1994 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Diesel SWAP

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Why It's Curated: This 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 is for sale in Nashville, TN. This North American-spec Defender 90 represents the final year of NAS production before the 21-year hiatus, making it increasingly collectible among enthusiasts. This example had it's original V8 replaced with a Land Rover TDi engine. The diesel TDI engine paired with a proper 5-speed manual transmission delivers the authentic Defender experience with superior fuel economy and torque characteristics ideal for off-road adventures. What sets this example apart is its comprehensive differential setup—front, center, and rear locking differentials provide maximum traction capability that few vehicles can match. The soft-top configuration adds versatility for open-air driving while maintaining the utilitarian character that defines the Defender. With both heat and air conditioning functional, this truck balances rugged capability with daily usability. The red exterior over grey/black vinyl interior presents classic Defender aesthetics in a practical, easy-to-maintain package.

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Model History: The 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 represents the culmination of North American Series (NAS) production, marking the end of an era before Land Rover's 21-year absence from the U.S. market. Introduced in 1993, the NAS Defender was specifically engineered to meet stringent American safety and emissions standards while preserving the model's legendary off-road capability. The TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) diesel engine represented a significant technological advancement over earlier naturally aspirated units, delivering improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and enhanced torque characteristics that made it ideally suited for both utility work and recreational adventures. Only 7,000 NAS Defenders were imported during the brief 1993-1997 production run, with the 1994 model year representing the sweet spot of early production refinement. The Defender 90's short-wheelbase configuration and triple-differential system—featuring lockable front, center, and rear differentials—provided unmatched traction control that outperformed contemporary competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Chevrolet Blazer in extreme terrain. The soft-top variant offered versatility that hard-top models couldn't match, allowing owners to experience open-air motoring while maintaining the vehicle's utilitarian DNA. Built on the same galvanized chassis architecture that had proven itself in military and commercial applications worldwide, the 1994 Defender 90 has achieved iconic status among collectors as the last of the "proper" Defenders—representing authentic British engineering before modern luxury amenities diluted the formula.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1994
Make: Land Rover
Model: Defender 90
Trim: Soft top
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 107,400
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: Land Rover TDI Engine Swap
Exterior Color: Red
Interior Color: Grey/black
State of Registration: TN
Vehicle Location: Nashville TN
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
The vehicle was procured by an employee of Land Rover Nashville for the dealership and brought to Nashville in October 2010.  It was purchased by a new owner who wanted to convert it to diesel.  In approximately 2011, a Land Rover mechanic sourced a 40k mile take out 300 TDI and Essentially Off Road in Murfreesboro installed the new engine and replaced the transfer case. 

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Locking Differentials: Front Locking Differential, Center Locking Differential, Rear Locking Differential
Wheel Size and Offset: 17” rims
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: BF Goodrich AT

Exterior & Interior:  

Vinyl 
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:
North American version