1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Soft Top for Sale With 79,100 MilesAutoblogKyle EdwardSat, September 26, 2026 at 4:12 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The North American Specification Defender 90 is one of the most collectible modern 4x4s, and 1997 was its final year in the US market. This soft-top is NAS plaque #685 in Beluga Black, with the factory hardtop included. It sits on Cars and Bids at no reserve, with the current bid at $37,000 and five days to go.1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NASCars & BidsWhat it's worth right nowThe NAS Defender 90 has become a genuinely appreciating collectible. According to Classic.com and recent sales, 1997 NAS Defender 90 examples generally trade from the mid $40,000s into the $80,000s and beyond for the best cars, with driver-grade examples showing corrosion or damage landing lower.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe final-year status and included hardtop support the value, tempered by condition. A sorted, no-reserve NAS 90 is exactly what collectors want, but the corrosion and old accident are considerations. Fair value lands at $42,000 to $62,000, with $51,000 the most likely close.1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NASCars & BidsCondition and detailsThe specification and provenance are the appeal. This is a final-year 1997 NAS Defender 90, carrying plaque #685, finished in Beluga Black over Ash Gray, powered by the 4.0-liter V8 with the ZF four-speed automatic, and offered with the factory removable fiberglass hardtop atop its soft-top configuration.1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NASCars & BidsThe modifications are trail-focused and sensible. It has Old Man Emu springs and a steering damper, LTR dampers, a differential guard, sill guards, an external roll cage, and an aluminum fuel-tank protector fitted at 76,000 miles.1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NASCars & BidsA few points warrant real scrutiny. There is corrosion near the door hinges and on the roll cage and various underbody components, the Carfax notes a September 2000 left-front accident, the hood was replaced under previous ownership after hail damage, and the tires carry 2016 date codes.1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NASCars & BidsAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeLand RoverModelDefender 90 NAS Soft TopYear1997Mileage79,100 milesEngine4.0-liter V8Power182 hp and 233 lb.ft of torqueTransmission4-speed automaticDrive typeFour-wheel drive with two-speed transfer caseExterior colorBeluga BlackInterior colorAsh GrayCurrent bid$37,000, no reserve, with five days leftInterested in this 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS Soft Top? View the listing here.What makes the Defender NAS uniqueThe North American Specification Defender holds a special place in the collector world as the version Land Rover built specifically for the US and Canadian markets, complete with a distinctive external roll cage and air conditioning. Produced in strictly limited numbers and sold here only briefly, these trucks combine genuine, rugged off-road capability with the timeless, boxy Defender silhouette that has become an icon. Each NAS Defender carries a numbered plaque on the rear tub, adding a sense of provenance and exclusivity that has fueled their collectibility.1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NASCars & BidsThe 1997 model year is particularly significant as the Defender's last in the United States, and it introduced the more powerful 4.0-liter V8 and the smoother ZF automatic transmission, with the nameplate not officially returning until 2020. That combination of genuine capability, iconic style, strict rarity, and final-year status is exactly what has made the NAS Defender 90 such a coveted and appreciating classic, and the soft-top configuration with an included hardtop offers real versatility.My takeThis is a genuinely collectible and appreciating 4×4, and the appeal is a final-year NAS Defender 90 soft-top with sensible off-road upgrades and the factory hardtop included. The rarity, the iconic style, the final-year 4.0 V8 drivetrain, and the no-reserve format make it a standout, and NAS Defenders continue to climb in value.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits at $42,000 to $62,000, with $51,000 the most likely result, and the crux is the corrosion and the old accident rather than the truck's fundamental desirability. Before bidding, inspect the corrosion on the hinges, roll cage, and underbody carefully, verify the old accident repair, budget for tires, and get a Land Rover specialist inspection. Handle that, and this is a genuinely collectible piece of Defender history.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.