1996 Land Rover Defender 110 County Station Wagon 300 TDi Manual

Highlights

• In current ownership since July 2013 with meticulous maintenance records

• Comprehensive cooling system upgrade with Davies Craig EWP150 electric water pump, Kenlowe two-speed radiator fan

• Full aftermarket Smiths instrumentation package

• Timing belt, tensioner and oil seals renewed March 2024

• MOT with no advisories

Overview

The Land Rover Defender needs no introduction. It is quite simply one of the most recognisable vehicles on the planet. What might need explaining, however, is why a 1996 Defender 110 County Station Wagon powered by the 2.5-litre 300 TDi engine is a notable addition to the oeuvre.

The 300 TDi arrived in 1994 as a virtually new engine despite sharing its capacity with its predecessor, and both the Defender and Discovery received the same 111 bhp, 195 lb ft state of tune. Its mechanical fuel injection system and cast iron block create an engine that favours spanners over diagnostic computers, a quality that's only become more appealing as modern vehicles have grown ever more complex. The 300 TDi is mated to a robust R380 five-speed manual transmission routing power to all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case with lockable centre differential. No ECU, no diagnostic port, no nonsense. Just diesel and determination.

The County Station Wagon represented the civilised face of Defender ownership. Where the basic models made few concessions to comfort, the County specification added cloth seat trim, a sunroof, high-backed second row seats and a heated rear windscreen with wiper - amenities that made a genuine difference on longer journeys while sacrificing none of the 110's legendary go-anywhere capability.

This particular example wears Arles Blue over grey houndstooth cloth and has been in the current ownership since July 2013 which makes over 12 years of careful stewardship backed up by very detailed maintenance records. What sets it apart from many Defenders of this era is a comprehensive cooling system upgrade using quality components: a Davies Craig EWP150 high-output electric water pump, a Kenlowe two-speed 14-inch high-performance electric radiator fan and blue silicone coolant hoses throughout. The vendor has also fitted dashboard-controlled aluminium radiator louvres linked to audio and visual warnings should the fan or water pump engage while they're closed. 

The cooling system also benefits from a 3kW pre-heater for cold morning starts. Recent work includes a timing belt service in March 2024 at 89,400 miles with new tensioner pulley and oil seals — confirmed by an engraved plate fitted to the engine. New shock absorbers have been fitted at all four corners, along with overhauled anti-roll bar links and bushes. And the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tyres? Showing excellent tread depth, the vendor reports they have covered approximately 3,500 miles since fitting.

Additional features include a Dixon Bate adjustable drop plate tow bar assembly, quality swing-away spare wheel carrier, body-coloured access steps recently overhauled, larger body-coloured door mirrors, rear lamp guards and a Safety Pedal security lock. If you’re looking for an all-rounder that can tow your track day car as well as accommodate your extended family in the form of an appealing classic, then look no further.

History and documentation

• First registered 08 Mar 1996

• In current ownership since July 2013 at 80,821 miles

• Comprehensive owner-maintained service history with detailed spreadsheet documenting: oil and filter change, valve clearance set and new rocker gasket at 82,239 miles (Apr 2014), gearbox oil change (Apr 2014), transfer and differentials oil change at 82,423 miles (May 2014), four new BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres at 86,650 miles (Mar 2017), gearbox, transfer box and differentials oil change at 87,062 miles (Aug 2017), cooling system flush at 87,657 miles (Oct 2018), oil and filter change at 88,095 miles (Aug 2019), Smiths oil pressure and water temperature gauges fitted (Sep 2019), new battery at 88,600 miles (Mar 2021), new track rod and drag link joints at 89,030 miles (Mar 2022), all oils except engine changed and propshafts greased at 89,146 miles (Jul 2022), anti-roll bar links and bushes replaced (Oct 2023), timing belt, tensioner, front and crankshaft oil seals, auxiliary belt and valve clearance set at 89,400 miles (Mar 2024), rear shocks changed (Apr 2024), front shocks changed with springs cleaned and treated at 89,408 miles (May 2024), passenger footplate and bulkhead double-plated (May 2024), track rod ends replaced (Jun 2024), new heated rear window (Oct 2024), full transmission brake overhaul with new rear output flange and oil seal (Feb 2025), all fluids topped up (Feb 2025), spill return rail hoses replaced (Jan 2026)

• Timing belt service confirmed by engraved plate fitted to engine showing work completed 22 Mar 2024 at 89,400 miles

• Original owner's manual and Land Rover document wallet included

• Two key sets with remote fobs (although the seller reports that the second fob is currently non functional)

