Between 1993 and 1997, Land Rover produced a limited quantity of Defenders adhering to North American regulations that were then shipped to both the US and Canada. Around 7,059 of the NAS (North American Spec) Land Rovers made their way through the US, and this 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS is one of them.
Selling points include a notoriously bulletproof Cummins R2.8 turbo-diesel, which replaced the 3.9 V8 gas engine, and a GM 6L80e automatic transmission. According to its owner, Chris, this forest green Defender motors along the highway at 78-80 mph fully loaded, achieving 22 to 27 mpg. Not too shabby at all. Outfitted with an Alu-Cab Icarus roof conversion, 45-quart Engel fridge, and interior cabinets, this truck begs to be packed away on a shipping container bound for Africa.
From Chris:
“I was born and raised in the UK, and I have been a Land Rover aficionado my entire life. I have traveled extensively in many Land Rovers, but the Defender platform is my favorite for overland travel. I am an avid outdoorsman, from mountain biking, hiking, camping, and remote backcountry travel. I have logged thousands upon thousands of backcountry miles from the Rocky Mountains to the beaches of Baja. These experiences helped create the dream for building my ultimate overland/off-road vehicle.
My decision for the drivetrain was easy: remove the underpowered and unreliable stock 3.9 V8 gas engine and go with the newly launched Cummins R2.8 turbo-diesel. Combined with a 6L80e automatic, I was now able to drive 75-80 mph fully loaded on the highway and achieve 22 to 27 mpg.
This 27-year-old Land Rover is still a little hot and dusty in the summer and cold and drafty in the winter, but an adventurous spirit helps you enjoy the experience. It can cruise along at 80-85 mph but is the most enjoyable on backroads and the trail. Even after its restoration with the Cummins R2.8 engine, automatic 6-speed transmission, and new air conditioning, this is not your modern-day Toyota 4Runner.”
Specifications
1994 Land Rover Defender
Engine and Transmission
Cummins R2.8 crate engine
6L80E automatic transmission
Safari snorkel
Suspension
Glynn Lewis Challenge long travel kit with Bilstein shocks
Old Man Emu 1.5-2.0-inch lift heavy-duty coil springs
Drivetrain
Front axle: ARB air locker, 3.54 gears, and Ashcroft axles with heavy-duty CV joints
Rear axle: Detroit Truetrac and 3.54 gears
Tom Woods front driveshaft
Wheels and Tires
Five Wolf wheels
Goodyear DuraTrac 285/75R16 33-inch tires
Accessories
Alu-Cab Icarus roof conversion
Webasto Air Top 2000 STC diesel-powered cabin heater
Alu-Cab 270° Shadow awning
Dometic sink and burner
J.W. Speaker LED headlights
Optima Blue Top Marine deep-cycle 12-volt starting battery
Optima Red Top 12-volt starting battery
45-quart Engel fridge
100-watt solar panel
Blue Sea battery switch
weBoost cell phone signal booster
Rovers North air conditioning kit
Recovery and Armor
Superwinch 12000
Rockware Fabrications front bumper
Rockware Fabrications rear tires carrier
Modified NAS rear bumper
Custom-built rock sliders
This 1994 Land Rover Defender is listed for $125,000 OBO and is currently located in New Mexico. Check out the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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