A frame-off restored icon, this 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS is finished in Arles Blue with a Cream leather cabin, is packing a 450-hp Corvette LS3, and was handcrafted by renowned Defender builder ECD Automotive. A best-of-both-worlds example!
Overview
Original introduction:
SBX Cars is proud to offer this 1997 ECD Land Rover Defender 90 NAS showing just 6,750 mi (10,863 km) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in Arles Blue over a Cream leather cabin, this frame-off restoration was created by renowned Defender builders ECD Automotive.
The Defender 90 in North American Spec is a rare and sought-after vehicle with only a few thousand officially imported to the US in the late 1990s. But when that Defender has received the ECD Automotive treatment, it becomes hard to describe how desirable these ultimate adventure rigs really are.
Along with a full frame-off restoration, today’s example has been fully modernized with a Corvette 6.2L LS3 making 450 horsepower, a stunning Italian leather-lined cabin, and an Arles Blue finish - one of the colors the NAS models were originally offered with. This is a vehicle with serious presence.
Specifications & Options
Exterior
- Arles Blue finish
- Gloss black wheel arches
- 18” black Khan wheels with 33” BF Goodrich KO2 tires and matching tailgate-mounted spare
- Front-mounted Warn 1,000-pound winch
- Front roll bar
- Badger NAS soft-top
- Fire and Ice side steps
- NAS rear bumper with 2” receiver
- Borla dual exhaust system
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Interior
- Cream premium distressed Italian leather upholstery for the seats, door panels, and dashboard
- Exmoor Puma front seats
- Quad rear jump seats
- Momo wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Classic analog gauge set for coolant temperature, fuel level, 140-mph speedometer with inset odometer reading 4,155 miles, oil pressure, and battery voltage
- Puma dashboard with carbon fiber center stack
- Sony 7” multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and JL Audio components
- Air conditioning
- Power windows and door locks
- Teak footwells and cargo floor with rubber mats
- Rear floor-mounted fire extinguisher
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Mechanical
- Chevrolet 6.2L LS3 V8
- Rated for 450 horsepower
- Chevrolet 6L80E 6-speed automatic
- HD LT230 dual-range transfer case
- Front differential lock
- Air-ride suspension
- Fox 2” dampers
- Brembo Big Brake kit with red-finished calipers
- Power steering
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Service History
The CARFAX report lists a steady history of service through 2019, however, there are no service records since the build was completed.
Condition & Reports
The seller of this 1997 ECD Defender 90 NAS is the owner of Monarch, the renowned Defender builder out of Iowa. He took possession of this Defender on a trade from a client.
A third-party inspection was performed on March 1, 2025, and the report is available below. Aside from the light wear on the seats and a number of minor scratches on the exterior, the battery issue described in the report has been remedied.
Included in the Sale
- Two keys
- Winch remote control
- Jack
- Fire extinguisher
Summary
As evidenced by the more than 600 Defender builds ECD has completed, they have clearly set the bar high. And coupled with the seller's addition of teak flooring, this 1-of-1 Arles Blue beauty is your chance to discover what all the hype is about.
As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.
Buyer's Premium
The Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final sale price and is payable directly to SBX Cars. Sales tax applicability will be determined by buyer's location.
- Buyer's premium: 5%
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