly, as a low miles vehicle should. The cooling and heating system service included all new upgraded silicone coolant hoses, brass bleed plugs, thermostat, water pump, coolant flush, upgraded silicone heater hoses, aluminum coolant overflow bottle, and hose clamps. Additional work included a turbo-back exhaust replacement, Mantec rear tire carrier installation, interior upgrades such as seat belts, pedal pads, dash power ports, lighting and switch repairs, steering column and gauge refinishing, exterior tinted window installation, and finishing with a full detail. The most noticeable touches included the 285/75R16 Insa Turbo Special tires on 16×10 true beadlock wheels and NAS style Safety Devices roll cage. Contact us to review the entire history and picture file of recently completed upgrades and maintenance.
Upgrades and Features:
300 Tdi Turbo Diesel Engine
5 Speed R380 Transmission
LT230 Hi/Low Transferbox with Locking Center Diff
285/75R16 Insa Turbo Special Tires
Safety Devices Safari Cage Defender 90 Hardtop Model #: RBL1387SSS
Mantec Rear Tire Carrier
Wood Steering Wheel
Full Size Matching Spare
16×10 Steel Bead Lock Wheels
2” Bearmach Lift Springs
Bilstein 4600 Extended Shocks
Gwyn Lewis Drop Arm Conversion (Corrected Steering for Lift)
Complete Suspension Polyurethane Bushing Kit
Full Turbo Back Exhaust
Custom Tweed and Brown Leather Interior
4 Rear Matched Tweed and Leather Jump Seats
Custom Matched Cubby Box and Rear Door Card
Stainless Steel Extended Brake Lines
Heavy Duty Steering Rods
Heavy Duty Panhard Rod
Complete Upgraded Silicone Hose Kit
Aluminum Coolant Overflow Bottle
Castor Corrected Front Radius Arm Bushings
Upgraded Shock Turrets
Stainless Steel Lug Nuts
In-Dash Charging Port
Rear Shock Drop Brackets
Whether you’re looking for a dependable daily, a rugged overlander, or mall crawling show queen, this Defender delivers. Like every Defender at Car Cave USA, this vehicle has been test-driven for hundreds of miles and thoroughly vetted. We also offer custom performance builds, restoration services, and modification options tailored to your vision. Contact us for a full summary of completed service work or to begin building your dream Defender.