1983 Land Rover Defender

110 HCPU Standard Cab Pickup

3.5 PETROL

Automatic

SALLDHHG7AA194256

Clear

Gasoline

Where to start?? This truck was imported several years ago, and used (titled and tagged and insured) by a gentleman in the arbor business. I bought it from him in solid condition, albeit a bit tired- even given the original LOW miles. So after driving it a bit, I decided to take on a proper Laura Croft clone project. It is near indistinguishable from the 3 original factory made trucks (one in the museum, one destroyed, and the last in private hands), but much better quality! We acquired pics from the Dunsfold Museum, and went to work. The biggest variance is the LHD conversion. However, we did go with a proper Rover V-8 and an automatic transmission!! The factory did make a run of limited edition Laura Croft trucks, but not true to the movie version. So, since we were on the cusp of spending considerable time and dollars, we elected to begin by removing the orig diesel, added correct Rover motor mounts for the V-8, and had the frame sand blasted, acid etched epoxy primed and painted- retaining all the original VIN and identifying numbers on the frame. The body was completely disassembled and painted the correct Bonnatti Gray, reassembled with new seals, bushings, brakes, etc as well as the fresh V-8/auto setup. Corbeau seats were fitted, even the correct 5-bar aluminum dash and trim. Then RTE designed and built a true to the original cage tied to the frame at 6 points, correct sliders with D-ring recovery, and even a winch ready front bumper!! They also designed the quick release sand ladder mounts from aluminum pucks- very sweet!! Things like new radiator, Edlebrock intake and carb (starts immediately!!), new exhaust, new 35" tires on correct wagon steel wheels as per orig, fresh wiring harness along with an extra fuse block system to run all the ancillary lights! A NAS Discovery front axle was utilized for the LHD conversion which allows off the shelf parts for the entire truck. I have built many many Rovers over the years, and this one gathers as much interest and attention as any. It has also been the most fun! Additional seats can be fitted to the bed area, as can a soft top over the cab area- or let your imagination run wild!! But let me tell you- this rig is a riot on sunny days! I have likely left out many details, but feel free to contact me with questions, and take a look at some of the other trucks we have built at The RVR Barn. This truck has been built for over a year, and is extremely dry underneath- minimal to no leaks! And I drive it often! Sadly I am liquidating my Rover collection for the last time- I have a very well built 90 I am keeping at my families request, but my preference would be this truck. Now to the business end of things. Bidders with less than 10 transactions or a feedback score less than 100% must contact me prior to bidding- or your bids will be cancelled. This is an honest auction, and ask that you respect same- bid to win, pay if you win. Prebid inspections are permitted and encouraged, but once you win, she is your truck. There are no warranties expressed or implied as it is a 33 year old Land Rover! Thanks for looking, and all the best bidding- hope she goes to a good home!CheersOn May-01-16 at 04:04:43 PDT, seller added the following information: Hello all, just a quick clarification. I have been asked by a few enthusiast how the quality could be better than the original. My point to that statement pertains to things like the add ons- the cage, the sliders, etc as the original was a movie truck. Those are known for being unique, but perhaps a little less than par for such items. Our cage is tied to the frame in 6 points, sliders tied to the frame, our welds are very nice while the original truck in the museum has terrible welds, items not attached as securely, our ladder mounts are machined aluminum quick disconnects, etc. Perhaps I should have said we paid more attention to detail than the movie set did. Point being, I am not trying to detract from the original vehicle, nor say my Rover is a 'better' Rover- just a bit more polished and thought out for living with on a daily basis perhaps.Thanks for looking!!On May-01-16 at 04:33:36 PDT, seller added the following information: Another note of interest- the cage can be unbolted and removed completely!! Then a hardtop cab can be fitted, or a soft top from Exmoor, and a 'normal' HCPU is made. This is quite an easy transformation, and then yields several possible configurations. Or even reinstall the cage over whatever top you prefer....