Presented exclusively by Wolf and Mare, this 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS is one of approximately 1,300 Defender 90 Hard-tops built for the North American market in 1997. Offered at a reasonable price and with tasteful upgrades to improve the Defender’s use as a road vehicle, this is the Land Rover Defender 90 NAS to own for the adventure season.

The Defender 90 NAS Hard-Top on offer was originally purchased in Oregon and registered in February of 1997 to its first owner. After decades of ownership by various owners, the truck was sold by a dealer to a gentleman in Virginia, who in 2019 conducted a refurbishment that included tasteful and desirable modifications the truck retains to this day. It was sold in 2022 to the current owner, who is now offering the car for sale with a clean Ohio title.

Painted in its original color of Coniston Green, this Defender 90 NAS is powered by a fuel-injected V8 engine mated to a 4-speed ZF automatic transmission. Its LT230 transfer box provides full-time 4WD with a center differential lock. The condition of the body is overall very good, with small chips and dings from use. While the aluminum body doesn’t rust, some corrosion can still occur and is visible in some small locations above the rear bumper. The rear crossmember has some rust very common to Defenders, but the truck has a very solid frame.

Upgrades to the standard specifications for the Defender 90 NAS include a WARN winch mounted to the front bumper, LED exterior and interior lighting, rock rails and side steps, swing-away rear tire carrier, step bumper with tow hitch, Fox shocks, ARB pneumatic lockers and Kahn 16” alloy wheels with General Grabber A/T Tires.

Interior conveniences include air conditioning, a Pioneer stereo with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, back-up camera and recently reupholstered seats front and rear.

The Rover V8 engine was treated to a full top-end rebuild in 2022, and during our time with the truck the engine has never skipped a beat and starts easily with each turn of the key. The one-year-only automatic transmission shifts smoothly and easily in all gears, greatly improving overall usability and ease of operation.

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 utility. Here, you’ll avoid such worries as paying tolls from the right-hand seat or diesel fuel on your hands. However, prepare to enjoy frequent thumbs-up, smiles, and gas station conversations.

Visit wolfandmare.com/listings to view an expanded description with detailed photographs.