From the iconic OEM feel to a stunning aftermarket build, a Land Rover offers off-roaders and car collectors a number of excellent designs. The 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 is a classic that should be on every automotive enthusiast’s bucket list. Take a trip back in time to the ‘90s to learn more about this retro member of the Land Rover lineup.

From Land Rover 90 to Land Rover Defender

From the first use of the name in 1947 to the latest 2022 design, the Land Rover has refined the same conquering, adventurous spirit it was born with. One major step forward in its history was the 1990 Land Rover Defender 90.

The 1990 Land Rover Discovery marked a turning point in the company’s naming process. Land Rover was going to be used on more than one model for the first time, so the 110 and 90 used the name Defender to distinguish them from the new Discovery line.

While production began under the new name in 1990, the Defender 90 wasn’t released in the United States until 1993. It imported about 2,000 each year after that until 1997 when safety regulation issues prevented it from being sold in the United States. New Land Rover models wouldn’t become compliant with North American safety regulations until the 2020 Land Rover Defender; if you don’t count the limited production NAS Defender units.

Despite the improvements and state-of-the-art features in the new series of Land Rover Defenders, the older styles are still in high demand. The nostalgia, simplicity, and workhorse nature of this design earn it a place in the off-roader hall of fame.

Features of the 1990 Land Rover Defender 90

What makes the classic Defender 90 so popular? Here are a few reasons why the 1990 Defender 90 is still an iconic and in-demand option for collectors and off-road enthusiasts. Whether modifying or maintained in all its OEM glory, this Land Rover can take on many off-road challenges with ease.

The demand for the 1990 Defender 90 is still going strong. Unfortunately, this has led to a gray market. The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 requires all imports to meet U.S. standards, so any 1997-2015 Land Rover Defender 90 models aren’t legally approved to drive in the United States. The primary reason was the lack of airbags in these models.

It can be tempting to grab one of these gray market restored Defenders. It’s important to stay legal, however, and wait for that 25-year mark to make these classic Land Rovers legal to drive in the United States.

Engine in a Defender 90

The Defender 90 got a major boost in engine power and performance. There were a few options available, including a 3.9-liter V8 and a 2.5-liter intercooled turbo-diesel.

The 3.9-liter old Buick alloy V8 was capable of 182 bhp. This fuel-injected engine could hit 60 mph in just 10.2 seconds and had a top speed of 86 mph.

The 2.5-liter intercooled turbo-diesel engine, which it shares with the Defender 110, offered 107 bhp and 188 pounds-feet of torque. This diesel engine gave the Defender 90 the following benefits:

• 26% more power
• 25% more torque
• 215% better fuel economy

In addition to the other benefits of diesel, these features made the Defender 90 a great option for heavy hauling, off-road routes, and fuel-efficient adventures.

Oil Separator Filter

While the 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 received a new turbo-diesel engine, this required a few modifications. The classic bearings, crankshaft, block, and cambelt systems remained the same in the 1990 Defender 90 design. The breather system, however, was updated to prevent the engine from rebreathing sump oil.

This system used an oil separator filter to prevent sump oil from becoming airborne and entering the air intake. It improved the diesel engine’s efficiency and solved a maintenance issue.

Transmission

Most Defender 90 transmissions came in four-, five-, or six-speed standard manual designs. While there was a special edition automatic transmission featured in 1998, this was a rare option. The U.S. Defender 90 boasted an R-380 manual transmission that is known for its reliability.

Interior

The rough-and-ready Defender didn’t come with a lot of interior glamor or special features. This straightforward design kept the cost low and promoted a rugged lifestyle. Off-roaders looking for more style and infotainment options should look to the Puma Dash for an aftermarket Defender upgrade.

Price

The basic 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 cost $27,900. This base price didn’t include an air conditioner or popular off-road accessories. Throw in those add-ons and the Defender 90 cost over $35,000.

Today, those MSRP prices are still fairly accurate for a classic Defender 90. The international demand for these iconic off-roaders keeps the cost around those same values, with additional aftermarket options available.

Custom 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 Options

Don’t give up your aftermarket upgrades as you check out this blast from the past. With ECD Automotive Design, automotive enthusiasts can take the 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 to the next level. Transform your Defender with custom interior, exterior, and performance features.