Few vehicles have achieved the same cult status and "go-anywhere” association as the Land Rover Defender. Rooted in postwar necessity and developed over decades of utility and adventure, the Defender 90 was introduced 1984, and brought modern refinements to the Land Rover lineup while preserving its rugged spirit. In the United States, the Defender 90 was officially offered in limited numbers under the North American Specification (NAS) from 1994 to 1997. These trucks featured specific enhancements for the U.S. market, including a full external roll cage (if a soft-top model), automatic transmission (on later models), air conditioning, and safety upgrades, all while retaining their utilitarian charm and iconic boxy silhouette. The final year of U.S. importation, 1997, saw the most refined NAS Defenders, equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic, as well as coil-sprung suspension and a soft-top or station wagon body.

Interestingly, a small number of NAS-style Defenders were produced for other markets, including Japan. These trucks were built to nearly identical specifications as their U.S. counterparts—often indistinguishable at a glance—but were diverted overseas due to strict import quotas and strong global demand.

This particular 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is one such example. Originally finished in Aries Blue, it was delivered new to the Japanese market before being imported to the U.S. in 2010. Upon arrival, the truck received a color change in black, as per the instruction of the Palm Beach, FL based collector. Its 4.0L V8 and automatic transmission have been very well maintained and are the two biggest attributes to the ‘97 NAS Defenders. Having recently been re-trimmed with new black upholstery and showing only 55k miles, this D90 is a wonderful daily driver, weekend warrior or safari partner!

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