Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Ultimate Classic Off-Roader
The vehicle known globally today as the Land Rover Defender was officially born in 1990, but began life in 1983 with the Land Rover One Ten (110"wheelbase) and, a year later, the Land Rover Ninety (93" wheelbase, colloquially 90"). These models replaced the respected leaf-sprung Series III, bringing essential modern upgrades while maintaining the classic, rugged Land Rover look. They quickly solidified the design's reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere utility vehicle.
This 1988 Land Rover Ninety is within the pre-Defender era, a period when the vehicle was simply badged "Land Rover" but benefited from all the mechanical developments that make it superior to the older Series models. The "Ninety" is characterized by its short wheelbase, making it the most nimble and capable off-roader of the range, offering phenomenal approach and departure angles for tackling extreme terrain.
A key feature of the Ninety/One Ten generation was the adoption of the more comfortable and capable coil spring suspension from the Range Rover, replacing the archaic leaf springs. This significantly improved both on-road handling and off-road axle articulation. The rugged, aluminum-bodied structure is bolted to a heavy-duty, box-section steel ladder chassis, which allows for immense strength and high payload capacity, essential for both commercial and expedition use.
Underneath, the robust driveline is centered around a sophisticated permanent four-wheel-drive system. This is paired with a two-speed transfer gearbox and a lockable center differential, which allows the driver to evenly distribute torque between the axles, ensuring maximum traction and control across the toughest terrains, from deep mud to steep rock faces. The combination of its short wheelbase and superior articulation makes this model the ultimate factory-specification off-road workhorse.
The 1988 Land Rover Ninety is a pure example of the legendary British 4×4. It combines decades of proven utilitarian design with the critical coil-spring chassis and full-time 4WD system, making it a highly desirable classic for collectors and enthusiasts who value the simplicity, toughness, and unmistakable heritage of the original model.
1988 Land Rover Defender
$42,500
1988 Land Rover Defender
$42,500
Highlights
- Land Rover Pickup*
- Imported from Greece*
- Tailgate mounted spare*
Description
The vehicle known globally today as the Land Rover Defender was officially born in 1990, but began life in 1983 with the Land Rover One Ten (110"wheelbase) and, a year later, the Land Rover Ninety (93" wheelbase, colloquially 90"). These models replaced the respected leaf-sprung Series III, bringing essential modern upgrades while maintaining the classic, rugged Land Rover look. They quickly solidified the design's reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere utility vehicle.
This 1988 Land Rover Ninety is within the pre-Defender era, a period when the vehicle was simply badged "Land Rover" but benefited from all the mechanical developments that make it superior to the older Series models. The "Ninety" is characterized by its short wheelbase, making it the most nimble and capable off-roader of the range, offering phenomenal approach and departure angles for tackling extreme terrain.
A key feature of the Ninety/One Ten generation was the adoption of the more comfortable and capable coil spring suspension from the Range Rover, replacing the archaic leaf springs. This significantly improved both on-road handling and off-road axle articulation. The rugged, aluminum-bodied structure is bolted to a heavy-duty, box-section steel ladder chassis, which allows for immense strength and high payload capacity, essential for both commercial and expedition use.
Underneath, the robust driveline is centered around a sophisticated permanent four-wheel-drive system. This is paired with a two-speed transfer gearbox and a lockable center differential, which allows the driver to evenly distribute torque between the axles, ensuring maximum traction and control across the toughest terrains, from deep mud to steep rock faces. The combination of its short wheelbase and superior articulation makes this model the ultimate factory-specification off-road workhorse.
The 1988 Land Rover Ninety is a pure example of the legendary British 4×4. It combines decades of proven utilitarian design with the critical coil-spring chassis and full-time 4WD system, making it a highly desirable classic for collectors and enthusiasts who value the simplicity, toughness, and unmistakable heritage of the original model.