1997 Land Rover Defender 130 Pickup RHD

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Why It's Curated: This 1997 Land Rover Defender 130 is for sale in Tallahassee, FL. This right-hand drive D130 pickup represents one of the most desirable and practical Defender variants ever produced. The long-wheelbase 130 configuration offers exceptional utility with its pickup bed format, while the legendary 300Tdi turbodiesel engine provides proven reliability and efficiency. What sets this example apart is its comprehensive 2024 restoration, including a complete body repaint in striking Ares Blue, installation of a beautiful stained pine wood bed, modern LED lighting upgrades, and a fresh leather interior. The seller's meticulous documentation—including restoration invoices, owner's manual, and maintenance records from the previous owner—demonstrates the care invested in this truck. With its center locking differential and BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires on 18" wheels, this D130 combines authentic Land Rover capability with thoughtful modern improvements.

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Model History: The Land Rover Defender 130 emerged in 1990 as the ultimate expression of utilitarian capability within the Defender family, extending the proven 110's wheelbase to accommodate a full-size pickup bed configuration. Built on a 130-inch wheelbase—hence the designation—this variant was specifically engineered for commercial and agricultural applications where maximum payload capacity was paramount. The 1997 model year represents the mature evolution of this platform, featuring the legendary 300Tdi 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that had proven itself as one of Land Rover's most reliable powerplants. This inline-four turbodiesel delivered robust low-end torque essential for heavy-duty work while maintaining the fuel efficiency that made Defenders indispensable in remote locations worldwide. The right-hand drive configuration reflects its Commonwealth market origins, where these trucks served everything from Australian cattle stations to African mining operations. What distinguishes the D130 from its shorter siblings is its exceptional practicality without compromising the Defender's legendary off-road prowess. The extended chassis provided a genuine full-size pickup bed while retaining the permanent four-wheel-drive system with center differential lock that made all Defenders virtually unstoppable in challenging terrain. Production numbers for the 130 remained relatively low compared to the 90 and 110 variants, making surviving examples increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate both their rarity and unmatched utility. The 300Tdi engine's reputation for running indefinitely with basic maintenance, combined with the 130's unique blend of work-truck capability and adventure-ready engineering, has cemented its status as the most practical and collectible of all Defender variants—a true workhorse that defined an era of honest, purpose-built vehicles.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1997
Make: Land Rover
Model: Defender 130
Trim: D130 Pickup (RHD)
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 171,130 miles
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears:
Engine: 2.5-liter 300Tdi turbodiesel inline-four
Exterior Color: Ares Blue
Interior Color: Black and brown interior.
State of Registration: Florida
Vehicle Location: Tallahassee, FL
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
300 TDi

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Locking Differentials: Center Locking Differential
Wheel Size and Offset: 18"
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: 265/65 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires

Exterior & Interior:
Full body repainted, stained pine wood bed installed, LED headlights and tail lights. All completed in 2024.New leather interior installed in 2024.
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:
Have invoice detailing work completed in 2024 before importing vehicle. Also have owners manual, documentation from original owner, and copies on invoices from maintenance work completed under previous owner.