“Polynesia”
1990 Land Rover Defender 110 Country
A right-hand-drive Defender 110 Country 5-door imported from South Africa and given the full Rad Rovers treatment — reimagined with a Polynesian tribal vinyl wrap, modernized electricals, upgraded audio, and a long list of mechanical and cosmetic improvements. Powered by the legendary Land Rover 3.5L V8 petrol.SOLD
Gallery
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Overview
A great addition to the Rad Rovers compound.
This awesome beast is a 1990 Land Rover Defender 110 Country 5-door, nicknamed “Polynesia.” Purchased in South Africa at the same time as our 1961 (green) 109 Series IIA 4-door — the predecessor for this Defender 110 5-door — the truck arrived at Rad Rovers ready for a full going-over.
The arid, dry desert climate of central South Africa had been good to this Rover. Big relief: no rust.From there, the Rad Rovers team stripped the interior, rewired the electrical, overhauled the carburetors, and added a long list of functional and cosmetic upgrades — including the signature Polynesian tribal vinyl wrap that gives this Defender its name.
The Land Rover V8 petrol can do any job. This body style is the most sought-after for its versatility and functionality. It is a right-hand drive, but there is no difference in drivability on or off the road.
The Build
Every system inspected, repaired, or upgraded.
Interior & Comfort
- Removed all carpeting, insulation, sublayers, headliners, and seats
- Replaced with indoor/outdoor carpeting (no insulation — won’t get damp or funky)
- Seats cleaned, painted, and fitted with 100% waterproof custom seat covers
- 3 custom aluminum ceiling panels carpeted for a tidy, clean look
- All 3 rear seats fitted with brand-new seatbelts
- Aftermarket heater installed (Summit Racing parts) — front and rear
Electrical & Audio
- Complete wiring overhaul — gauge cluster gone through wire by wire
- New key ignition switch, indicator/headlight wand, and emergency light switch
- Interior LEDs with loads of light
- USB ×2 charging station on dash (doubles as battery voltage readout)
- Battery total disconnect switch for safety
- Custom audio: big amp, 2×6" & 2×6×9" speakers, Bluetooth deck with voice command, call sync, USB, and AUX
- LED headlights added (post-update)
Powertrain & Mechanical
- 3.5L V8 petrol engine
- SU carburetors overhauled — purring like an African lion
- Huge air intake filter
- New spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil, cap, and rotor
- New brake light switch and emergency/hazard switch
- Both clutch cylinders replaced (post-update)
- Rebuilt steering pump with improved mounting bracket (post-update)
- New clutch throw-out bearing (post-update)
- New transfer case spider gears and shims (post-update)
- New forward pinion lip seal (post-update)
- All engine and transmission chassis rubber mounts replaced (post-update)
- All transmission gaskets replaced (post-update)
- New rear axle ball joint top link (post-update)
- New speedo cable (post-update)
Exterior & Body
- Rear sliding glass window assemblies resealed and re-riveted
- 225W Cree LED spot/flood lights on front bumper
- Defender LED marker and driving light package all around
- Custom 2" trailer tow hitch receiver with 4-prong USA wiring plug
- Custom roof panel fashioned after Land Rover Series trop tops — disperses heat, keeps roof shaded and cool (powder-coated aluminum)
- New front windshield rubber gasket
- Rims sandblasted and powder-coated
- 265/70-16 General Grabber AT2 tires (largest fit for these rims)
- Polynesian tribal vinyl wrap — authentic black-and-white art telling a story of lineage
- Emergency/handbrake totally overhauled with new shoes and lip seals (post-update)
The Polynesian Wrap
A story of lineage, told in black and white.
The plan to make her body as a Polynesian tribal might do to their body in tattoos — in only black and white — was the greatest touch. We used a vinyl wrap print of authentic Polynesian tribal art to tell a story of lineage, exactly how one would do it in the islands of the South Seas.
Of course, we will do anything you like. We can present to you a multitude of artistic and innovative creations to make your ride, your ride. If this body wrap isn’t to your interests, don’t worry — it’s just a sticker. We’ll take it off and set you up with any color and style you like. The great thing about vinyl wrap body art is, you can always take it off and give it a different look altogether if you tire of it.
And the great thing about these iconic Land Rovers is that you can mix and match parts until you have the look and ride that fits you. We present to you a finished, functioning product — but we can still go further.
Watch the Restoration
1990 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 classic restoration — Rad Rovers
Want Your Own Defender Build?
Contact Jason to discuss sourcing, restoring, or customizing a Land Rover Defender of your own. Every Rad Rovers project begins with a conversation.
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