1994 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS: 27k Orig. Miles, 1 CA Owner, Entirely Original

1994 Land Rover Defender NAS, 27k Miles Description

Offered for sale is a 27k original mile, one Southern California owner, entirely original and mechanically excellent 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS finished in desirable Portofino Red over Grey. Sold new by South Bay Autohaus of Torrance, CA in November of 1994, the original owner would use the truck sparingly in Orange County until 2009 when the family moved to the Santa Barbara area. Throughout the truck’s life it’s been cared for and garaged and, as a tertiary vehicle for the owner, was always used sparingly, accounting for its low original miles. That being said, it’s also always been well maintained, the most recent major maintenance being the 22,500 mile service performed at Jaguar Land Rover of Ventura.

Consequently the truck is mechanically fantastic and a pleasure from behind the wheel, delivering that visceral, rugged feel that only the best, most unadulterated 4X4 in the world can provide. The original 3.9L engine starts effortlessly, idles consistently and pulls strongly and smoothly through each of the original 5 speed transmissions gears. There appear to be no leaks whatsoever – something we’ve rarely seen on a Defender - and the truck’s road manners are exactly what you’d expect from a low mileage, well-maintained example – the suspension and brakes behave exactly as they should.

Never in an accident, both the body and the Portofino Red finish are entirely original, the body retaining excellent panel fits and gaps throughout and the finish marred only by minor imperfections characteristic of a low mileage, entirely original, 23 year old example. All of the glass is in great shape and the original Freestyle alloy wheels are impeccable and wrapped in BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Never off-roaded and exposed only to the dry Southern California climate, the truck’s undercarriage and frame are clean, original and free of any rust or rust repair. The truck’s interior is also in excellent original condition, the grey water resistant seats showing only the most negligible amount of wear, the interior panels in good original shape and the front rubber floor mats brand new.

With side impact and airbag regulations bringing the Defender 90’s three-year (’94, ’95 and ’97) North American run to an end, only 4,632 soft top models were imported during the model’s short run, and only 1,943 were imported in 1994. With the absence of true competitors in the North American market following the Defender’s exit in 1997, its capability and simplicity gained a strong following over the years, which, coupled with the model’s US rarity, has driven incredible appreciation.

Furthermore, because of the trucks’ aforementioned characteristics, a majority of the NAS cars have been run into the ground over the ensuing two decades, making it exceedingly difficult to find a low mileage, well-cared-for example, with demand far exceeding supply. They’ve consequently become one of the few modern-era production vehicles to actually be considered investment grade, and this example certainly falls into that category. Whether you’re looking to continue the original owners’ gentle use of the truck or purchasing it as the utilitarian brute that it was designed to be, this exceptionally NAS Defender 90 deserves your serious consideration.