This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is a rare and well-preserved example, identified as #685 of approximately 2,800 North American-Specification (NAS) models imported into the US for the 1997 model year. It has 79,000 miles on the odometer and spent 21 years under the care of its previous owner in Colorado before being acquired by the current seller in May 2023.
**Exterior and Body**
The truck features aluminum body panels finished in Beluga Black, complemented by black wheel arch flares. NAS models like this one came equipped with a factory-installed roll cage, adding to its ruggedness and safety. Additional exterior features include a black bikini top, removable hardtop, checker-plate fender guards, KBX heater fender vents, IPF headlamps, Mantec sill guards, and a tubular rear bumper with an integrated receiver hitch. The 16″ steel wheels are fitted with BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires sized 255/85, and a matching spare tire is mounted at the rear.
While the hood was replaced during previous ownership and the weatherstripping around the doors was updated by the current owner, the vehicle does show signs of age. There are indentations on various panels, a scratch on the driver’s door, wear behind the door handles, and some areas of corrosion near the door hinges and on the roll cage. The Carfax report notes accident damage recorded in September 2000.
**Mechanical and Performance**
Under the hood sits the original 4.0-liter V8 engine, factory rated at 182 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a four-speed automatic transmission to a full-time four-wheel-drive system featuring a dual-range transfer case with a modified gear ratio. Added protection is provided by a metal plate guarding the catalytic converter and a Mantec front differential guard.
The suspension has been upgraded with Old Man Emu springs and steering damper, LTR shocks, and a track rod protector. Stopping power comes from power-assisted disc brakes on all four corners. It’s worth noting that one of the suspension bushings is split, and there is a leak at the rear of the oil sump. Corrosion is also present on several underbody components.
**Interior and Features**
Inside, the cabin boasts front bucket seats and a rear bench, all trimmed in Slate Gray vinyl. The dashboard is centered around a two-spoke steering wheel framing a 120 mph speedometer, a 6,000 rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The fuel gauge needle is known to jump when the tank is below half full, likely due to a faulty sending unit.
Additional interior amenities include a locking center console housing an Alpine head unit, air conditioning, rubber floor mats, and an alarm system with remote start functionality. The digital odometer currently reads 79,000 miles, with approximately 800 added by the current owner.
**Documentation and Extras**
This Defender 90 NAS is offered with a comprehensive set of documents and extras, including the owner’s manual, service records, a workshop manual, spare parts, two sets of keys, and a clean Oregon title registered in the seller’s name. A rear plaque inside the vehicle confirms its production number as #685 of roughly 2,800 NAS examples.
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This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 represents a unique opportunity to own a classic, factory-equipped NAS model with a documented history and thoughtful upgrades. Despite some wear and age-related issues, it remains a capable and iconic off-road vehicle with a distinctive style and pedigree.
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