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1997
Land Rover
Defender 130 Recent Frame-off Restoration, Recent Service

Time Left

Location

Sarasota, FL, USA
USA

Highest bid by CarbidderX

$18,000

Bids

3

Watchers

8
Supercar Blondie image
Just 495 km, fully restored, and built to go anywhere — this Defender 130 blends rugged utility with modern upgrades. Big, bold, and ready for adventure.

Highlights

  • Frame-off restored within the last two years
  • Showcased at the Top Marques auto show in Monaco in 2025
  • Two-row bucket-seat layout with dual center consoles
  • Art & Custom (A&C) roll bar and exterior equipment
  • Recent service to cooling system, suspension, brakes, and air conditioning

Overview

This 1997 Land Rover Defender 130 crew-cab sport-utility vehicle shows just 495 kilometers (307 miles) at the time of this cataloging. Finished in Grasmere Green with a beige canvas soft top over a Cognac Brown leather interior, this Defender is offered with restoration photos and a clear title.

Outsizing the 90 and the 110 in length, the Defender 130 became world-renowned as a versatile, utilitarian workhorse or expedition rig. It had a long list of go-anywhere credentials including a robust 300Tdi turbodiesel engine, steel ladder chassis, long-travel coil suspension, and locking center differential.

This Defender 130 originated in the Netherlands and went through a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment in France in 2025. The scope of included disassembly, sandblasting, chassis coating, bushing replacement, and an overhaul of the engine, suspension, and brakes. Exterior enhancements included a new canvas top, an A&C roll bar, LED lighting, and Unigrip tires. The interior was similarly elevated with modern infotainment, air conditioning, dual center consoles, and leather upholstery throughout.

Following completion, the vehicle was showcased at Top Marques show in Monaco, an exclusive display of about 190 exceptional vehicles each year. The 2025 event was attended by about 20,000 visitors, and this brilliantly-restored Defender was without a doubt an eye-catcher and a conversation piece.

Specifications & Options

Exterior

  • Grasmere Green paint
    • Complete restoration
    • Beige canvas soft top with roll-down sides
    • A&C roll bar kit
  • Heritage-style grille
  • A&C chrome front bumper
  • LED headlights
  • Vented fenders
  • Fold-down side steps
  • Wheel-arch flares
  • Color-keyed side mirrors
  • Two-piece doors
    • Sliding windows
  • Rocker trim
  • Rear-mounted full-sized spare tire
  • Aftermarket rear bumper
  • 16-inch black-finished wheels
  • 285/65 Unigrip Road Force M/T tires

Interior

  • Cognac Brown leather upholstery
    • Front- and second-row bucket seats
    • Lap belts
    • Inboard-facing rear jump seats
  • Wood-rimmed steering wheel
  • Upholstered dash
  • First and second-row center consoles
  • Touchscreen audio system
    • Apple CarPlay connectivity
    • Back-up camera
  • Air conditioning
  • Thermal and acoustic insulation
  • Premium carpet
  • Teak bed flooring
  • Gauges
    • 150-km/h speedometer
    • Clock
    • Coolant temperature
    • Fuel level

Mechanical

  • 2.5-liter 300Tdi turbodiesel inline-four
    • Rebuilt during refurbishment
  • Five-speed manual transmission
  • Dual-range transfer case
  • Locking center differential
  • Lifted suspension
  • Zinc-plated components
  • Chassis anti-corrosion epoxy coating
  • Stainless-steel exhaust system
  • Four-wheel disc brakes

Service History

Extensive maintenance was performed the time of refurbishment, including replacement of the wear components in addition to the following:

  • Engine rebuild
  • Air conditioning system installation
  • Water pump, alternator, and wiring harness replacement
  • Spring and shock absorber replacement
  • Brake disc and pad replacement
  • Steering ball joint replacement
  • Power steering pump replacement

Condition & Reports

The seller has provided a photo gallery as well as videos showing the exterior, interior, engine compartment, a start-up, and a driving demonstration. The CARFAX report shows just one record from the most recent title issuance date in September 2025. This Defender is said to free of substantial imperfections.

Included in the Sale

  • Restoration photos

Summary

The 130, as the longest-wheelbase variant of the Defender, was a superior off-roader for hauling and adventure. This Monaco-shown 130 received a nut-and-bolt, frame-off overhaul that not only left it looking like a new vehicle, it incorporated modern niceties like air conditioning and infotainment. Showing fewer than 500 kilometers since completion, it is a prime example of a legendary machine.

As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.

1997 Land RoverDefender 130

Bids:3
Ending:,
Watching:8

Highest bid:

$18,000 by CarbidderX
$
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