1997 Land Rover Defender 90 LHD

Location: Santa Barbara, California

Why It's Curated: This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is for sale in Santa Barbara, Ca. Cosmetically and mechanically refurbished in 2023, this 1997 Defender represents the pinnacle of Land Rover's legendary utility vehicle evolution, powered by the highly regarded 300Tdi engine that is widely considered the most reliable and desirable powerplant in Defender history. The 300Tdi's reputation for bulletproof durability and excellent fuel economy made it the preferred choice for serious expedition work worldwide, from Camel Trophy competitions to overland adventures across continents. The 1997 model year captures the Defender at its most refined state before the transition to the Td5 engine, incorporating decades of continuous development while maintaining the mechanical simplicity that made these vehicles legendary for field serviceability. What makes this example particularly significant is its status as one of the final 300Tdi Defenders, as Land Rover discontinued this beloved engine after 1998 in favor of more complex electronic systems. The five-speed manual transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive system represent the culmination of Land Rover's traditional engineering philosophy, offering uncompromising capability without the electronic complexity that would define later models.

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 1997 Land Rover Defender represents the culmination of nearly five decades of continuous evolution from Maurice Wilks' original 1948 design, powered by the legendary 300Tdi engine that is universally regarded as the most reliable and desirable powerplant in Defender history. Introduced in 1994, the 300Tdi marked a revolutionary leap forward from the naturally aspirated diesel engines that preceded it, delivering significantly improved power output, fuel economy, and cold-weather starting while maintaining the mechanical simplicity that made Land Rovers legendary for field serviceability. The 1997 model year captures the Defender at its most refined state, incorporating decades of development in chassis design, drivetrain components, and build quality while retaining the fundamental character that made these vehicles the choice of military forces, aid organizations, and serious adventurers worldwide. Against contemporary competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Mercedes G-Class, the 1997 Defender offered unmatched off-road capability through its permanent four-wheel-drive system, live axles, and exceptional ground clearance, though with characteristically spartan accommodations that prioritized function over comfort. What makes this model year particularly significant is its status as one of the final 300Tdi Defenders before Land Rover's transition to the more complex Td5 engine in 1999, representing the last of the truly mechanical Defenders before electronic systems began to dominate. The five-speed manual transmission and center differential lock system exemplify Land Rover's traditional engineering philosophy, offering uncompromising capability without the electronic complexity that would define later models. Today, 300Tdi Defenders command premium prices among collectors and enthusiasts who recognize them as the perfect balance of modern reliability and classic Land Rover character, making well-preserved examples increasingly valuable as both serious expedition vehicles and automotive icons.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1997
Make: Land Rover
Model: Defender
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: TMU
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: 300Tdi
Exterior Color: Grey
Interior Color: Tan & Grey
State of Registration: Montana
Vehicle Location: Santa Barbara
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Cosmetically and mechanically refurbished in 2023, this Defender is powered by a 2.5L 300Tdi turbodiesel paired with an R380 5-speed manual, dual-range transfer case, and locking center differential. Finished in gray over brown leather and microsuede, it features wood-slat flooring, side-facing rear benches, a center console with integrated Marshall speaker, and an electronic multifunction rearview mirror.

The body was reworked during refurbishment with dent repair, new doors, a cleaned and refinished frame, and updated lighting. Exterior highlights include a removable black soft top, removable door uppers, fold-down windshield, LED and aftermarket lighting, rearview camera, rear step, and Reborn badging. Black 16″ steel wheels wear 235/85 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires with a matching rear-mounted spare.

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:
Wheel Size and Offset: 16″ wheels
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: Cooper

Exterior & Interior:  

Leather interior
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No

Recent Maintenance:

Brakes, suspension components, clutch, timing belt, water pump, hoses, valve adjustment, and partial rewiring. Odometer shows 190k km (~118k miles).