Perhaps one of the most iconic British heritage brands, Land Rover is known the world over for its rugged, capable off-road vehicles. Production of the Series Land Rover and Defenders spans nearly 70 years, but the robust utility trucks were mostly distributed outside of North America, save for a relative handful of Series sales per year. That all changed in 1993, when North America became an official sales market.

Wolf and Mare is proud to represent this Land Rover Defender 90 NAS (North American Specification), one of approximately 1,300 Defender 90 Hard-Tops (or “Wagons”) manufactured for North America in 1997. The car was purchased by the seller in 2022 and is being sold with a clean Ohio title.

The Land Rover Defender was originally introduced as the Land Rover One Ten in 1984, joined shortly after by the Ninety. The wheelbase (in inches) for each vehicle determined its moniker, and after 1990 the vehicle became known as “Defender” followed by the wheelbase in numerals.

While the Defender is an evolution of the earlier Land Rover, many improvements over the series Land Rovers and its overall capabilities led to its tremendous reputation and popularity. In fact the model saved the brand in the 1980s and the model would go on to be produced for over 30 years.

In 1993, Land Rover was able to produce a limited quantity of Defenders built to meet North American vehicle requirements. All units sold were the longer Defender 110 model with hard top, and you could obtain one in any color you liked so long as it was white. Sales were brisk, and the shorter wheelbase Defender 90 debuted in 1994 as primarily a soft-top model. Customer feedback regarding fit, finish, and conveniences led to continual refinements until the end of production in 1997.

This Defender 90 NAS Hard-Top was originally purchased in Oregon and registered in February of 1997 to its first owner. The truck passed through a series of owners starting in 2002, mostly in southern states including Texas, New Mexico, Florida, and Tennessee. Around 2019 it found its way to a gentleman in Virginia, who conducted a refurbishment that included the tasteful and desirable modifications the truck retains to this day.

This Defender 90 wears its original color of Coniston Green and proudly displays the production number of “0567” on its rear data plate. Motivation is provided by a Rover-derived 4.0 V8 engine utilizing distributorless electronic fuel injection producing a respectable 182hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. All 1997 Defenders were built with ZF 4-speed automatic transmission, marking the first time a Defender with an auto box was produced for any country. The LT230 transfer box provided full-time 4WD with a center differential lock.

In 2022, the Rover V8 engine was disassembled down to the block and treated to a full top-end rebuild including camshaft, rocker shafts, lifters, timing chain, cam sprocket, front main seal, water pump, oil pump, and more. A build video documenting the work performed and reassembly can be seen here.

During our time spent with the truck, the engine has never skipped a beat and started easily with each turn of the key. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and easily in all gears. The truck has a tiny bit of free play in the steering at center, very common to Defenders, but is responsive and effortless thanks to power assist. The power steering pump was replaced about a year after purchase to address a leak.

Exterior changes for the NAS Defenders included an integrated safari cage, side marker lights, and larger tail lights. Alloy wheels were also standard, and the cars were fitted from the factory with B.F. Goodrich All Terrain tires.

The overall condition of the body on this Defender 90 is very good with a few small chips and dings acquired over the last few years. Based on our observation, it would appear that the truck has been repainted — at least partially — in its original color of Coniston Green. We’re told that only 337 D90 Station Wagons were delivered to North America in this color in 1997. Wing protectors have been fitted to the tops of the fenders, and a brush bar with bumper-mounted WARN winch sits just ahead of the front grill.

Rock sliders and side steps have been added to provide some off-road protection and ease of entry, respectively. Mounted to the rear cross-member is a Series-Defender Outfitters swing-away rear tire carrier and a step bumper with integrated tow hitch. An LED third brake shines stylishly from behind the spare wheel.

While the aluminum tub of the Land Rover does not rust, corrosion is still possible. A few small areas of paint separation are visible in a few areas around the body and bumpers, as this Defender has been driven and enjoyed as intended for the past few years. Regardless, this Defender presents beautifully in person.

