Which one would you pick?

[01001010]

If money wasn't an issue, what ONE Defender would you want? I'm still in the market for one and just can't make up my mind...I've let sweet deals on 90s slide on by being that I'm REALLY in love with the 110 Crew Cabs. I still haven't done any research in regards to importing one. I know it's possible because I know of a 110 Crew Cab Tomb Raider that STILL sits in the parking lot of a government building near my shop. I want something I can wheel, and comfortably use as an overland vehicle. Because of this, im questioning the purchase of a 90.

So I'm open to all suggestions and comments.

Thanks in advance!

[rmuller]

Wanna know the 130 is there? b/c its at the government building! It's probably a diplomat or someone over here temporarily and they have it imported.. The *only* way you'll legally get anything other than a NAS is buy a NAS and mod it into what you want... if you've got the $$ ECR will do this for you.

[01001010]

Actually...the 110 has been there for MONTHS! I saw it recently and it's got dust building up around the contact patch on the tires. There's also a DII parked two spots away with what seems to be a bad EAS system (back HAS to be sitting on the bump stops) in the same condition. I'm still trying to figure out what sort of tag the 110 is sporting - Green, white letters, Euro-shaped.

Well, while custom building is always an option, I do like some sort of authenticity with any of my vehicles. After planning and aborting a chop project on my current truck, I dont think I want to have the additional stress about what the outcome may be.

[01001010]

Aha...Ryan, I was just reminded by another forum's member that there is little (if ANY) cutting required when swaping out Defender body parts! So a 110 Wagon, eventually converted to a Crew wouldn't be so bad!

[rmuller]

Or save some money.. buy a Series III 109" with a crappy frame [$1-3k].. then buy an ECR coil-sprung replacement chassis for $3900.. then swap out some body parts with a defender.

[01001010]

Shit...I should sit down and do some more research!!! That doesn't sound that bad either!!!

[WCURoverD90]

I looked at the hardtops etc before i got my soft top. Im so glad i went with the soft top except that I couldn't get jump seats in it unless i order them.

[01001010]

I just found a 130 Crew Hi-Cap with a Perkins TD engine locally for a STUPID low price!!!...talk about speaking of the devil!

EDIT: Here's a pic...

[rmuller]

Illegal.

Search around... there is tons and tons of information on this.. if its not 25+ years old, or on a very select list (that includes 93 D110s), brought by a legal importer and modified to the US standards [basically to match the 93 NAS D110].. then its grey market.

There are ways to get them here, thats not the problem... you can even pass it by some motor vehicle employee and get it registered... the problem is when you get pulled over, or into a car accident and the government realizes what it is and then you're charged with a felony.

[300bhp/ton]

Not sure that's a 130. It certainly isn't factory paint but it's got a UK numberplate on it, and 'D' reg would place it at mid 80's, so too old for a 130, might be a 127 though.

As for what to get, well it depends, the 90 is smaller, faster, more economical, handles better and is generally better off road. But it's also less practical and really only seat 2 adults in any form of comfort, much more akin to the Jeep Wrangler.

A 110 is more practical but it's extra length will be more of a hinderance off road. Although still very capable.

130's are rare even here in the UK and where usually converted for commerical/industrial use, with roller shutters and storage compartments. The phone company and water boards often use them.

As for swapping from hard top to soft top, yes it's possible, but not always that simple as the bulk head is sometimes different, and on a NAS it's missing the centre bulk head completly.

I don't know too much about the 109 coil conversion, but too me it seems like a lot of work and will never be a 90/110.

If you don't mind doing some work there is a simple conversion. Buy a Range Rover (classic) or even Discovery 1 and chop the rear cross member off and fit a modified 90 body shell. You'll actually end up with a 101" 90, these are probably the ultimate off road and this is a recognised conversion (although not as popular these days).

Land Rover have long known the 90 is too short and the 110 too long for the "ideal" wheelbase, hence the Range Rover had a 101" wheel base as did the purpose built 101FC. By fitting a modiifed 90 body you shorten the overhangs and reduce the weight of the vehicle.

If you wanted to go further you could, people have chopped Range Rovers down to 90, 88, 86 and even 80" wheel bases (to conform with Defender, Series 3, Series 1/2 and early Series 1 wheel bases). And simply fit the appropriate body shell on top, or variation.

IMO this would be a better route than trying to convert a 109 to a 110.

[WineryRover]

Originally Posted by rmuller

Or save some money.. buy a Series III 109" with a crappy frame [$1-3k].. then buy an ECR coil-sprung replacement chassis for $3900.. then swap out some body parts with a defender.

As long as you're not a purist, this is by far the best way to go.

Also, if you are going to wheel it, I would caution you on getting anything longer than a 110, longer than that and you'll have issues. I think there are enough people on here that would even argue a 109 or 110 is too long, but they do have some much needed space.

[OkieRover]

^^^^x2
From what I've watched on the Tellie and in the magazines 90 inches is about as long as you want for the really tough wheelin' over rocks and such.

[01001010]

While it will be seeing action off road, I wont be doing anything Extreme, and if I do...I dont mind wiching all over the place...as long as I make it to my desired destination.

I got the pic of the 130 (127?) from Lenny at Roversland...I'm simply gonna have to FINALLY show up to his shop and see everything in person. I'm convinced that a 110 Crew Cab would probably handle certain angles better then a 110 wagon because of its more centered CG.

[cellulararrest]

I think the best fit for you in a 90 station wagon. They're amazing off-road and really not too terrible on road. I'd say a soft top (they're just so fun), but the on-road might be a little worse than you want. The Station Wagon is the best of both worlds! (of course money no object the 110 does this beautifully as well).

[SCSL]

Originally Posted by 300bhp/ton

If you don't mind doing some work there is a simple conversion. Buy a Range Rover (classic) or even Discovery 1 and chop the rear cross member off and fit a modified 90 body shell. You'll actually end up with a 101" 90, these are probably the ultimate off road and this is a recognised conversion (although not as popular these days).

Land Rover have long known the 90 is too short and the 110 too long for the "ideal" wheelbase, hence the Range Rover had a 101" wheel base as did the purpose built 101FC. By fitting a modiifed 90 body you shorten the overhangs and reduce the weight of the vehicle.

If you wanted to go further you could, people have chopped Range Rovers down to 90, 88, 86 and even 80" wheel bases (to conform with Defender, Series 3, Series 1/2 and early Series 1 wheel bases). And simply fit the appropriate body shell on top, or variation.

IMO this would be a better route than trying to convert a 109 to a 110.

A met a guy at MAR who did this w/ a D1 -- forgot his name. Rig looked outstanding