1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Nas Convertible: Exceptional 44,000 Original Miles on 2040-cars

Offered for sale is an extremely solid, 44,000 original mile, original paint, exceptionally well looked after, two owner, final import year 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Convertible finished in rare British Racing Green Metallic over Grey. Originally delivered to its original owner in Aspen, Colorado, the truck was always exceptionally maintained, garaged and used purely as an open-air summer season driver, its full convertible top generally stored. It was subsequently sold two years ago to its second owner, a wealthy seasonal resident here in Montecito who continued to use the truck infrequently and service it at the local Land Rover dealer. Consequently, it needs nothing mechanically  and has accrued a mere 44k original miles, confirmed through Land Rover records and a completely clean CARFAX report. 

One of only 438 NAS Defender 90s imported in British Racing Green Metallic in 1997, the finish is in exceptional condition, showing only minor evidence of its age, something of a rarity for these rough and tumble trucks. The body is straight, original and rust-free with excellent panel fits and gaps, all of the glass is in great shape and the original Freestyle alloy wheels are impeccable and wrapped in pricey and hardly used BF Goodrich all terrain tires. Always garaged and never truly off-roaded or used in snow, the truck’s undercarriage and frame are clean, original and free of rust or evidence or rust repair. Hardly used, the full soft-top is in excellent original condition and the Defender comes with an optional Bimini top showing absolutely no wear. 

The truck’s interior is also in excellent original condition, the grey water resistant seats (including the folding and removable two passenger rear seat with three point seat belts) show only the most negligible amount of wear, the interior panels are in good shape and the original rubber mats remain in place. Delivered with full-time four wheel drive and high-low range selection, a full safari cage and factory air conditioning (which blows cold), the truck also has a high quality tuner (with USB connection) and CD changer in its lockable center console, speakers throughout and a lockable Tuffy box over the rear wheel arch. 

Mechanically fantastic, this Defender is a pleasure from behind the wheel, providing that visceral, rugged feel that only the best 4X4 in the world can provide. Cleaner burning than the 3.9L engines in the earlier model year NAS D90s, this car’s original 4.0L V8 starts effortlessly, idling consistently and pulling strongly and smoothly through each of the automatic transmission’s gears. Compression is excellent and even across all cylinders and the truck’s road manners are exactly what you’d expect from a low mileage, well-maintained example. All it needs to be enjoyed is another doting owner. 

With side impact and airbag regulations bringing the Defender 90’s three-year (’94, ’95 and ’97) North American run to an end, the ’97 model is the last and arguably best vintage of the iconic truck. Finding a low mileage, well-cared-for example in a rare and appealing configuration is becoming more and more difficult, with demand far exceeding supply. Consequently, the market on NAS Defender 90s has remained exceptionally strong, making them one of the few modern-era production vehicles to actually be considered investment grade. That said, whether you’re looking to continue the previous owners’ gentle use of the truck or purchasing it as the utilitarian brute that it was designed to be, this exceptionally clean final year Defender 90 deserves your serious consideration. 

We want this car to go to great home and would be happy to further discuss it and answer any questions, so please feel free to email us or call us at 805-202-4557. You can also visit us online at GoodmanReed. 

Goodman Reed Motorcars

We’ve always had an appreciation for classic European cars and over the years have created an eclectic personal collection, which has afforded us the opportunity of meeting many other interesting enthusiasts, including the owner of this Defender. As such, this is a consignment car and can be seen by appointment at our warehouse in Santa Barbara. We try to give accurate descriptions of the cars we’re selling, but we’re enthusiasts, not experts, and we encourage and are happy to help facilitate personal or professional inspections. But please do so before bidding, as the alternative harms our ability to make sales to other interested parties who have done their proper due diligence before bidding.

For U.S. buyers a 10% non-refundable deposit is required within 3 days of the auction’s end, the balance to be paid within 7 days of the auction’s end. Foreign buyers must pay in full within 7 business days of the auction’s end. Buyer is responsible for shipping, however we’d be more that happy to help with recommendations and arrangements. The car is listed locally and we reserve the right to end the auction at any time should it sell prior to auction’s end. Thanks for your interest.