A 1988 Land Rover Defender that Formula 1 ex-champion Jenson Button owned for the last three years went under the hammer in Los-Angeles for U.S. $94,500.
The short-wheelbase off-roader received a major overhaul in 2015 that saw it outfitted with a 6.2-liter, naturally aspirated LS3 V8. The same engine powers the C6 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, but Button ordered it as a crate engine. A six-speed automatic transmission drives all four wheels, and the odometer shows barely more than 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) of use.
Elsewhere, the custom Def landed with Fox and HD Suspension components, new steering racks, black leather trim with blue stitching, Recaro seats and a more up-to-date gauge cluster. While they were at it, tuners added an engine start button, power windows, heating for the windshield and the side windows, an air conditioner, and a Pioneer audio system.
On the outside, the car preserved its authentic look with a Land Rover Velocity Blue main paint and a roof offset in black. Despite microscopic scratches here and there, the seller described the paint state as excellent. As for the wheels, they are 18-inch Coastline Defender rims shod in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires.