In 1993, Land Rover’s indominable Defender model reached the shores of North America for the first time. In truth, this was really a unique model distinctly different from Defender models available anywhere else on the globe. These so-called “North America Specification” (NAS) Defenders—available in 90- and 110-inch wheelbases for 1993, and then only 90-inch for 1994 and 1995—are clearly identified by a host of signature cosmetic and mechanical differences, as required by US Department of Transportation safety standards and Land Rover’s insight into their target market of buyers in the United States and Canada.

The Defender was positioned as an upmarket competitor of the Jeep Wrangler, and to this end Car and Driver magazine’s Csaba Csere commented, “The Defender is tremendously agile. You can drive straight up hills that seem as steep as walls and slalom through closely spaced trees and boulders with ease. And there is the comfort of a stout-looking, rubber-encased roll cage should you somehow manage to push the Defender beyond its prodigious off-road capabilities.”

Chief among the NAS Defender’s formidable suite of special equipment is the fuel-injected 3.9-liter V-8 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, factory air-conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes, full external roll-cage, and larger side-indicators and taillights. From 1993 through 1995, most NAS Defenders were delivered to the US in Alpina White, with the “premium soft top” package supplied by Newport Pagnell-based coachbuilder Tickford. For 1994, just 87 NAS Defender 90 examples were reportedly delivered new to Canada.

This wonderful example benefits from a comprehensive restoration to original specifications completed in 2015 and is documented by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate. Completed by the factory in late February 1994, this rare Defender 90 was originally finished in the 1994-exclusive color combination of Arles Blue over Ash Grey vinyl with the premium soft-top package and 15-inch alloy wheels. It was sold new by Decarie Motors of Montreal, Quebec.

After it passed through at least three recorded owners in Quebec, the Dare to Dream Collection purchased this NAS Defender 90 in 2014 and immediately began the stunning restoration. A large collection of restoration invoices on file show that new old-stock parts were sourced from marque specialists including Atlantic British Ltd., Badger Interior Coachworks, Grand Touring Land Rover, and Rovers North.

Few cars are as significant, successful, or instantly recognizable, as the venerated Land Rover, and this correctly restored Defender 90, with exclusive colors and specifications, is a stellar representation of the model’s world-famous appeal.