1999 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

**PLEASE NOTE THE PRICE £39999 IS PLUS VAT** FOR SALE A highly desirable and exceptionally rare Land Rover Defender 90 M52 2.8i a truly special model built exclusively for the South African market returning to it's home roots and regarded today as one of the most sought-after Defenders ever produced. With only 656 units ever built, this remarkable example represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a piece of Land Rover history, engineered for rugged performance, unrivalled capability, and genuine collector status, he Defender 90 M52 2.8i occupies a truly fascinating and highly celebrated chapter in Land Rover's history a chapter born during the period when BMW owned Land Rover (1994-2000) and sought to enhance the Defender's performance for specific global markets. The South African region, with its demanding terrain, extreme temperatures and appetite for robust petrol-powered vehicles, became the ideal proving ground. BMW identified that the standard Land Rover petrol engines of the era lacked the power and refinement required for this market, and so a unique collaboration was formed. Using their proven and highly respected M52 straight-six engine, BMW engineered a Defender variant that combined traditional Land Rover toughness with German precision and smooth, linear power delivery. Production commenced in the late 1990s, and the outcome was the Defender 90 M52 2.8i a model like nothing else Land Rover had ever produced. This was no parts-bin experiment; engineering teams in both the UK and South Africa undertook extensive testing and calibration to ensure the M52 engine delivered effortless torque, reliability, and the cooling efficiency demanded by harsh conditions. The 2.8i powerplant produced significantly more power than contemporary Defender petrol units, giving the short-wheelbase 90 a lively, responsive character while retaining its rugged off-road credentials. Unique brackets, uprated driveline components, and specialist adaptation work were utilised to ensure full compatibility. The Defender 2.8i was never intended for global release, and this limited, market-specific production run resulted in only 656 units ever being built. Each one represents a rare blend of Land Rover authenticity and BMW engineering excellence a combination that enthusiasts and collectors now seek out with increasing demand. Today, surviving examples in this condition are considered collector-grade rarities, often referred to as the most charismatic petrol-powered Defenders ever produced. With limited production, market exclusivity, and a mechanical story rooted in one of Land Rover's most interesting ownership eras, the M52 2.8i has secured its place as a truly special and increasingly desirable model in the Defender lineage. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 01472 823777 VEHICLES READY TO GO, A FRESH MOT SHALL BE PLACED UPON THE VEHICLE UPON SALE **PRICE WILL BE SUBJECT TO PLUS VAT**.