Project Spotlight: 1999 Land Rover Defender 110

Background

Before we get started, we've created a photo gallery of ultra-high resolution images (hint, right click and download to your computer to make an amazing computer wallpaper) and a launch film. Click either of the links below or at the bottom of the page to view them!

Our client for this restoration came to us in 2017 looking to acquire and subsequently completely restore a Land Rover Defender 110 to make his dreams come true. Although he lives over 4000 kilometers away in Ontario, he had heard of our reputation and entrusted us to source and restore a vehicle he had wanted to own his entire life.

We considered importing a Defender from Europe, but luckily ended up finding the ideal candidate at home, which had already been imported. The Defender we found was being sold locally by an existing Rovalution client, and already had quite a few features our client was looking for such as the colour, air conditioning and sunroof.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before buying, we completed a pre-purchase inspection and oil sample (we take an oil sample from all the Td5 models to ensure there are no issues with premature engine wear or internal coolant leaks). The pre-purchase inspection is critical for anyone looking to obtain an classic Land Rover (or any used Land Rover for that matter) as you’re provided with a thorough, detailed list of any items which aren't functioning properly, need repair, or are worn down and may need repairs shortly. This includes a detailed visual assessment of the interior and exterior bodywork and trim.

The deliverable from the pre-purchase inspection to our client was a detailed four-page report with a 360 degree picture series of the vehicle. After we discussed the report with him, we began building a detailed estimate of the services, repairs, accessories and enhancements he would be looking at. Once we got the go ahead, we began the restoration the long process of stripping the vehicle down and beginning the two year project.

The Work

The amount of painstaking detail that went into this Defender restoration is something we are deeply proud of and are excited to share. Below is a list of the work we completed, divided by existing parts we refurbished, and new additions.

Mechanical

This Defender got the royal treatment in terms of powertrain and she runs like a brand new car. Below, are some of the details on additions and work completed for the powertrain of this 1999 Defender 110.

New TD5 engine block.
ARB Old Man Emu Springs and Shocks.
Full Polybush polyurethane suspension bushing kit with stainless steel hardware.
New Terrafirma4x4 Steel Wolfe Wheels fitted with the 235/85R16 BFG All Terrains KO Tires.
Global Roamer overdrive unit.
New Brake pipes and flex hoses.
A/C dryer and blower motor (recharged to tested to ensure the passengers stay cool on those hot days).

Bodywork & Interior

The most stunning and obvious part of this restoration is the paint. Walking up to this truck you are greeted by the iconic Land Rover Epsom Green paint colour that is deep, rich and finished to perfection. Every show this truck has attended even when in progress people have stopped, stared and snapped photos. The paint colour and quality is truly out of this world. Below are some of the details on the exterior and interior work.

Stripped down to bare Aluminum and all corrosion was cut out.
The floor and both rear end panels were replaced.
Aluminum was treated with special chemical cleaning and etching coatings, prior to being painted with two-part epoxy primer to completely seal the aluminum prior to painting.

Bulkhead rust was repaired, treated and painted.
All body seals and gaskets were replaced with new Genuine Land Rover parts for the best possible fit and finish.
All steel body components, cappings, brackets and hardware were blasted to bare metal, galvanized and powder coated for the absolute best possible corrosion prevention.
New Rear matching bench seats were installed and trimmed to match the front seats.
Headliner was completely retrimmed in new original fabric.
New 2007+ Defender doors were added and are pressed out of treated steel (much stronger and more resistant to rust and corrosion).
New Genuine Land Rover hinges with new German Spec stainless steel hardware kits.
New Puma half leather seats, fitted with all factory Land Rover brackets hardware mounted directly to the frame.
New Premium center cubby with USB plug trimmed to match the front seats.
New Rear sliding windows.
New frame rear cross member.
All fasteners and hardware were treated with an anti-corrosion paste prior to installation.
Once fully assembled the entire underbody was treated with a European four-stage rust prevention system.
Mud Shields were fitted to prevent mud, dirt, rocks, road spray and salt from entering into the cracks and crevices of the Land Rover body work and reduce potential corrosion.
Entire Roof was fitted with Dynamat for reduced cabin noise, increasing passenger comfort.
New Ignition lock and matching key set.
New Genuine Land Rover door pillars, stripped and galvanized prior to painting for ultimate corrosion prevention.
The entire interior was treated with a tuff truck bed liner base coating to ensure this utility vehicle stays that way (no soggy, smelly carpet here).
Stainless steel fresh air vent pins.

Accessories & Electrical

Although this Defender might appear to be minimal, it's been designed in just that fashion. Packing a bespoke, professionally tuned audio system and other goodies, this Defender sounds as great as she looks. Below are more details on the audio system and other electronics in this vehicle.

Full Stereo system upgrade with multiple amplifiers, front and rear speakers, our custom Rovalution rear speaker panel, and a custom build, discrete subwoofer box under the rear seats professionally tuned to sound amazing no matter your taste in music.
Webasto engine preheater was repaired and a new updated programmable control panel was installed to make it convenient for daily use.
Front Runner Roof Rack and Rear Ladder.
ARB winch bumper with tinted signal lights and LED bulbs.
Warn 9.5XPS winch with Synthetic Rope.
Aluminum Front skid plate.
Terrafirma4x4 rock sliders with tree bars, Galvanized and powder coated black to match.
Rovalution Custom NAS style rear bumper assembly with 2” Receiver hitch, jacking points and step with rubber pad.
New Genuine Land Rover Heated windscreen.
Rear LED auxiliary lights.
LED side lights, to meet Transport Canada requirements.
Dual 7-pin / 4-pin trailer wire install and ready for additional trailer brake controls if required.
Billet aluminum six switch dash plate from our friends at Series-Defender Outfitters brings all the electrical enhancements come together in one convenient location in the center of the dash.
Aftermarket wood steering wheel with custom Rovalution “R” Logo machined into the center.
JW Speaker LED headlights and original OEM lamp fixtures with LED bulbs.
Heater air intake snow guard.
Custom printed tire cover using artwork provided by the owner.

Final Wrap-up

After the amount of work that went into this restoration we certainly weren’t going to rush completion and wanted to make sure we presented it in a way to do the project justice.

We completed over 200 kilometres of test driving, spent a week quality testing to ensure everything was operating smoothly and did a full professional detail, polish and wax. Once it was ready to hit the road we had a full photoshoot done and videography to capture the magic of this Defender 110.

This truck is just about to be packed safely into a container for the trip to Eastern Canada and we are so excited to see it in the hands of her new owner.