The 1983 Geneva Motor Show marked the end for the 'Series' Vehicles. On show was a new vehicle, the 110, completely re-designed. The main difference was that the new Land-Rover used Coil springs as opposed to the old leaf or 'Cart' Springs that had been used on all the Series Vehicles. This new set-up presented a smoother ride and better, safer handling. Both of these factors led to excellent off-road ability.
The grill was now flush with the wings across the whole range, similar to the Stage 1. Another
noticeable difference was that the windscreen was now one piece, not split in two like the Series vehicles. Deformable
wheel arch guards made the 110 easily identifiable from the Series vehicles. Engines remained the same as the Series 3 for a short period of time until they had the capacities increased. The Wheelbase was increased by one inch to 110 inches from the Series 3.
This model was very important to Land-Rover in maintaining sales. It proved to be extremely successful, and in 1984 the 90 was introduced, although its' wheelbase was 92.9 inches. It looked like a shortened 110 and carried a brand new 2.5 litre Diesel which was also introduced into the 110.
The 130 was introduced in 1987 and was used mainly for companies who wanted to carry 6 people and equipment off road. The model sat on an extended 110 chassis that was lengthened by Land-Rover Special Vehicles. (LRSV)
When the new Discovery was introduced it was decided to give the 90/110 a new name: Defender.
(Clockwise, from top left) The 50th Anniversary 90; New Td5 110; A Defender 90 showing its prowess in the mud; Another 90 in the mud; The back of the new Td5 90; A Pulse ambulance body on a 130 chassis.
However the biggest step so far was the introduction of the new Td5 Defenders in early 1999. They had a new 5 cylinder engine, which was much smoother and more refined than the older engines. The new Defender was also a lot more reliant on electronic systems, ABS (Anti-lock Brakes) and ETC ( Electronic Traction Control) were now options. Worries about reliability (never a Land Rover trait) were quickly dispelled after several magazines undertook tests in the harshest places on Earth. The public were won over.
The British Army has been very supportive of Land Rover, because they always wanted the best available vehicle. The future holds as much for the Defender as the past has done.
The 90/110/130 and Defender (1983-)
Short Wheelbase sizes:
90" (Actually 92.9 inches): 1984-
Long Wheelbase sizes:
110" : 1983-
130/127" : 1987-
Engines (Petrol) :
2286cc (From Series III) : 1983-85
2495cc (Enlarged 2286cc engine) : 1985-92
3528cc V8 (From Stage 1 ) : 1985-94 ( Reappeared 1998 for special 50th Anniversary version, now special option only)
Engines (Diesel) :
2286cc (From Series III - only in 110) : 1983-84
2495cc Non Turbo (N/A) : 1984-86(Option until '92)
2495cc Turbo-charged (Major reliability problems - turbo really just bolted on, there was no development) : 1986-90
2495cc Tdi (200 series - excellent engine well developed) : 1992-94
2495cc Tdi (300 series another development of the 200Tdi) : 1994-99
2492cc Td5 ( Gained an extra cylinder) : 1999-
The new Defender had a redesigned engine to go with the new name, it was the same capacity as the old one and with a much improved turbo charger. This diesel was labelled the 200Tdi and after 3 years was replaced by the 300Tdi.