2004 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

And then there’s this: a 2004 Land Rover Defender 130 TD5 previously used by a Scottish Highlands Emergency Rescue Service as a do-it-all, go-anywhere ambulance.

A nice bit of kit, right?

Introducing our 2004 Land Rover Defender 130 TD5, finished in Chawton White, with just 35, 000 original miles and a backstory that puts every other rugged off-roader to shame. Ordered through Land Rover Special Vehicles for a Scottish Search and Rescue entity, this car began life at the deep end. As we hope we’ve established by now, this is no Chelsea Tractor.

It spent most of its early life serving in the Highlands before being replaced by the emergency services at around 9, 000 miles. Since then, it has passed into private ownership, where it has been maintained and equipped with an enviable collection of tricks, toys and tools.In short, this is a tried-and-tested working 130 with the bones of a rescue vehicle, the equipment for an expedition, and the sweet spot of modern conveniences.

The Backstory

The Defender 130 is no shrinking violet. The TD5 gives you that unmistakably old-school Land Rover character, while the extended 130 platform means there's room for people, kit, dogs, camping equipment, recovery gear or whatever else your particular plans happen to require. Hopefully not search and rescue.

Its Special Vehicles origins are reflected in the equipment carried over from its Search and Rescue specification, including a dedicated LED light bar floodlight and rear white LED lighting. It also retains special-order door seals specified for submarine diving, along with a genuine JLR snorkel.

The vehicle is registered as an Ambulance and Commercial Vehicle, and its cabin is configured with six seats, supplemented by two additional benches in the rear cabin providing another six seats.

The Good Stuff

Underneath, you have the fixtures and fittings that turn this from an agricultural archetype into the life-saving workhorse it is.

A Warn 9. 5 CTi winch is fitted with cable and wireless remote controls, paired with a genuine OE winch bumper mounted on the heavy-duty JLR Special Vehicles front bumper. Whether you're recovering a vehicle, tackling a serious expedition or simply finding yourself in a situation that looked considerably easier on the Carpuride 10. 26-inch screen with Apple and Android CarPlay, this is the sort of hardware you want in your arsenal.

A JLR adjustable tow bar adds further practicality, while the special-order heavy-duty roof rack provides the foundation for carrying additional equipment up top. Here you shall find a Truckman High Capacity Hardtop, giving the rear an enclosed space to load up to your heart’s content.

And, because this is quite the special machine, it has a novel solution to the age-old problem of wandering hands eyeing up your Land Rover: it comes with a quick-release Momo steering wheel. Try off-roading without it.

Speaking of sticky situations (or rather, getting out of them), the Defender currently sits on its original JLR Wolf wheels, finished in matching white, wearing a set of new 265/ 75 R16 tyres. A white Wolf spare is included, along with an additional brand-new spare wheel. A separate set of four black Challenger wheels is also included, fitted with BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tyres in 305/ 70 R16 for good measure, should you want to switch up the look.

The Great Escape

A Latitude Pioneer rooftop tent is fitted to the vehicle, comfortably sleeping three. Alongside it comes a ground-floor extension, thermal liner, premium padded bedsheet and security nuts.

The accommodation is sorted – the question is, where are you going?

The Nitty Gritty

Make: Land Rover

Model: Defender 130

Year: 2004

Engine: TD5

Exterior colour: Chawton White

Mileage: 35,000 original miles

Original supply: Land Rover Special Vehicles order for a Scottish Search and Rescue entity

Early service: Scottish Highlands Search and Rescue vehicle, replaced by emergency services at around 9,000 miles

Ownership: Subsequently privately owned and maintained

Registration: Registered as Ambulance and Commercial VehicleSeating: Six-seat cabin plus two rear cabin benches providing another six seats

Bodywork: Truckman High Capacity Hardtop

Tow bar: JLR adjustable

Steering wheel: Quick-release MomoSnorkel: Original JLR

Door seals: Special order, specified for diving

Current wheels: Original JLR Wolf wheels in matching whiteCurrent tyres: New 265/75 R16 tyres

Additional wheels: Four black Challenger wheelsAdditional tyres: BF Goodrich Mud Terrain 305/70 R16

Spare wheels: White Wolf spare plus one additional brand-new spare

Winch: Warn 9.5 CTi with cable and wireless remote controls

Front bumper: Genuine OE winch bumper fitted on heavy-duty JLR Special Vehicles front bumper

Lighting: Search and Rescue Special Vehicles order LED light bar floodlight and rear white LED light

Roof rack: Special-order heavy-duty unit

Roof tent: Latitude Pioneer, comfortably sleeps three

Tent extras: Ground-floor extension, thermal liner, premium padded bedsheet and security nuts

Infotainment: Carpuride 10.26-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android CarPlay compatibility

Fancy an adventure?

This is a car for people who decide where they're going once they've left.

A Scottish Search and Rescue background, remarkably low recorded mileage, a comprehensive collection of practical extras and the right sort of rugged character make this Defender 130 a compelling proposition for anyone who wants a Land Rover with genuine working roots. A bulletproof decision if you ask us.

Available through Duke's Quality Motors at Duke of London.

Come and have a look. We'll try not to encourage you to do anything too daft. Tempting though, isn’t it?