For Sale: 1997 Land Rover Defender in Huntington Station, New York

-Alpine White with Grey interior, 83,000 miles, Black floors with Black removable soft top, NAS spec, Restored and modified by LRC Customs, 6.2 Liter LS3 Corvette V8 engine, Automatic transmission, Air conditioning, 3,600 miles since restoration.

The last year of the Land Rover Defender 90 NAS in the U.S. is arguably the best vintage of this vehicle. The aluminum-bodied Defender was introduced in 1994 and after a hiatus for 1996, it was brought back in 1997 for a final run. During its run of three model years, fewer than 7,000 were brought into North America.

This D90 has been exceptionally modified by LRC Customs of Raleigh, North Carolina with being restored and upgraded where needed. It features a galvanized Richards chassis, GBR differentials with ARB air lockers, Fox 2.0 shocks, a 2" lift on RTE coil springs, ARB bumpers and a remote-controlled Superwinch mounted to its front brush guard. The galvanized Richards chassis incorporates 2.5mm side rails and thicker V8-specific stabilizer bars. The braking system features rebuilt Lockheed front calipers and stainless lines throughout. The D90 has also been fitted with new upholstery with fresh cushions and Exmoor covers, new windshield and sliding windows, new a/c compressor, Dakota digital gauge cluster and all floor panels were replaced and are lined with sound-deadening insulation under rubber mats from Rovers North. The folding rear jump seats were recovered and include lap belts.

The most impressive upgrade to this D90 is the powertrain. It utilizes a 6.2 Liter LS3 V8 engine out of a 6th generation Corvette in stock form producing 400hp and 400 lb. ft. of torque. The engine was sourced from Turn Key Engine Supply in Oceanside, California and showed 8,000 miles at time of swap. Upgrades to the V8 include a tuned intake manifold and injectors, a heavy-duty water pump, a factory wiring harness, an OBD-II ECU, and a new fuel tank. Exhaust is routed through Hooker headers treated with Cerakote and Flowmaster mufflers with 3? tailpipes. Mated to the V8 is a GM 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission. An RW Performance adapter links the transmission to an overhauled transfer case, which routes power through Tom Woods driveshafts to axles featuring GBR gears and ARB air lockers. The rear axle was rebuilt in May 2019.

This Defender 90 has been well-cared for and has seen an enormous amount of money and time put forth to make this one of the best upgraded Defenders out there. The quality and condition of both the interior and exterior are exceptional throughout. Many of the upgrades transform this D90 into a much more usable truck that stock, while keeping a very fresh stock D90 appearance. Not to mention this D90 is fast! This D90 has been collector owned and is complete, fully serviced and ready for immediate use.