Vehicle Description
This beautiful 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 has a perfect color
scheme with Monza Red exterior and a slate gray interior, with only
29k miles it is a collectors dream. Please call us with any
specific questions. When launched as a 1994 model, the Defender was
the only convertible-topped sport-utility vehicle with a V8 engine.
Macho, go-anywhere looks aren't an illusion, as the off-road
talents of this high-priced fantasy machine, operating with
permanent four-wheel drive, rank among the finest. Occupants are
surrounded by a Safari roll cage setup, over a spartan and
comfortable interior. Don't try to roll down the soft-top's
windows, which slide open for ventilation and can be removed if
desired. In late 1995, a limited production run of hardtop
Defenders debuted, able to seat six passengers in slightly more
sophisticated interior fittings. No 1996 models were produced,
thanks to emissions regulations and the limited production nature
of the Defender. With the transplantation of the powertrain from
the Discovery, the Defender returns for an encore performance for
1997, in both convertible and hardtop body styles. Long-travel coil
springs front and rear help produce an acceptable ride over a
variety of terrain. A removable fastback soft top is standard on
the convertible. Optional configurations include a Bimini half-top
and surrey-style roof -- or no top at all. Hardtops feature an
aluminum roof and four center-facing rear jump seats. Convertibles
come with a rear bench seat. A swing-away spare tire adds to
interior space, and passengers ride on weather-resistant
twill-effect upholstery. Propulsion comes from a 4.0-liter aluminum
V8 that yields 182 horsepower, driving a ZF four-speed automatic
transmission. Riding a compact 92.9-inch wheelbase, the Defender
wears aluminum body panels with minimal front and rear overhangs.
Neither airbags nor antilock brakes are available, and the brief
option list only includes a CD changer and special Beluga Black
paint. Land Rovers aren't known for silence or for sedate behavior,
on or off the road. Gears are noisy, and road sounds are likely to
assault passenger ears. Standing more than six-and-a-half feet
tall, the sharply profiled body can't help but lean over when
undertaking sharp curves and corners. High price means the Defender
cannot qualify as a value leader among sport-utilities, but you do
get the heritage that comes from the company that built the first
jungle-trotting Land Rovers, nearly half a century ago. 1997
Highlights After a one-year hiatus, Defender returns in convertible
and hardtop body styles. A 4.0-liter V8 engine is standard, mated
to a ZF four-speed automatic transmission. A redesigned center
console includes cupholders, and hardtops have new interior trim.
Convertibles get improved top sealing, while all Defender 90s are
treated to fresh paint colors