AutoTrader.com Find of the Week – 1983 Land Rover One Ten

A rugged and polarizing iconic SUV, the classically styled Land Rovers of years past show case a tough exterior design contrasting a civil interior fit for the Queen. The Defender series is the best representation of this style and was brought into the United States starting in 1993. The rest of the world was able to enjoy this vehicle when it was introduced back in 1983, ten years prior. At that time, the vehicles were not called Defenders but they were simply referred to by their wheelbase length. One lucky Floridian managed to import and register a 1983 Land Rover One Ten, and is now offering this extremely clean example for sale.

The silver beast seen here appears to be wearing very clean silver paint outside and has a nice and tidy inside. This One Ten is a right-hand drive model which will make ordering at the drive-thru a difficult but all-in-all more exciting experience. Truth be told, every experience would be more exciting experience because I would keep a pith helmet in the car and pretend I am on a safari every day of the week. Regardless of the fact that my “prey” is either the groceries or golf balls at the driving range, it will all be taken down in a highly civilized manner – with tea to follow.

This particular V8 engine shows its age but otherwise looks great for a 26 year old engine. It is a 3.5L unit that made between 113 and 134 hp when new. The seller says he took great care of it, and it looks to be the case. The V8 is paired with a four-speed manual transmission which will take some getting used to since the driver will be shifting as a sinister lefty.

With a full load of passengers, the One Ten will seat nine passengers. That is as much as a modern Suburban. The rear inward-facing seats allow for stimulating conversation regarding topics ranging from duck hunting to pheasant hunting.
This 1983 Land Rover One Ten appears to be an excellent example of the splendid British SUVs of a time gone by. More modern examples of the Defender 90 fetch princely sums even with high mileage. This utility vehicle has 57,000 on the clock and is being offered at a fee a tick under the $20,000 mark. Someone scoop this one up quick before I trade my baseball hat in for a safari helmet and teach my dachshunds how to fetch wild game…