The steel frame of the Land Rover is notorious for rusting into oblivion. Looking at this truck’s chassis, you’ll find a very solid frame with spots of light surface rust on some hardware and edges. The rear cross-member, a common rust point, does have some surface rust and penetration on the passenger side. The exhaust system shows evidence of heavy surface rust but is solid with no holes or leaks that we can see (or hear).

All North American Specification Defender 90 Land Rovers were built as left-hand drive, contrary to many other Defenders you’ll see imported to the United States. The interior of the Defender is as purposeful as the exterior, with plastic door panels and recently replaced Exmoor Trim vinyl interior upholstery. Lifting the rubber floor mats on this well-preserved truck, you’ll find stainless steel fasteners replace the typically rusty originals. Dynamat sound deadening has been installed to create a quieter interior. The tub under the front seats is covered by thick, durable rubber mats from Exmoor Trim.

Air conditioning was standard for North American Defenders, and the previous owner of this D90 added even more conveniences including: a Pioneer touchscreen stereo with Apple CarPlay connectivity, integrated rear-view camera, upgraded speakers in the doors, subwoofer in the rear compartment, and seat heater controls. Switchgear for the locking differentials has been mounted in the center console just ahead of the storage compartment.

Aside from the seat heaters, which are not currently connected, all the interior controls operate as they should. The heater warms the cabin nicely and the air conditioning blows very cold. Interior lighting has been upgraded with LEDs and the rear compartment illuminates via uplighting beneath the Alpine windows — a very cool touch.

Ventilation is provided by positionable cowl vents, a pop-up sunroof and sliding safari windows in the rear. Four side-facing rear jump seats include seat belts for each occupant and can be folded up to provide more cargo room. A fire extinguisher has been fixed to the roll bar using a custom quick-release mount.

The Defender features coil sprung live axles front and rear, and this example has desirable aftermarket Fox shock absorbers at all four corners plus an Old Man Emu steering stabilizer to improve driving feel and reduce aggressive rotation while off-road. Braking is provided by four-wheel discs.

Additionally, this Defender has been lavishly outfitted with compressor-driven front and rear pneumatic differential locks from ARB. This system supplements the two-speed transfer case and locking center diff that the truck included as standard. A massive upgrade to off-road capability, the system can activate a locking mechanism in either differential from the comfort of the driver’s seat without affecting highway drivability.

Replacing the original silver 5-spoke alloys are a set of attractive and desirable Kahn 1948 16” wheels in matte black. Surrounding the center cap is an eye-catching red pinstripe. In the event of an on-road or off-road puncture, a matching spare wheel with new tire is mounted to the rear carrier. All five wheels wear General Grabber All Terrain tires in size 265/75 R16 with date codes reading the 17th week of 2019.

In addition to the clean Ohio title, the car includes a small number of spare parts, including the factory center console, Kenwood stereo, wiring instructions, and battery tender.

If you’ve ever driven a manual Defender 90, especially a diesel model, you will greatly appreciate the automatic transmission in this ‘97 NAS. When mated to the torquey gas-powered V8, it makes the driving experience far more enjoyable both on and off road. Car and Driver was impressed by the Defender’s road-holding abilities, ground clearance and agility on the road in its 1993 review. Csaba Csere summarized the Defender thusly: 

“…with probably no more than 5,000 examples to be sold in America, you won’t be encountering Defender 90s at every intersection, on or off road. As transportation at your vacation bungalow in Aspen or Jackson Hole, the Defender 90 is just the thing to sustain your image.”

— Csaba Csere, Car and Driver

While diesel-powered right-hand drive examples of the Defender are being imported and offered at attractive prices, nothing beats the original North American Specification version for its rarity and usability. Here, you’ll avoid such worries as paying tolls from the right-hand seat or diesel fuel on your hands. Be prepared for frequent thumbs-up, smiles, and gas station conversations, however.

Offered at a reasonable price and with tasteful upgrades to mitigate the Defender’s main failing: convenience and comfort, this is the Land Rover Defender 90 NAS to own for this year’s adventure season.

If you’re interested in acquiring this special vehicle, please contact us.