Vintage Land Rover Defender 110 For Sale: Costlier Than A New Toyota Fortuner

Written By: Utkarsh Deshmukh
Published: April 12, 2025 at 04:05 PMUpdated: Updated: April 12, 2025 at 04:05 PM
 review

Today, when we say SUV, a lot of people think of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and others. However, all of these are not real SUVs. The real ones are those who come with ladder-on-frame chassis, 4X4 capabilities, and a macho stance. Now, today, if you were given a budget of Rs 60 lakh, what would you rather buy: a brand-new Toyota Fortuner Legender or a pristinely kept 1997 Land Rover Defender 110? Well, if you'd choose the second one, then we have the best car for you.

1997 land rover defender 110 front

1997 Land Rover Defender 110 for sale

Recently, like all automotive enthusiasts, we were also window shopping on OLX, and we came across a gem. This particular gem is a 1997 Land Rover Defender 110. However, it is not your average brand-new modern Defender. Rather, it is a classic 1997 Defender 110. What makes this one even more special is that despite being a 110, it is a three-door model.

This Defender 110 three-door is referred to as the station wagon Defender and gets an extended cab, which is completely closed off. For those who may not be aware, the 110 in the name of the Defender is the wheelbase of the SUV in inches. It translates to 2,794 mm. As for the one that we came across, it is more special because it is a 1997 model, which was one of the later generation models.

Details of this 1997 Defender 110

1997 land rover defender 110 rear

Now, coming to the specific details of this particular Land Rover Defender 110. As stated, it is a 1997 model year vehicle. However, it was registered in India in the year 2000. Also, it is a second-owner vehicle, and presently it is located in the Vishweshwaraiah Layout, Bengaluru. The original registration of the vehicle is from Tamil Nadu, and its fitness certificate is valid.

Also, the vehicle has a smart card registration, which is also active. The seller has added that all the paperwork of this vehicle is up to date and is in order. So anyone who buys this vehicle does not have to be worried about the age of this vehicle. Although the seller has not mentioned, it is most likely one of the only ones of its kind for sale in the country.

It has also been stated that as this is not a distressed sale, he will be only entertaining offers around his expectation. Presently, the owner has listed this vehicle for Rs 58 lakh. So, for the same or slightly lower price, you can also buy a brand-new Toyota Fortuner Legender as well.

Condition of this 1997 Defender 110

1997 land rover defender 110 interior

Now, coming to the condition details of this particular 1997 Land Rover Defender 110. The current owner has kept it in mint condition. There are no visible scratches or dents on the exterior of the SUV. At the front, it gets a black grille, halogen headlamps, and a thin front bumper. As for the side profile, it gets two doors and a two-part window. The vehicle has also been given body-colored steel wheels, which makes it look more unique.

The interior has also been kept in perfect condition. It is finished in black color and has leather seats. We can note that the vehicle has been kept in original condition. The seller has stated that this vehicle has not been restored and is still in factory condition. It has been added that the vehicle still has its original 3.5-litre V8, and it has not been swapped or altered.

1997 land rover defender 110 engine

Also, the vehicle gets the original twin carburettor, company-fitted power steering, and air conditioning system. The seller has stated that all four wheels are equipped with spring coil suspension, and they factory-fitted all four disc brakes. Lastly, this particular SUV has a galvanized chassis, making it completely rust-proof, and it also has a complete aluminum body, which is very rare and valuable for off-road longevity.

What should you buy: Defender or Fortuner?

Well, if you are someone who wants reliability and something modern, then you should opt for the brand-new Toyota Fortuner Legender. However, if you are someone who wants to have one of the rarest SUVs in the country, which still turns heads and has an off-road pedigree like no other vehicle, then you should opt for the 1997 Land Rover Defender 110.