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1997 Land Rover Defender NAS

$125,000

Year

1997

Make

Land Rover

Model

Defender

Odometer

46,243

Engine

Rover 4.0L EFI V8

Fuel Type

gasoline

Transmission

automatic

Drivetrain

4×4

VIN / Chassis #

SALDV3248VA122734

Seller

Classic 4x4

Location

Harding Twp., NJ

Title Status

clean
Classic 4x4 is proud to present this highly original North American Specification (NAS) 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Station Wagon displaying badge number 2387.  With only 46,243 original miles, it is in excellent unmodified condition for its age, commensurate with the exceptionally low mileage. The vehicle was featured in Vineyard Vines' Fall/Winter 2023 advertising campaign. It represents the perfect blend of original heritage with modern comforts and drivability.
 
Finished in striking Arles Blue with an Alpine White roof and black exterior trim, this highly original NAS Defender commands attention while staying true to its heritage. Inside, the Ash Gray Twill vinyl trimmed six passenger seating is complemented by gray carpeting and interior trim. Modern comforts include air conditioning, tilting sunroof, and an upgraded Alpine stereo with Bluetooth.  
 
Power comes from the original low mileage powertrain with an electronically fuel-injected Rover 4.0L V8 engine, paired to a ZF 4-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive LT230 dual-range transfer case with center locking differential. A Rover 2-pin front axle and 24-spline rear axle deliver legendary four-wheel-drive capability. Modern drivability comes from electronic fuel injection, coil spring suspension, four-wheel power disc brakes, and power steering.
 
Highlights
  • Arles Blue with Alpine White Roof and Black Accents 
  • A-Frame Nudge Guard, Safari Roof Basket, and Side Steps 
  • 16 x 7 5-Spoke NAS Silver Finished Wheels
  • 265/75R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires
  • Six Passenger Seating Finished in Ash Gray Twill Vinyl
  • Air Conditioning
  • Tilting Sunroof
  • Alpine Stereo with Bluetooth and Kenwood Speakers
  • Rover 4.0L Electronically Fuel-Injected V8 Engine
  • ZF 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Rover LT230 Full-Time 4WD Dual-Range Transfer Case 
  • Rover 2-Pin Solid Front Axle
  • Rover 24-Spline Solid Rear Axle
  • Coil Spring with Hydraulic Shock Suspension
  • Power Steering with Steering Stabilizer 
  • 4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes
History
Introduced by Land Rover in 1994, North American Specification (NAS) Defender 90s were only imported into the United States for three years: 1994, 1995, and 1997.  Approximately 6,500 NAS Defender 90s were produced in those three years.  Reportedly only 2,799 final year 1997 NAS Defender 90s were produced: 1,499 Soft Tops, 1,000 Station Wagons, and 300 Limited Willow Green Station Wagons.  Furthermore, reportedly only 209 Arles Blue NAS Defender 90s were produced in 1997.  Chances are the number of surviving Arles Blue 1997 NAS Defender 90s with less than 50,000 miles can be counted on one hand, making this NAS Defender 90 one of the rarest and sought-after collectible Land Rovers ever produced.
 
This 1997 Land Rover NAS Defender 90 was built at the Land Rover factory in Solihull, United Kingdom, imported to the United States and sold new at Land Rover Aspen in Aspen, Colorado.  Having reportedly spent time in Colorado, New York, Nevada, and Utah with its first three owners, it was relocated to New Jersey and added to the current owner’s collection in 2016.  
 
The NAS Defender 90 holds a clean and clear New Jersey title in the current owner’s name and is located in Harding Township, New Jersey. The functioning original LCD odometer reads 46,243 miles, with no inconsistencies reported in the documented CarFax mileage history.  Two keys and the original manuals, window sticker, stereo, and speakers are included in the sale.
 
Exterior
The highly original exterior presents exceptionally well for its age, finished in striking Arles Blue with an Alpine White roof and black accents.  Reportedly, only 209 of the 2,799 1997 NAS Defender 90s produced were finished in Arles Blue.  The Alpine White roof is complemented by alpine windows and a tilting sunroof, brightening the cabin with natural light.  Factory dealer-installed accessories were popular in 1997 and this Defender was equipped with an A-frame nudge bar, safari roof basket with rear access ladder, side steps, and sunroof.  The factory dealer-installed exterior accessories, bumpers, and body trim are finished in black.
 
Under current ownership, the original eyebrow wheel arches and side steps were replaced with Pro Line factory specification replacements sourced from Rovers North.  Minimal normal wear and tear and light fading on the hood and upper wings are noted. A CarFax entry from February 4, 2003, notes damage reported and that the vehicle was inspected after an accident or other incident. Detailed photos and paint meter readings are pictured in the gallery.
 
The Defender sits confidently on a coil spring suspension with 265/75 R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires mounted on the silver finished 16 x 7 5-spoke NAS wheels — delivering an authentic look and stance.
 
Interior
The highly original interior also presents exceptionally well for its age. The two front bucket and four rear folding seats are finished in Ash Gray Twill vinyl, further complemented by gray dash and door trim and carpeting with black all-weather Defender branded mats.
 
Under current ownership, the original stereo system was replaced with an upgraded Bluetooth enabled Alpine CDE-143BT receiver with single CD player, Kenwood speakers, and Clarion six-disc CD changer. Minimal normal wear and tear and a driver’s seat bottom upholstery repair are noted and pictured in the gallery.  
 
The cabin maintains the original look while providing modern comfort upgrades including optional factory-installed air conditioning, factory dealer-installed tilting sunroof, and upgraded hands free Bluetooth calling.
 
Mechanical
This example retains its original powertrain, the only configuration offered on 1997 NAS Defender 90s, and has only been driven 46,243 miles, averaging 1,595 miles in the past 29 years. 
  • Engine: Rover 4.0L Electronically Fuel-Injected V8 
  • Transmission: ZF 4-Speed Automatic
  • Transfer Case: Rover LT230 Full-Time 4WD Dual-Range
  • Front Axle: Rover 2-Pin Solid 
  • Rear Axle: Rover 24-Spline Solid 
Under current ownership, the Defender has been stored indoors in a climate-controlled environment.  Maintenance has included annual oil and filter changes and mechanical inspections, replacing the battery, and recommended fluid, filter, and wearable items replacements.
 
This highly original 1997 Land Rover NAS Defender 90 is a true tribute to the legacy of classic 90s style and prominence — seamlessly blending vintage charm, rugged 4x4 capability, and modern enhancements.
 
Whether you are an enthusiast or serious collector seeking an extremely rare, highly original, and low mileage example, or someone who appreciates a trail or beach ready icon, this NAS Defender 90 represents a rare opportunity to own a standout piece of automotive history.
 
Contact Classic 4x4
Call/Text: 973-222-0135
Email: hello@classic4x4.com

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