From the Estate of James Messenger
1995 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Soft Top

Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1995 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Soft Top
VIN. SALDV228XSA957226

3,946cc OHV V8 Engine
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection
182bhp at 4,750rpm
R380 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Coil Spring Suspension
4 Wheel Disc Brakes

*A desirable North American specification Defender
*Well preserved in original condition
*One of 1,190 "NAS" Soft Tops sold in 1995
*Original shade of Sahara Yellow
*Exterior roll cage with roof-mounted Hella lights

THE DEFENDER 90 'NAS'

In the early 1990s, Land Rover's sole US offering was the luxurious Range Rover. Posh and pricey, it was far from the rugged Defenders of British lore. As a last hurrah before new safety standards thwarted sales, Land Rover North America donned its Wellies and waxed Barbour, announcing a limited run of US-spec Defenders. The Defender 110 NAS (North American Specification) kicked off Land Rover's American revival, with just 500 examples to whet enthusiasts' appetites. The short-wheelbase Defender 90 followed, featuring more options and colors than the 110, and sold in greater numbers.

With bare-bones spec and a 5-speed manual transmission, the soft-top Defender 90 was the antithesis to the cozy Range Rover, yet it nevertheless became a darling of the Aspen set, selling in respectable numbers during a brief 3-year production run. Today, genuine NAS Defenders are highly collectible, with capability, iconic style, and limited production that exemplify the Defender's uniquely British appeal.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1995 Defender 90 is one of 1,190 NAS Soft-Tops sold that year. A four-owner example, it has a clean CARFAX report, and is presented in well-preserved original condition, showing signs of regular use and care. The BMIHT Certificate confirms the original in the appealing shade of Sahara Yellow over Ash Gray trim. Factory equipment includes alloy wheels, optional brush guard, an exterior roll cage, Warn winch, soft top package, and a bank of powerful Hella off-road lamps.

Power comes from the venerable 3.9-liter Rover V8 engine, with fuel injection, power steering, and optional air conditioning, paired with the robust 5-speed manual transmission and two-speed transfer case. Currently showing a hair under 28,000 miles on the odometer, it should be noted the CARFAX reports indicates readings of 28,000 miles in May of 2010 and 31,000 miles in July of 2013 -- both during emissions inspections in New Hampshire. Tidy and well-loved, this rare and collectible Defender 90 NAS is ready to enjoy on the farm, in the village, or well beyond where the pavement ends.

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