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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