1995 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS

When the 90 and 110 both became referred to as the Defender 90 and Defender 110, there was no radical new design to accompany the change, but they did modernize the interior, increase power output, and add a heavily requested one piece windshield. However, there were significant upgrades regarding engineering. The Defender received coil springs at all corners and a lockable center differential. Both of these changes dramatically improved the Defender’s already phenomenal off-roading capabilities.

This specific Defender has received some wonderful modifications over the years. An NRP exhaust system and Rover-stock sliding side-door windows were professionally installed by Rovers North.

The owner has taken great care to maintain the engine, reporting to us that the distributor, alternator, fuel pump, fuel filter, and monitor were all replaced within the last year. Hoses, lines, and all other routine replacement items have been dealt with regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The clutch and all four BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA tires were replaced within the last 4,000 miles. However, the photos show the car resting on steel rims and snow tires. The BF Goodrich’s are attached to Land Rover spoked rims. All 8 wheels are included in the sale, as well as a high lift jack, tow line, Husky winch, Thule roof rack, and load carry basket. The Husky winch has not been used in over a year although the seller believes it should still operate as intended. Furthermore, the front bumper was a Rovers North add-on designed specifically to accommodate the winch, and heavier duty springs were applied for the same reason.

A few years ago, the radiator was completely replaced. Within the last two years, Ship’s Mechanical - a prominent vintage Land Rover garage in Portland – has replaced alternator, distributor cap, and various parts of the fuel line.

This Defender is painted a traditional Land Rover dark green that fits the car’s personality wonderfully. Body capping was replaced with galvanized steel, and galvanized steel door rust protectors were also installed on all three doors and under the rear window wiper by ‘The 4x4 Center’ in Burlington, Vermont. Since original purchase, the car was dark green with a white roof. In 2017, the seller decided the paint was fading and had the car professionally stripped to the bare metal and repainted in the same color scheme.

There is some light bubbling in the paint on the driver’s side of the rear bumper and at the base of the rear door. The seller believes they indicate some surface rust but do not extend through the metal. Another cosmetic modification on this Defender are the military style taillights. These taillights are extremely rare because they are no longer produced. They were added because they are water resistant, and stock Defender taillights have a reputation for trapping water inside.

This Defender’s interior is a real showstopper. The original owner deleted the plastic dash panels, and front seat divider, and hired a custom cabinetmaker to make custom solid hardwood replacements. These hardwood pieces look wonderfully at home in the car and really add an extra outdoorsy feel. Bravo. The Defender also sports four traditional inward-facing rear seats. The owner has noted that the radio is non-functional. The Rover standard seats are in fantastic condition thanks to a recent detailing, and that should not take away from the fact that there are no holes or tears in all six seats either.

The owner had the undercarriage coated to prevent rust and as evidenced by the photographs; it is working. The NRP exhaust system has become slightly discolored since being affixed to the vehicle. Furthermore, the springs and differential are clean.

This Defender 90 has had two owners, and both are avid Land Rover fans. The first owner was the proprietor of Rovers North, who purchased the car new in Vermont in 1996. It stayed in the Northeastern United States until being purchased by the seller in 2000, where it was moved to Colorado. In 2004 the car was in Maine, and then from 2005 to 2013, the car was regularly serviced in Bellingham, Washington. Since 2016, the car has spent its days in Portland, Oregon.

The Land Rover is one of the most successful production vehicles of all time, and an absolute legend in the off-roading world. Clever engineering kept the vehicle at the top of its class from 1983 to 2016 without ever needing major upgrades or radical redesigns. It is the epitome of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The Defender is an off-road warrior through and through, and the 90” wheelbase gives it a fantastic look. This specific example has been unbelievably well maintained. When interviewing the owner, it became abundantly clear that the wellbeing of this Defender was a great source of pride. Hats off to you. This Defender is Concours quality without a doubt, a truly exceptional build while staying mostly true to the Land Rover mechanisms and parts originally used. Fantastic.

The Market by Bonhams is thrilled to offer this beautiful Defender 90 for online auction with an estimate between $85,000 and $100,000.