Gables - capecod ltd edition

Gables is a 1999 Land Rover Defender 90, county. This vehicle was produced by Land Rover as a 7 seat utility vehicle. Fitted with its original TD5 2500cc 5 cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 113bhp standard. Permanent 4WD with an R380 5 speed manual transmission. Fitted as standard with hi/lo range LT230 transfer box that includes centre diff lock. These features helped push the Defender range of vehicles to the top of the pile of passenger utility vehicles. 

Gables was purchased from it's original owner directly from their farm. Lovingly owned for over 20 years by one family. No expense was spared in the upkeep of Ivy, as she had an important role to play on the farm. the bodywork however fits in perfectly with farm life and reminds us of the old farm gate, structurally sound but cosmetically worn. The trusty old Land Rover. This condition however leaves space to imagine your own finish if you desire. Some prefer the patina of 20 or more years to be preserved. 

We have decided Gables will now be a full restoration. Covering all the areas we do with our other restorations. This is an inspired build that will be a Cape Cod limited edition. featuring a soft top, Navy blue paint, and a bespoke tan interior. With a style edging towards a heritage look 

Gables is a daily used Defender and as such has cosmetic blemishes consistent with over 20 years of use. This being said, mechanically the engine, transmission and running gear are in fantastic condition. The TD5 is renowned for being incredibly reliable, we've seen these engines achieve well over 300,000 miles and still sounding great. Gables has gone through our in-house QC procedure to ensure we are starting with the best possible donor vehicle. 

Inspired by the beauty and history of Cape Cod Massachusetts, USA. A rich history of fishing and discovery. Beautiful coastal views and lots of inspiring places. We decided to paint Gables Navy blue, a Cape Cod colour. With a tan soft top and tan interior to embrace beach lifestyle. With embossed Cape Cod Map outlines in the seats and sporting some other locally inspired ideas. We have named the project Gables after the area Grey Gables in Cape Cod. 

The TD5 was the dawn of a new era for Land Rover. It is a 5 cylinder electronic injection producing 122 BHP. The engine was designed to fall into euro emissions regulations and as such was detuned by the factory. This is a tune that we have unlocked, allowing the engine to produce its full potential. With our tuning these engines achieve unto 180bhp safely, making keeping up with modern traffic a breeze. The engine marked a pinnacle point for Land Rover when they had to modernise their engines with electronics for the first time in the Defender. These changes resulted in some of the following key points.

• More efficient engines 
• Smoother driving experience 
• Increased reliability
• Better power and torque 
• Better MPG then earlier vehicles   
• Smoother gear selection 
• Completely new feel and sound

The TD5 transforms the way the Defender feels compared to earlier models. With some very subtle amendments inside the cabin such as back lit dials you can see clearly, digital odometer and new security features such as an immobiliser made the car feel the same whilst solving problems from the its predecessors. 

Gables has a current specification of:

• 4 speaker audio system 
• Power assisted steering 
• Heated rear window
• 7 seat interior 
• Cloth upholstery 
• Full carpet inside
• Dog guard
• Front rubber floor mats 
• Panoramic glass kit 
• 16" sawtooth alloy wheels 

We have also modernised the engine performance with a a software map unlocking all the potential the engine was designed to have. We have also removed some of the euro emissions regulations parts such as the EGR valve and Catalytic converter. We estimate to have reached around 180bhp with these modifications whilst keeping the engine well within its safe parameters.

The cosmetics of the vehicle and its patina are the only part we have left untouched. This leaves scope to have a paint colour of your choice or to maintain the patina, or even a mix of both. 

At this stage a range of optional extras are available and can be tailored into the build prior to deliver. These items include but are not limited to the following:

• Heated seats
• Offroad preparation
• Heated windscreen 
• Auxiliary battery with split charge 
• Central locking 
• Electric windows 
• Roof rack and access ladder 
• Expedition roof tent and awning by Ventura tents 
• upgraded audio equipment 
• Air suspension and much more. 

Have you seen something you like in the wealth of parts available? If so get in touch to explore options on supply and fitting.