The Land Rover was launched in 1948 and after an enormous production run of 67 years production finally concluded in January 2016. In that time, Land Rover continuously updated its talisman, with the Series II, then III, and finally with the Defender. By 1999, 50 years had passed, but the Defender remained in production, leading Land Rover to launch a special edition to celebrate the anniversary.

This very rare right-hand drive 50th Anniversary Edition was factory built in South Africa in 1999; a letter from Land Rover SA in the history file confirms this. A mere 50 of these limited edition 50th Anniversary models were made for South Africa, 32 of which were the 90 model, and we understand that very few can be found in the UK. It is fitted with a BMW 2.8i M52 six-cylinder engine mated to a manual gearbox, which is superb according to our vendor. This vehicle was imported into the UK in 2019 by our vendor, whereupon it received its first registration with the DVLA. Our vendor assures us that the vehicle remains in its original condition with embossed seats, original carpets, paintwork and decals. Since his purchase, the only work carried out has been the addition of a swing-away spare wheel carrier and a tracker. N50 DFR is supplied with excellent service history, and photographs of its life in South Africa.

This is a wonderfully original edition with the smooth, powerful and reliable BMW engine, presented in its original colour combination of blue with black interior. A truly great workhorse ready to be used as it was built for. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1999
Make: Land Rover
Model: Defender 90 50th Anniversary Edition (2.8 litre)
Registration: N50 DFR
Chassis No: SALLDVB97WF828650
Odometer: 317,500km

* Number 32 of 50 built.
* Very rare right-hand-drive Anniversary model, factory-built in South Africa.
* BMW six-cylinder 2.8i engine.
* Breathtaking originality.