1997 Land Rover Defender NAS D90

1997 NAS Land Rover Defender 90

Number 950

Complete Nut and Bolt Restoration

Offered for sale is a completely restored. extremely solid. two owner. 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Convertible finished in rare British Racing Green Metallic.

This was the final import year for this vehicle and is one of only 438 NAS Defender 90 s imported in British Racing Green Metallic in 1997.

There were only 1499 convertibles imported that year and this beauty is stamped #950.

I purchased this D 90 16 years ago and have loved it ever since.

The Land Rover Defender 90 came with full-time four wheel drive and high-low range selection. a full roll cage and factory air conditioning.

Mechanically fantastic. this Defender is a pleasure to drive offering a rugged feel that only the best 4 X 4 in the world can provide. The rebuilt 4. 0 L V 8 starts effortlessly. idling and pulling strongly and smoothly through each of the ZF automatic transmission's gears. Compression is excellent across all cylinders and the truck's road manners are exactly what you'd expect from a meticulously restored . well-maintained Defender.

With DOT 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.

Adding to the attraction is `97 is the only year this model came with an automatic transmission.

Consequently. the market on NAS Defender 90 s has remained exceptionally strong. making them one of the few modern-era production vehicles to actually be considered investment grade.

So. whether you're looking to continue my gentle use of this truck or purchasing it to be the off-roading beast it was designed to be. this exceptionally restored. final year Defender 90 deserves your serious consideration.

We are proud to detail the extensive work that brought this vehicle to its pristine state.

After a thorough inspection. we started by removing all body panels and getting down to a rolling chassis. From there. we acquired a new Galvanized Chassis from Rovers North.

About the chassis:

New Galvanized chassis

Our chassis feature the latest design for strength and crash safety — our Land Rover Defender chassis are the strongest and safest you can put under your Defender. We offer the only accurate NAS chassis on the market. Included with each Land Rover Defender chassis: hot-dip galvanizing for maximum corrosion resistance. fully center seam welded and internal baffling. one-piece improved rear body supports. reinforced outriggers. captive nuts ready for towing and recovery hitches and stainless steel fuel tank plate on D 90 chassis only. Nowhere else will you find a galvanized Defender chassis. built on factory jigs. featuring the latest structural technology. with all the details correct for your restoration. – Rovers North

OEM robotic center seam manufactured with hot dipped galvanized finish. Not to be confused with aftermarket replacement chassis. this is a complete upgrade. offering the latest in chassis structural technology from Land Rover for owners who want to improve their Defender chassis. Stronger. with reinforced bulkhead outriggers and body mounts. Safer. with improved crash performance. Rear cross member features integral fixing nuts for convenient mounting of NAS step. tow and recovery equipment with recessed mounting point for towing plug so it is no longer exposed underneath.

The front bumper was sandblasted and re-powder coated.

Each axle was removed from the old chassis. and striped to bare steel.

They each were then inspected for damage or wear.

We drained and replace the oil and added new breathers and seals.

They were then refinished with POR-15 for outstanding protection going forward.

To protect each differential. we mounted differential guards on both front and rear.

We then mounted the axles to the new chassis using new bushings.

To complete a rolling chassis. we went with new shock towers. Old Man Emu shocks. Old Man Emu springs. and a Old Man Emu steering dampener. The D 90 has a new. solid foundation offering an outstanding ride.

Up front. we remounted the old Safari Guard to protect the steering track rod assembly.

We mounted 5 new BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO 2 LT 265/75 R/16 tires on the original alloy wheels. keeping its timeless look.

The Bulkhead

The Bulkhead was in ok condition but as our goal was to produce a Defender to last through the ages. we purchased a new galvanized bulkhead.

The bulkhead is an exact replacement for all 1997 NAS 90 Defenders.

They are made from galvanized metal. then electrostatic e-coat primed for superior corrosion resistance.

This may have been enough for most people. but not for us.

We then had the entire bulkhead epoxy primed. based coated. and cleared.

Then we applied Raptor in the foot wells. both inside and outside for a final durable seal.

We then applied Waxoly to the bulkhead inners.

This combination will fend off future corrosion and provide an extended life.

Brakes

As we have owned this 90 for 16 years. we actually know what work has been done.

All four calipers were replaced 4 years ago.

At that time. we also installed new rotors.

As these parts are still in excellent condition. with VERY low miles. there was no reason to replace.

We did install a new master cylinder.

To add to the longevity. and durability. we upgraded all the brake lines with stainless steel lines. with stainless steel hardware as well…meaning nothing can rust.

To finish the breaks system. we added stainless steel brake hoses as well.

Transmission and Transfer Case

Both transmission and transfer case were inspected.

