OVERVIEW

SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1997 ECD Land Rover Defender 90 NAS showing just 5,349 mi (8,608 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. 

NOTABLE COMMENTARY

• “...every single vehicle that rolls away is required to be unique.” - Autoblog

• “By some margin, this is the smoothest and most refined classic 4×4 I’ve ever driven.” - Driving

• “Gorgeous to look at, even better to drive…” - Luxury Experience

SPECIFICATIONS & OPTIONS 

This 1997 ECD Land Rover Defender 90 NAS is powered by a 6.2L V8 rated for 450 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic routes power to all four wheels with a dual-range transfer case. Additional features below:

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

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
• Carpeted floors with rubber mats
• Rear floor-mounted fire extinguisher

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

SERVICE HISTORY

The Carfax report lists a steady history of service through 2019, however, there are no service records since the build was completed.

VEHICLE INSPECTION

The vehicle was inspected on March 1, 2025. The report can be viewed HERE.

OWNERSHIP HISTORY & PROVENANCE

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. 

NOTED IMPERFECTIONS

The Carfax report lists a front or rear impact in 2010, but as seen in the gallery, since the ECD restoration was completed, this 1997 Defender 90 NAS appears to be in immaculate condition throughout.

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

• Two keys
• Winch remote control
• Jack
• Fire extinguisher

SUMMARY

An ECD Defender 90 project has a starting price of nearly $260,000 as the degree of craftsmanship involved with creating one is the definition of modern coachbuilding. As evidenced by the more than 600 Defender builds ECD has completed, they have clearly set the bar high. 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.

Exterior

Interior

Mechanical