1997 Land Rover Defender 130 300Tdi 5-speed, left-hand drive, bidding barely started

Why we picked it

This is a left-hand-drive Defender 130 pickup with the 2.5-liter 300Tdi turbo diesel and a 5-speed manual, built in November 1997 and first delivered to Sweden. The listing says it was imported to the U.S. around 2023 and comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, a clean CARFAX starting in 2022, and a clean Florida title in the current owner's name. It wears Arles Blue paint, Wolf wheels and a hard bed cap.

The auction runs until November 20 and has only four bids so far, so $3,200 with the fee is far below what 1990s Defenders have been selling for. That gap will shrink as the end gets closer. We are including it because 130s rarely come up in left-hand drive with a clean US title, and it is a good one to watch for anyone who wants a long-wheelbase Tdi work truck.

The value check

The current bid is $8,346. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $24,800–$52,000, so the middle of the market is about $38,400. That put this car 78% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Asking price is the $2,700 current bid plus Hagerty's buyer's fee (7%, $500 minimum), so $3,200. Recent 1990s Defender 110/90 sales on BaT ran $24,800-$52,000, and a 1998 Defender 130 300Tdi Hi-Cap sold for $52,000 on BaT in November 2024; bids usually climb a lot before the close.

Where the numbers come from:

• BaT 1996 Defender 110, $24,800 (Nov 2026)
• BaT 1995 Defender 110, $43,000 (Nov 2026)
• BaT 1992 Defender 90, $52,000 (Nov 2026)
• BaT 1997 Defender 90 NAS, $43,000 (Oct 2026)

What to check

• Bids usually climb a lot near the end; the current bid is not a price estimate
• Reserve status is not stated on the listing; confirm before bidding
• 198,300 km on the clock; ask for service records on the 300Tdi (timing belt, head gasket, turbo)
• Check the galvanized chassis, rear crossmember and bulkhead footwells for rust, which are common Defender weak spots
• Running condition is only shown in a video; ask for a cold-start video and an inspection in Columbus, MS
• Confirm the import paperwork (customs entry, EPA/DOT release) matches the Florida title

Making it drive like new

A 130 Tdi is a good base for a long-range overland or work build: rebuild the axles and swivels, add a modern suspension lift with better dampers, upgrade the brakes, and fit a better intercooler and EGT gauge to the 300Tdi. A soft-top or canopy upgrade makes better use of the long bed.