The 1988 Land Rover 90 Wagon remains an icon of rugged versatility, but this specific unit takes that reputation a step further with a heart transplant. Originally imported from the United Kingdom, it now features a legendary Mercedes-Benz OM617 turbodiesel engine. This swap provides a level of mechanical reliability that many stock Rovers simply cannot match. It serves as a purposeful blend of British character and German engineering for the modern off-road enthusiast.
Refined Exterior with Industrial Checker Plate
The truck was repainted in a bold shade of red back in 2013 before arriving on American shores. It features extensive checker-plate trim on the hood, fenders, and rocker panels to protect the body from trail hazards. LED lighting upgrades improve night visibility while a fender-mounted intake provides cooler air to the turbodiesel engine. A hardtop with alpine windows maintains the classic silhouette while allowing extra light into the cabin.
Upgraded Drivetrain and Steering Components
An Ashcroft R380 five-speed manual transmission replaces the original gearbox to handle the increased torque of the diesel engine. The seller also integrated a power steering system from a P38 Range Rover for a much lighter feel at the wheel. Custom-fabricated hoses and shafts connect the Mercedes steering pump to the Land Rover chassis seamlessly. Additionally, 16-inch Tornado alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires provide a confident footprint on loose soil.
Cabin Comforts and Florist-Grade Cooling
The interior features front bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl and a heavy-duty center console with integrated cupholders. Most notably, a new rear-mounted air conditioning unit provides cabin cooling, originally designed for florist delivery vans. A Bluetooth-capable Pioneer stereo system and JL Audio subwoofer ensure high-quality sound for long highway journeys. While the dashboard shows some age-related cracks, the overall environment remains functional and ready for daily use.
Diesel Precision and Performance Gauges
A four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of the primary instrumentation, which is supplemented by GlowShift boost and EGT gauges. These additions are vital for monitoring the performance of the high-output fuel injection pump and turbocharger. Although the odometer shows 21k miles, the actual total mileage of this chassis remains a mystery. The focus here is clearly on mechanical health rather than purely tracking the distance traveled over time.
OM617 Engine Specs and Power Delivery
The 3.0-liter OM617 turbodiesel inline-five was professionally installed to provide consistent power under various environmental conditions. This engine features a performance fuel injection pump from DieselPumpUk and an upgraded Anti-Jerk kit for smoother shifting. A 2021 dyno test confirmed an output of 149 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. This setup is compatible with standard diesel, biodiesel, and even JP1 fuels for maximum flexibility.
Final Summary of the Land Rover 90
This Land Rover 90 represents a massive investment in reliability and drivability that few standard Defenders can claim. It solves the typical power complaints of older Rovers by utilizing one of the most durable diesel engines ever produced. With recent service totaling over $13k, the major mechanical hurdles have been professionally addressed. It remains a distinctive choice for a collector who values a truck that is built for actual adventure.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
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