1987 Land Rover Defender 90

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Why It's Curated: This 1987 Land Rover Defender 90 is for sale in Norfolk, Va. This Italian-market 200 TDI represents an exceptional find for Defender enthusiasts, combining the desirability of the legendary turbodiesel engine with remarkably clean condition. Recently imported, this rust-free example showcases the quality of European-market Defenders that avoided decades of harsh North American winters. The coveted 200 TDI engine delivers the perfect balance of reliability and performance that made these trucks legendary worldwide. What sets this Defender apart is its comprehensive recent maintenance program exceeding $3,500, including critical items like rebuilt alternator, new U-joints, suspension bushings, and complete fluid services. The professional repaint in original Alpine White maintains authenticity while ensuring long-term preservation. With clean Virginia title and fresh state inspection, this mechanically sound Defender offers immediate adventure-ready capability without the typical restoration needs of most 37-year-old examples.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The 1987 Land Rover Defender 90 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Land Rover's iconic utility vehicle, marking the transition from the Series III to the more refined Defender nameplate that would define off-road capability for decades. Introduced in 1983, the Defender 90 featured significant engineering improvements over its predecessors, including coil spring suspension that dramatically enhanced both on-road comfort and off-road articulation compared to the leaf-sprung Series models. The 1987 model year is particularly significant as it coincided with the introduction of the legendary 200 TDI turbodiesel engine in certain markets, delivering 107 horsepower and exceptional torque characteristics that transformed the Defender's performance envelope while maintaining the bulletproof reliability Land Rover was known for. Against contemporary competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Chevrolet Blazer, the Defender 90 stood apart with its uncompromising focus on utility and capability over comfort. The permanent four-wheel-drive system with lockable center differential, combined with exceptional ground clearance and approach angles, established benchmarks that few vehicles could match in serious off-road conditions. The Defender's modular construction, featuring a separate chassis and bolt-on aluminum body panels, not only provided exceptional durability but also simplified maintenance and repair—qualities that have made well-preserved examples increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate authentic capability over modern refinement. This generation's influence extends far beyond its production run, establishing design and engineering principles that continue to define serious off-road vehicles today.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1987
Make: Land Rover
Model: Defender 90
Drive: All Wheel Drive
Miles: 101,126
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: 2.5 Liter/200 TDI 4-Cylinder Turbo Charged
Exterior Color: Alpine White
Interior Color: Alpine White with Black Seats
State of Registration: Virginia
Vehicle Location: Norfolk
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes: 
Locking Differentials: Center Locking Differential 
Wheel Size and Offset: 16 inch | No offset
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: LT235/85R16 BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3s

Exterior & Interior:  

Vinyl 
Working Heat: Yes 
Working Air Conditioning: No

Other Notable Features or Functions:
This 1987 Land Rover Defender 90 is for sale in Norfolk, VA. This “very good condition” Italian market 200 TDI was imported in May 2025. The Rover is a clean, rust free, unmodified & mechanically sound. A repaint was done at some point in the original “Alpine White” color with Black upholstered front bucket & rear bench seats. Black Steel Disk Land Rover wheels come with LT235/85R16 BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3s tires and rear-door mounted spare. The vehicle has been through a robust mechanical inspection by a local Land Rover specialist, after which it has had extensive maintenance services & repairs done.

Recent Maintenance:
Services & repairs done: • Full vehicle inspection | Virginia State Inspection applied • Oil & Filter Change • Air & Fuel Filter Change • All fluids reviewed or topped up as needed • Front & Rear Differential gear lube changed • Alternator rebuilt • Accessories Belt renewed • Driver door hinge hardware replaced • Driver door window regulator & felt channel replaced • Replaced front shock’s upper & lower bushings • Replaced steering damper & front radius arm bushings/installed grease points in swivels • Replaced front & rear driveshaft U-Joints • Valve cover gasket replaced • Many other smaller items repaired or renewed

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
No rust, dings or dents.