The current Land Rover Defender is an impressive vehicle, seamlessly blending luxury with off-road capability, making it a standout in its class. Nevertheless, there’s an enduring charm to the classic Defender, and this 1989 model is exceptionally captivating.
What you’re looking at is a 1989 Defender 110 that has received a host of upgrades and is currently up for auction through Bring a Trailer. One of the most significant changes made is the fitment of an aftermarket roll cage and a custom structure with a black canvas roof, allowing occupants to enjoy an open-air driving experience that you can’t find in the new-age Defender.
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The listing on Bring a Trailer reveals that the Defender is a right-hand drive example that was first registered in the U.S. in 2014 before being acquired by the current owner in 2021. It was sold on the auction site back in October for $58,000 but that sale fell through, hence why it is available once again.
The custom roof isn’t the only special aspect of the Defender’s exterior. It has also been equipped with an aftermarket grille, LED headlights, tinted windows, sill protectors, folding side steps, a unique rear bumper, and new diamond-plate trimmings. The Land Rover also sits on 16-inch wheels with BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires and has a spare on the swing-out rear carrier.
A look inside the cabin shows that all of the seats are clad in black vinyl and there is also a Kenwood head unit connected with Kicker speakers. Power comes courtesy of a Vortec V8 mated to a 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission from GM.
