Long a staple of Land Rover’s model lineup, the Defender is perhaps the brand’s most significant and memorable creation. The first Defenders were available on a very limited basis to North American buyers starting in 1987, although it was not until 1993 that Land Rover formally entered that market with a unique version of the Defender, which marque enthusiasts have aptly named the “North American Specification.” The NAS Defender was initially available with a 110-inch wheelbase or a 90-inch wheelbase in the United States and Canada, although the long-wheelbase version was quickly nixed from the lineup. From then on, all NAS examples were Defender 90s for 1994 and 1995.

The NAS Defender was positioned as an upmarket, more purpose-built competitor to the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. To this end, Graeme Fletcher from Motoring TV praised the ample low-end power of the Defender’s 3.9-liter, fuel-injected V-8 engine, noting—in his distinctively English way—that it “could pull the skin off a rice pudding in one piece...the performance truly surprised me.” Fletcher also challenged viewers to “find a new car that has as much soul, personality, and character as this.” Only 1,943 US-market buyers were lucky enough to get their hands on the more desirable short-wheelbase NAS Defender 90 in its first year of production.

This 1994 NAS Defender 90 was completed at the Land Rover factory in January 1994, and was subsequently sold new by Land Rover of Warwick, Massachusetts on 21 March. Originally finished in Coniston Green, as presented today it benefits from a comprehensive, three-year restoration by marque specialist Superleggera LLC of East Hampton, New York, during which it was refinished in the bespoke color combination of Porsche Aga Blue over Ash Grey vinyl upholstery and a dark blue soft-top. The seating configuration has also been updated to a desirable “2+4” setup, while a handsome wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel and matching shift knobs, alongside gray square-weave carpeting, have been added to the car’s spotless interior. This NAS Defender 90 also sports a factory-style air-conditioning system, color-matched safari cage with gray foam padding, and a vociferous stainless-steel exhaust.

By design, the Land Rover is purpose-built for any occasion and suitable for any environment. This restored 1994 NAS Defender 90 will no doubt rise to whatever challenges its next owner throws at it—whether that involves the quest for the perfect off-grid campsite or a family voyage from the beach house to the ice cream shop.