The North American Specification, or NAS, Defender was dramatically
modified for
its intended market with improved safety, comfort, and even
performance. Chief
among its updates were an external safety cage by the professionals
at Great
Britain's Safety Devices, inward-facing jump seats with lap belts,
and unique
high-impact bumpers. While smooth and full of character, the
3.9-liter V8's mere
182-horsepower rating had to contend with a nearly 4,000-pound curb
weight. To
say that acceleration in a stock Defender 90 NAS is leisurely is
an
understatement.
Now that the earliest examples of the NAS Defender are more than
three decades
old, subtle cosmetic updates and power upgrades like those
performed by Function
Drives Form to the Coniston Green example offered here enhance this
solid
overall design and make it more livable in day-to-day use. Behind
its refinished
body, which retains its Safety Devices roll cage, this Defender 90
packs some
serious punch. In place of the original V8 lies a far more
robust,
electronically controlled General Motors LS V8 paired with a Jeep
AX15
five-speed manual transmission. Inside, the seats have been
reupholstered in
Cuoio Connolly leather, while factory air conditioning remains in
place. A
Dakota Digital gauge cluster replaces the original analog
instruments.
The 16-inch Wolf wheels, painted tan to match the soft top, wear
Michelin
Defender rubber and work with TracTive suspension controlled via a
dash display
to improve ride quality. A bespoke stainless exhaust provides
satisfying V8
engine notes. The D90 retains its NAS-specific lighting as well as
its
rear-mounted badge, identifying it as number 912. The tan fabric
top stands in
marked contrast to the original black unit, and it is well-matched
with the
Cuoio leather seats inside-yet another way this Defender 90 blends
history with
modernity.
The NAS Defender 90 has long "ticked all the boxes" for American
off-road
enthusiasts interested in rarity and rugged charm. Thanks to the
upgrades
performed by Function Drives Form, this Coniston Green over Cuoio
example now
represents an exciting opportunity to enjoy the NAS Defender
experience with
modern performance.
Vehicle Details
1994 Land Rover Defender
Listing ID:CC-2008896
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1994
Make:Land Rover
Model:Defender
Odometer:551
Stock Number:LV25Lot_107
VIN:SALDV2281RA940213
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