We drained each of fluid.

The ZF automatic transmission was in fine working order and we sent the transfer case out to be rebuilt.

We wanted a clean. smooth shift. which we now have.

Three years back we replaced the transmission cooling lines.

We also were able to source a new transmission cooler…very hard to find.

We fixed these parts to the new chassis with new mounts and mounting brackets.

Engine

We had the engine re-gasketed top and bottom.

It always ran great and now it does that with no oil leaks that Land Rovers are so common of.

We replaced a host of parts along the way.

Here is list of some of the NEW parts: water pump. new plugs. ignition wires. cam shaft position sensor. engine management relay. oil cooling lines. starter and a new Optima Red Top Battery.

We then mounted the engine to our new chassis on Genuine Land Rover motor mounts.

To protect this area of the truck. we installed a heavy duty skid plate up Front.

The Fuel sender was replaced about 4 years ago.

To supply the engine with fuel. we upgraded to stainless steel lines and hardware to continue our goal to fend off future corrosion.

We also updated the fuel filler hose as it showed some age.

To protect this area. we installed a rear skid plate.

The Exterior Body

We disassembled the entire body and removed all the paint.

As we inspected each body panel we decided to upgrade a few items.

As with all old Defenders. the doors and hinges showed rust.

We replace both lower doors with new and also upgraded the hinges to the New style. rust free hinges.

The hinges are mounted with stainless steel hardware.

Inner door framework was also sprayed with Waxoyl to help make these doors last for the long haul.

The rest of the body was stripped of all paint.

Each piece was epoxy primed. base and clear coated back to its original color. British Racing Green (LRC-617).

The body was reassembled with all the correct/appropriate panel gaps and it now looks exceptional.

The NAS D 90's came with a full roll cage.

The front half was sent out and re-powder coated.

The second half of the roll bar is covered with thick rubber. and this looks like new.

In place of the sills. we installed heavy duty Rock Sliders.

While giving the D 90 an even more rugged look. it also protects the body panels if parked in suburbia. The front wheel arches are finished with Raptor to offer a clean. rugged finish.

A Mantec Snorkel is also fitted.

Roughly 5 years back we replaced the original canvas top with a new top from Rovers North.

This top is made of Twillfast fabric. similar to mohair. a departure from the original vinyl.

It is made to not shrink. fade. or crack.

Thus far. I can say that is true.

Three of the windows zip out and have a storage bag to hold the windows.

Included is an original Bimini top that is showing its age.

The Interior

The interior of our D 90 is clean and neat.

The foot wells and floor boards are finished with Raptor. giving them a durable. clean finish. The seat box was refreshed as well. We installed Genuine Land Rover Battery and Tool boxes under each seat. The sides of the seat box were replaced with new panels from YRM to bring the seat box back to new condition.

It was then repainted. and finished with Raptor.

The seats were show a little age so we re-trimmed them in the original finish by Exmoor Trim.

The tub was also sprayed with Raptor providing a strong. rugged finish able to withstand the elements.

We updated the bones of the custom sound system the first owner installed.

We installed a JVC head unit (USB. Pandora. Sirus XM. Bluetooth). with marine specs as your D 90 is going to get wet.

Driving new Kicker speakers and a subwoofer is an Alpine MRV-500.

These signals pass through an Alpine EQ.

The rear speakers are built into custom boxes while the subwoofer is custom built into the rear bench seat.

The sound is exceptional. no matter the volume or your taste in music.

The Other Stuff….

With the truck also comes a roof rack.

The clamps grab hold of the upper portion of the exterior of the roll bar.

The racks itself looks to be Thule components. but are in need of upgrading.

The clamps. the rare pieces. are in good shape.

It is currently set up to hold a Hi Lift jack. which I will also include.

I have described this vehicle to the best of my ability.

The D 90 will be available for viewing and I encourage any serious buyer to perform a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection).

There are several reputable shops in the area for you to choose from.

This truck is sold AS Is. no warranty expressed or implied.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

Should you require additional photos of certain areas. please message me. 0

Check out our Facebook page. “Higher Ground Rovers” where you will find many more photos of this build in an album titled. 97 Green Defender. ”

I have listed this truck locally and I maintain the right to end the auction early.

Rhode Island does not issue titles for vehicles.

For an instate transaction. ownership can be transfer via the registration.

Out of state buyers receive 2 documents from me. via the state. that serve as a title.

They are a Certified copy of Registration and a Title Law Letter.

Both are stamped and certified by the State of Rhode Island.

Shipping costs are a BUYERS expense.

I will gladly assist in coordinating shipping if needed.

highergroundrovers gmail. com

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