LAND ROVER

Defender 110 Phase 1

The first variant of what was not yet called the Defender was the Land Rover 110, introduced in 1983. It was initially equipped with engines inherited from the Series, including the 2.25 Diesel and the 3.5-liter V8 Rover version. In 1984, it was joined by the short-wheelbase version with a 92.7-inch wheelbase, named the Land Rover 90. During this period, there were relatively few changes. Some were primarily cosmetic, such as the introduction of new doors with windows that lowered instead of sliding doors like those on the Series in 1984, and the removal of roof reinforcements towards the end of 1990, shortly before the arrival of the Defenders. The most significant developments occurred in the mechanical aspect, with the introduction of 2.5-liter engines to replace the old 2.25-liter ones inherited from the Series. This applied to both Diesel and gasoline engines, although there was a slight increase in power (68 hp compared to 62 hp in Diesel, and 83 hp compared to 74 hp in gasoline). In 1986, the 2.5 Diesel engine was turbocharged, boosting its output to 85 hp, in an effort to compete more effectively with Japanese rivals equipped with more powerful engines. Unfortunately, this engine would gain a reputation for poor reliability, often associated with heavy usage. The most significant development was the introduction of an extended chassis, measuring 127 inches, initially driven by the requirements of government agencies and the military.