1996 Land Rover Defender 90 2.0L MPi

This 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 2.0 MPi might be the police interceptor of Landies. It is a model built especially for law enforcement, including an exclusive engine. This Defender retired from a fleet that Land Rover built for Italy's Carabinieri, the country's quasi-military police force. All such Landies were exclusively equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine from the passenger car side of the Rover family, which gave them a respectably high 98-mph top speed, yet with decent 23-mpg fuel economy. While the vehicle is not described as restored, the vehicle did receive some refurbishment in the footwells and chassis. As Landy buffs well know, the original Defender basically brought the original Land Rover concept to a close in excellent fashion, with an updated coil-spring suspension, full-time four-wheel drive, and a modernized interior that was more comfortable yet still suitably spartan. The Defender 90 was offered in the U.S. for a few years in the mid-1990s, but not with this powertrain. Its combination of good performance and fuel economy would seem to be a bonus for driving enjoyment today. The Rover 2.0 MPi is a DOHC, 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine with electronically controlled port fuel injection. The manufacturer rated it at 136 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque new, respectable figures for a 2.0-liter four in the 1990s. Though offered in Land Rover's Euro-market Discovery models, it was not offered in the Defender except, apparently, by special fleet order. It was chosen for the Carabinieri fleet because it was quicker and faster than the diesel engine and more efficient than the gas V8 offered. (One of the nine included videos shows this vehicle cruising at 100 km/h, or 62 mph.) - the vehicle's engine is original, with the mileage shown believed accurate. - no issues with cold starting and says the five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly. He indicates no leaks or weeps, and no smoke. No issues are reported for the full-time four-wheel drive and transfer case. Photos show a generally clean engine compartment, and the seller has included a photos showing one of the cam covers removed. - the vehicle's paint is original and in good shape. He indicates a few body blemishes in the form of some small bumps. All glass is said to be original to the car and to have no cracks. The seller affirms that there is no evidence of leaks. The chassis was cleaned from oxidation and professionally repainted and some interior parts, like the footwells, were refurbished. The underside appears very clean in photos. Lights have been upgraded to LED, and all are working - - all seats are reupholstered, the headliner is in good condition, and the rear seating area has new carpeting. Heat and gauges are affirmed to operate properly, as well. The aftermarket stereo system described as good quality with good sound. The seller affirms that there have been no other interior modifications. - The seller does not know the vehicle's suspension service history but says all components are working well. The bushings and shocks are said to be in good condition with no typical clunking and no leaks.- no issues with the wheels, which have changed from what the Carabinieri models used while in service. He is unsure been about the Equipe 4x4 tires' age, but states that 80 percent of the tread remains. - the power steering has no play and steers well, with no leaks. He indicates no issues with the brakes and no chassis modifications. This 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 2.0 MPi earned its badge from a career of cracking crime as an Italian Carabinieri vehicle. Now, this blue Landy is described as ready to drive and enjoy on- or off-road and at the local Cars & Espresso meetup.