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Land Rover - Defender (1983)
The Land Rover Defender: A timeless off‑road legend
When you hear the name Land Rover Defender, visions of rugged exploration and classic British engineering come flooding in. The 1983 model, in particular, has become a sought‑after icon among collectors and adventure enthusiasts alike. While the exact market value of a Land Rover Defender 1983 price depends on a variety of factors—condition, mileage, original features, and whether the vehicle has undergone restoration—enthusiasts often ask a question that encapsulates the appeal and mystery of this vehicle: “What is a 1983 Land Rover Defender worth?” Understanding that answer requires a look at the vehicle’s specifications, its depreciation trajectory, and how it stacks up against similar models.
Below is an in‑depth overview designed to give you a clear picture of what makes the Defender special, how its value changes over time, and where it lives in today’s automotive landscape.
- Model year: 1983
- Manufacturer: Land Rover
- Body style: 4‑wheel drive off‑roader, versatile chassis
- Transmission: 4‑speed manual (standard); optional 4‑speed automatic in later revisions
- Engine options
- 2.25 L inline‑4 petrol (1.33 kW / 184 hp)
- 2.25 L inline‑4 petrol (1.44 kW / 209 hp) – later upgrades
- 2.0 L inline‑4 diesel (3.74 kW / 573 kW) – introduced in the early 80s for high‑performance variants
- Wheelbase: 2.8 m
- Overall length: 4.3 m (varies by cab and body)
- Curb weight: 1,500–1,700 kg
- Maximum load capacity: 1,000 kg
- Drive: 4×4 permanent
- Fuel type: Petrol or diesel, depending on engine
- Features
- Spring‑suspended front and rear beams with live‑axle setup
- Self‑propelled lockable rear differential
- Pause levers and stop controls for fine torque distribution
- Wide, 2‑inch wheels for robust overload capability
Depreciation Insight: How the Defender’s value evolves over time
Like most classic cars, the Land Rover Defender’s worth changes dramatically as it ages. Initially, a new Defender might be valued at roughly 10%–12% of a modern SUV’s price. However, once the model line moves on, appreciation begins to play a role for collectors, making the price potential-benefit a subtle balance between historical rarity and market demand.
- Typically, a Land Rover Defender depreciation curve shows a 15–20% loss in the first year for newer models still on the road; older vintage models like the 1983 Defender have already amortized most of their depreciation, and value can plateau or even increase.
- After five years, the model sees a 30–35% drop from its original value of that era. For classic cars, the rate often slows after year ten, especially if the vehicle is well‑maintained.
- Vehicle condition, originality, and documentation dramatically affect resale value. A Defender in original factory condition with complete service records will hold up significantly better against depreciation.
To provide context: if a 1983 Defender originally sold for around £3,000 in 1983 (adjusted for inflation, roughly £19,000 in 2024 currency values), its current price might range from £8,000 to £15,000 in a well‑curated market—assuming a blend of age, mileage and use. But the only way to ascertain a *specific* price is to consult a trusted database or specialist appraiser.
Comparison Context
When evaluating a used Land Rover Defender price, buyers typically compare it against similar classic models:
- Land Rover Discovery (1989–1999) – although a modern SUV, its 4×4 capability and all‑terrain reputation make it an easy reference point.
- Triumph TR2 & TR3 – those 4‑wheel driving classics offer comparable off‑road usefulness but differ in chassis.
- Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class – a luxury off‑roader often considered the premium counterpart to the Defender.
In many communities, the Defender is commonly described as
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 years ago | used | £19,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £19,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £19,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £19,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £19,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £19,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £24,990.00 | Unlock all links |