1983 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 County Station Wagon | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Wonderful original patina and tasteful upgrades
• In current Land Rover specialist ownership for seven years
• Galvanised bulkhead, underfloor crossmember and suspension turrets

Launched in 1983, the Land Rover 110 represented a major step forward for the marque, combining coil-sprung suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and improved refinement with the proven Rover V8 engine. The County Station Wagon quickly became the range's most desirable variant and laid the foundations for the Defender that would follow.

This matching-numbers, 1983 Land Rover 110 3.5 V8 County Station Wagon is a wonderfully authentic early example, finished in its original and highly evocative Roan Brown and Cream colour scheme. The colour combination feels remarkably contemporary today and perfectly complements the vehicle's honest, beautifully aged patina. Retaining the vast majority of its factory paintwork, this is a Land Rover that has been carefully preserved rather than over-restored.

Having remained in current ownership for the past seven years, the vehicle has benefited from significant investment and sympathetic recommissioning. The exceptionally well-preserved chassis remains untreated, while the rear crossmember and front outriggers have previously been renewed. Notable upgrades include a galvanised bulkhead, galvanised underfloor crossmember and suspension turrets, Old Man Emu shock absorbers, a stainless-steel exhaust system including manifolds, and RSR Rostyle wheels fitted with BFGoodrich KO3 tyres, including the matching spare wheel. Mechanical improvements include an LOF clutch, Facet fuel pump, water pump, valley gasket, ignition components and regular servicing throughout the current ownership. The 3.5 litre V8 starts readily, runs exceptionally well and delivers the unmistakable soundtrack that has made these early carburettor-powered V8 Land Rovers so sought-after.

A genuine preservation-class example, this 110 wears its years with pride. While the lower sections of the doors would benefit from attention in the future and the LT95 gearbox exhibits the characteristic layshaft noise common to the model, neither detracts from what is an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire an honest, matching-numbers early V8 County Station Wagon with exceptional originality and charm. Consigned by Fraser Smith