Series III or a Early 80's Defender?

[Todd138]

So i'm wondering would it be worth buying a early 80's 4 cylinder RHD defender 90, Is it really any different then a perfect running RHD SIII 88 w/ overdrive?

[rvrsrvc]

You may already know this, but I think technically they weren't called Defenders until the late 80's with the 200/300TDi, just Land Rover 90 and Land Rover 110! Boring trivia out of the way, the first noticeable difference will be ride quality- the coil springs are more compliant, offer more articulation, and there are more choices available for upgrading. Also, I think the early 90/110 were a 4 speed (LT85?) with a mechanical overdrive.
Art has a 84 110 with a 3.5 carb'd V8. He found it on EBay/UK several years ago for around $4000 and had the advantage of seeing the car in person before bringing it in to the States. ( He had it at the club picnic a few weeks ago) It has proved to be an exceptionally good motorcar, and after a year of trouble free use, he decided to move ahead with painting and other upgrades. It may be back together by the Trials. I know you said 88/90, but Bob Birmingham's 109 is well executed and has a lot of desirable things done to it already for longevity. Definetly one to consider at least looking at as a reference.

[siiirhd88]

The very early trucks aren't much more than a later Series III on coil springs. The interiors and such are not upgraded like the later trucks and they are subject to the same rust and corrosion problems. They can be easily, if not cheaply upgraded and can use Disco and RR aftermarket suspension and axle bits. At this time the early trucks are commanding a premium price since only the earlier years can be legally imported. I think the price of the trucks will drop as more years become available for import, but then the cost of shipping and importing will likely go up.

I'd like to have a RHD 90 and 110, all things considered.

Bob

[Todd138]

Do you guys know the story on this truck? I'm not shopping for a truck, and if I was it's going have to start with a "V" and end in a "8".

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1987161070.html

[galen211]

4 cylinder 2250cc petrol motor, 5 speed with hi-low box and diff locks.
Runs and drives great. Enthusiast owned, well maintained, no rust, needs nothing ready to drive 28-32 MPG

Uh-huh.

[rvrsrvc]

more like 12-14 downhill.

[solihull109]

more like 12-14 downhill.

maybe, even downhill I'm not too sure.;) :)