1991 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

Commissioned by our vendor, this Defender 90 was destined for Guernsey as a ‘beach car’ with all of the benefits of go-anywhere capabilities and EV sensibility. With seven seats and open-top motoring a timeless classic Land Rover was the perfect option and with all the obvious appeal that electrification offered.

The best possible 1990 ‘lightweight’ example was sourced with only 47,300 miles, in great condition, and was then subject to full strip and restoration by the renowned coachbuilders Tudor and Black giving ECOClassics of Maldon the perfect engineless vehicle to convert to electric. ECOClassics have made a name for themselves converting classic cars to electric and the Land Rover has become a speciality.

Technically, it's powered by a 20kW 310Nm 3-phase AC motor/inverter connected to a 2:1 reduction box boosting torque to 600Nm into the original transfer box, retaining the original functions of DiffLock and high/low ratios. Other features include a 40kWh Li-ion battery pack running at 400V peak voltage, PTC cabin heater running off the HV battery, 6.6kW on board charger with a Type 2 socket. Full suite of battery safety features including BMS monitoring of cell voltage/temperatures with limits on charging and discharging to protect the battery, High-voltage interlock (HVIL), master service disconnect (MSD) and isolation monitoring.

Beautifully presented in Heritage Green with a tan interior, this striking Defender is in 'as new' condition as circumstances changed for our vendor and the vehicle has stayed in the UK. It's a remarkably versatile vehicle retaining all its off-road capabilities and now with clean great performance and a respectable EV range of 80-100 miles. It's supplied complete with the occasional Bikini canvas hood and all the relevant charging equipment.

Ready to be enjoyed, this very special Defender 90 would certainly cause a stir whenever used in the country or in town. EVs enjoy useful concessions in cities and towns so what could be better, fully converted, effectively a new vehicle and all the benefits of electric motoring in a timeless Defender with ECO status.