Red rover

Red Rover is a 1997 Land Rover Defender 110, CSW (county station wagon) This vehicle was produced by Land Rover as an 11 seat utility vehicle. Fitted with its original 300TDI 2500cc 4 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 extreme utility vehicles. 

Red Rover has been owned personally by our director for the past two years. An active member of the ranks and being used daily for all manner of shop duties and personal adventures. Red has traveled across the UK on many camping trips and recently visited the Republic of Ireland. Many thousands of happy miles have passed during our ownership. 

It got to the point that the decision was made to partially restore Red with a new model look. With a plethora of modernisation we got to the finished vehicle you see above. 

Red was always in fantastic mechanical condition with very little corrosion. Red had one loving owner for 19 years prior to us who maintained the vehicle meticulously regardless of cost. This really shows. The chassis is in fantastic original condition with no weld repairs ever conducted or required, the engine has had a major overhaul recently replacing all the known weak areas, and completing all the preventative maintenance required to keep Red reliable for years to come. 

We have replaced the following:

• New cylinder head and gasket, this included all associated gaskets, seals, and hardware 
• New cam belt and water pump kit 
• New radiator and intercooler pack
• New Aux belt 
• New swivel seals
• New 2" HD lift springs 
• New HD +2 Shock absorbers all round 
• New brake pads all round 
• 5 New BF Goodrich km2 all terrain tyres 285/75/16
• Full engine service using genuine filters and high quality oil
• New coolant 
• New PAS fluid
• New gear oil including new transfer oil using OEM spec fluids 
• New diff oil 
• New lock and barrel set
• 5 new doors 
• New windscreen and seal
• New door felt kits
• New sunroof seal
• HD steering bars

Red has undergone our full 150 point QC check. This is our in house developed process to identify any failed items or anything that is likely to fail in the near future. A number of bushes, seals, gaskets and hardware has been replaced for new during this process. This process is designed to give the new owner complete peace of mind that their new vehicle will be reliable. 

During the modernisation of red we added the following parts:

• XS Grille set
• XS side and top wing vents
• XS gloss mirrors 
• Crystal headlights 
• Full LED light conversion 
• Masai swing away wheel carrier 
• Contrast black arches and roof 
• 2" suspension lift with HD shock absorbers and springs 
• 285/75/16 BF Goodrich KM2 All terrain tyres 
• HD modular imitation bead lock wheels
• Panoramic glass kit dark tint 
• Privacy glass on the rear half 
• Checker plate protection on wing tops 
• Full respray in Range Rover Chilli red 

Red has a current specification of:

• 4 speaker audio system 
• Power assisted steering 
• Heated rear window
• 11 seat interior 
• Cloth upholstery 
• 11 seat belts 
• Centre cubby box
• Wood steering wheel 
• Full Exmoor trim black carpet set 
• Front rubber floor mats 
• Stainless steel door threshers x5 

We have also modernised the engine performance with a full boost pin, and plate set up from Fourby. This along with a boost controller and our in house developed tuning procedure has Brough the engine to life. We estimate to have reached around 145bhp with these modifications whilst keeping the engine well within its safe parameters. This is as smooth as a 300TDI gets.

We are currently commissioning a custom interior in Black Napa leather with white Bentley Diamond stitch. To contrast we are also having the roof lining trimmed in Alcantara. Internal panels will be painted in black to match the interior. 

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
• 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. 

Below are a selection of pictures taken throughout the ownership of Red and the restoration process. We've included all the good, bad and ugly parts. The body work underwent extensive repair as we do mot use body filler to mask damage. Instead any panel which did not meet our high standards was completely replaced during the coach building of the body.