When it comes to rare vehicles, the NAS Defender certainly is one for those looking to buy a Defender here in the United States. While you may find a refurbished Defender that has been imported, it’s far more difficult to find the edition of the Defender that was made for the U.S., the North American Spec (NAS). 

The Defender is a utility vehicle that was pretty widely sold in most other areas of the world, except North America and a few other locations. In fact, they didn’t stop production in its original home in the U.K. until a few years ago. The British vehicle’s production run started in the 1980s by Land Rover as competition with other utility vehicles, like Jeep, and was modified until it took its final form in the late 80s and early 90s.  

NAS Defender Restored for ECD Client

Historical Background of the NAS Defender

While Land Rover had started selling its Range Rover vehicles in the U.S., this would be the first utility vehicle the company brought to North America. The regulations and requirements for this style of vehicle were vastly different here in North America, and that meant Land Rover had to produce a batch of Defenders that were specifically built to meet these regulations, hence the North American Spec. So starting in 1993, Land Rover produced a limited quantity of these vehicles to be shipped to both the U.S. and Canada with features that included the 3.9L Rover V8 engine, full external and internal roll cages, brush guards, roof racks with baskets, safety lights, and fully functioning air conditioning.

The original run of the vehicles were all the same color (white) and included mostly the D110. From 1994 to 1995, the majority of the NAS Defenders produced for the U.S. were a soft-top version that later featured a removable fiberglass top instead. The standard colors were Conniston Green, Portifino Red, Arles Blue, Beluga Black, Alpine White, and AA yellow, and each NAS vehicle is supposed to be stamped with their production number, which is how most NAS Defenders are identified. 

After disappointment over cracking and failing fiberglass tops, Land Rover decided to produce a run of the NAS D90s with hardtops. As regulations continued, the NAS Defenders sold well from 1994 to 1996, but hints of the end of production began in 1996. Finally, in 1997, Land Rover produced 300 final NAS Willow Green Defenders as the final hurrah for Defender production for the U.S (1997 NAS Defender 90 LE Station Wagon). There were a few other special editions with collaborations and limited edition NAS Defenders, but in 1998 U.S. regulations introduced airbag and side-impact door requirements, which Land Rover couldn’t add to the Defender without major modifications. 

Ultimately, around 7,059 of the NAS Defenders made their way through the U.S. and are still extremely rare. You can now buy one from hunting around online or start here at E.C.D. where we will source the vehicle for you and transform it into your dream Land Rover Defender. Get in touch at [email protected].

NAS Defender has Extremely Versatility

The Defender is extremely versatile and is capable of handling most terrain with ease. Its off-road capabilities have been enhanced by its exceptional traction, which is due to its decentralized mass and rotational stability. The Defender’s low center of gravity and its front and rear axle located on the same plane, almost below the center of gravity, results in a vehicle that has a very low center of gravity. The Defender’s rotational stability is created by its engine and transmission being mounted on strong, rigid axles. The axles are mounted low to the ground and located well behind the center of gravity, which results in a vehicle that is able to handle extreme off-roading without the risk of getting stuck or experiencing a rollover. Thus, the Defender is an extremely versatile vehicle that is ideal for off-roading and many other activities.

The Defender’s high position allows for superb visibility, which is especially helpful for off-roading. Its high position is created by its rooftop and windscreen and bonnet that are about 2 inches higher than the Discovery. The Defender’s rooftop and windscreen are about 2 inches higher than the Discovery because of their design, which uses an upright roofline. The Defender’s bonnet is about 2 inches higher than the Discovery's because of its design, which is similar to that of a sedan.

In-House NAS Restoration for ECD Client

How We Re-Build NAS Defenders

Drivetrain Options for NAS Defender

E.C.D. can upgrade your NAS Defender by installing a variety of GM V8 (LS3, LS3+, LT4, LT1), Cummins Diesel, and Tesla Electric Drive engines. We carefully install the new wiring and engine after repairing the chassis. While the wiring is being fixed, the vehicle body is being stripped and prepared for new paint to match the client's design. Each part is handcrafted to look new again as the custom NAS Defender is restored through every phase of our meticulous build process. While wiring is happening, the custom NAS Defender build passes through each stage of our meticulous build process. The custom upholstery, accents, interior colours, and upgrades are among the newer features we add to our NAS builds, but most owners desire to keep the look of the automobile as 'classic Defender' as feasible.

How ECD Creates Quality NAS Defender Restorations