• Keys for fuel cap, locking wheel nut adapter and battery compartment included

• V5C present in current keeper's name

• MOT with no advisories valid until 6 Oct 2026

• 89,566 miles

Interior

• Grey houndstooth cloth upholstery presents in excellent overall condition

• One corner of the middle row seat shows damage from contact with the folded front seat belt reel

• Middle front seat belt upgraded to three-point inertia type; middle second row features a four-point harness

• Original rubber mats fitted over original carpets; rear loadbay protected by aluminium chequer plate beneath carpet

• Surface corrosion visible on floor pan at door threshold junctions and along footwell edges, consistent with age and use

• Dashboard features full aftermarket instrumentation including 4000 diesel tachometer, Smiths mechanical oil pressure gauge, calibrated water temperature gauge and turbo boost gauge

• Factory Land Rover single-DIN CD/radio head unit with RDS fitted

• Pop-out sunroof with manual twist-knob operation; headlining shows light discolouration

• Door cards in good condition on both sides with functional pull handles and manual window winders

• Safety Pedal security lock fitted

• Fire extinguisher stored beneath front seat

• Aftermarket wide-angle rear-view mirror fitted

• All gauges and switchgear reported functional by the vendor

Exterior

• Arles Blue paintwork presents well with good gloss retention overall, regularly treated with Autoglym resin polish throughout ownership

• Lacquer lifting visible around panel seams and some paint bubbling near door handle recesses

• Minor stone chips visible along lower body panels, consistent with use

• Surface corrosion around door hinge mounting points; hinge structures remain sound

• Some biological growth visible around window seals; paint beneath appears intact and would benefit from a thorough detail

• Passenger footplate and bulkhead area double-plated in May 2024

• Body-coloured access steps recently overhauled and refitted; larger body-coloured door mirrors

• Land Rover five-spoke alloy wheels fitted with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tyres showing excellent tread depth, reported by the vendor to have covered approximately 3,500 miles

• Locking wheel nuts fitted; key included

• LED rear tail lights fitted with lamp guards

• Quality swing-away spare wheel carrier with padlock; additional spare wheel of correct alloy type included (although not pictured)

• Dixon Bate adjustable drop plate tow bar assembly with trailer electrical socket

• Black chequer plate sill protectors and wing top protectors fitted

• Underside shows surface patina typical of a UK Defender of this vintage; ladder-frame chassis, crossmembers and outriggers appear to be structurally sound and the car has a clean MOT

Mechanical

• 2.5-litre, 111 bhp turbodiesel producing 195 lb ft of torque, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox

• Permanent four-wheel drive with lockable centre differential and two-speed transfer case

• Top speed of 85 mph

• Comprehensive cooling system upgrade: Davies Craig EWP150 electric water pump rated at 40 gallons per minute, Kenlowe two-speed 14-inch high-performance electric radiator fan, blue silicone coolant hoses throughout

• The vendor tells us that the vehicle is fitted with dashboard-controlled aluminium radiator louvres linked to audio and visual warnings

• 3kW pre-heater for cold starts

• Timing belt, tensioner pulley, front and crankshaft oil seals and auxiliary belt renewed March 2024 at 89,400 miles

• New shock absorbers at all four corners in 2024; springs and bottom seatings cleaned and treated

• Full transmission brake overhaul completed February 2025 with new rear output flange and oil seal

• Gearbox, transfer box and differentials oil last changed July 2022 at 89,146 miles

• The vendor tells us it starts instantly, runs well and sounds great for a 300 TDi

• No untoward sounds or smoke reported

• Brakes reported as functioning correctly with good feel

• No known mechanical faults according to the vendor

Summary

There's a reason the 300 TDi commands such loyalty among Defender enthusiasts. Its 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel heart produces 111 bhp and 195 lb ft of torque, and it does so with a mechanical simplicity that's become increasingly rare and increasingly desirable. This 1996 County Station Wagon is a fine example of what happens when that robust platform meets an attentive, engineering-minded owner.

The Davies Craig electric water pump, Kenlowe two-speed radiator fan and full Smiths instrumentation package aren't bolt-on bling — they're considered upgrades by someone who wanted to know their Defender inside out. Combine that with a recent timing belt service, new shock absorbers all round and fresh BF Goodrich All-Terrain rubber, and you've got a Defender where the hard work's already been done.

County specification comforts, 12 years of single-owner care, and a vendor-reported clean MOT round out the picture. This one's ready to use, enjoy and, dare we say it, get a little mud on.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Kent.