1993 Land Rover Defender 90 200TDi

Location: Beaufort, South Carolina

Why It's Curated: This 1993 Land Rover Defender 90 200TDi is for sale in Beaufort, SC. This right-hand drive Defender represents the golden era of Land Rover engineering, powered by the legendary 200TDi engine—widely regarded as the most reliable and robust powerplant ever fitted to a Defender. With matching numbers verified by US Customs and comprehensive recent maintenance including new exhaust, brake system, windscreen, and rear crossmember, this example demonstrates proper care and investment. The 200TDi's mechanical simplicity and proven durability make it highly sought after by enthusiasts who value serviceability over electronic complexity. Recent chassis cleaning and undersealing, plus oil changes across all drivetrain components, ensure continued reliability. With impressive towing capacity of 7,716 pounds braked and the practicality of six-seat configuration, this Defender combines authentic British heritage with genuine utility that's increasingly rare in today's market.

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Model History: The 1993 Land Rover Defender 90 200TDi represents the apex of mechanical simplicity and engineering excellence in the Defender lineage, featuring what many consider the finest diesel engine ever fitted to a Land Rover. The 200TDi—a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 111 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque—was developed entirely in-house by Land Rover and introduced in 1990 as a revolutionary improvement over the naturally aspirated diesels that preceded it. This direct-injection engine featured an intercooled turbocharger, mechanical fuel injection, and robust construction that could withstand extreme conditions while delivering significantly improved performance and fuel economy. The 1993 model year marked the height of 200TDi refinement, incorporating lessons learned from early production while maintaining the engine's legendary reliability and serviceability. In the competitive landscape of the early 1990s, the 200TDi Defender stood virtually alone as a purpose-built utility vehicle that prioritized capability over comfort, competing against increasingly refined competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser and emerging luxury SUVs. The 90's short wheelbase configuration provided exceptional maneuverability and approach angles that made it indispensable for agricultural, military, and expedition use worldwide. Today, 200TDi Defenders are considered the most desirable variant among purists, representing the perfect balance of modern diesel performance and analog simplicity—qualities that became increasingly rare as electronic systems proliferated in later models. The 200TDi's reputation for running indefinitely with basic maintenance has made these Defenders highly sought after by collectors who value authentic capability over contemporary convenience.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1993
Make: Land Rover
Model: Defender 90 200TDi
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 156,100
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: 200TDi 2,599cc 4cyl turbo diesel
Exterior Color: Arles Blue
Interior Color: Black
State of Registration: SC
Vehicle Location: Beaufort
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Locking Differentials: Center Locking Differential
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A. LT235/85R16 120/116S

Exterior & Interior:  

Vinyl 
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No

Other Notable Features or Functions:
All matching numbers, as verified by US Customs upon import. British RHD With two newer seats (OEM ‘Exmoor’ model) in the front and inward-facing troop seats in the rear - the total seating is 6. All seats have seat belts. Very heavy-duty towing gear: Towing capacity: Unbraked 1,650lb. Braked 7,716lb (awesome boat towing!). Permanent 4WD, with High and Low ratio makes this a great boat towing vehicle! Classic (over 25) car insurance is currently costing me $210/yr. For a 32yr old vehicle, it is in remarkable overall running condition. All major work requiring to be done has been done. There are a few areas with a little paint bubbling, as this is not a ‘show queen’ refurb, yet you can see the typical 'issue' areas for a Landrover are very clean. It starts eagerly, slips smoothly into every gear without any hassle and pulls very well. Prices are soaring since Land Rover ceased production of Defenders in Jan 2016 and you can have a fun and unusual all original 4WD vehicle to drive that will continue to rise in value. Vehicle is clean South Carolina titled, in my name. Drop me a line and I'd be happy to talk about the vehicle and send more photos/videos, and how I can assist shipping it to you anywhere in the country. Vehicle stored indoors in Beaufort SC

Recent Maintenance:
New: full muffler/exhaust, brake calipers and brake hydraulic pipes, windscreen and rubber surround, rear crossmember, seats cushions, battery. Newer: BF Goodrich All Terrain tires and Landover alloy wheels. All oils (main engine, main gearbox, transfer box, front and rear diffs’) replaced in March. Chassis cleaned back and undersealed.

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
A little bubbling of paint around the rear of the vehicle mostly, but the major issue areas (like the footwells, bulkheads, door hinges, windscreen surround) are rust free, as shown. The front seat roof liner is intact - but a little baggy....as they don't seem to get on with the SC climate so well!