1995 Land Rover Defender 90

The Defender is what happens when function dictates form for 68 years. Land Rover started with a vehicle designed to go anywhere, and despite periodic updates, never abandoned that mission. The Defender became the vehicle of choice for African safaris, military operations, aid organizations, and anyone who needed absolute capability. The NAS (North American Specification) Defenders from 1993-1997 are particularly desirable because they're the only ones that were legally sold new in the US.

A Defender should look used. The aluminum body doesn't rust, but steel components (chassis, bulkhead) do. The paint scratches in interesting ways on expedition vehicles. The interior shows evidence of actual use. The classic Defenders have appreciated so much that many are now over-preserved. The best ones have honest wear that tells expedition stories.

NAS Defenders are now eye-wateringly expensive. Non-NAS Defenders are available through 25-year-rule imports. Parts are expensive but available through the extensive Land Rover aftermarket. The V8 drinks fuel; the diesels are more practical but harder to find. Electrical systems are Lucas-vintage. Find a good independent Land Rover shop before buying. Once sorted, these are genuinely capable vehicles that can cross continents.