The NAS 110: One of the rarest Defenders

When it comes to iconic off-road vehicles, few can typically rival the status of the Land Rover Defender. Amongst the various models in the Defender range, one stands out as particularly special - the Land Rover Defender NAS 110. This classic car, made solely for the US market, has captivated Land Rover devotees due to its scarcity and its rugged design.

The Land Rover NAS (North American Specification) 110 refers to a limited batch of Defenders produced from 1993 until 1997 for the North American market. The NAS 110 was specifically designed to meet stringent US safety and emissions standards, which were different to those in place in the UK, making it a unique variant of the original Defender at the time.

Why is the NAS 110 so rare?

There are several reasons for the NAS 110’s rarity. Ultimately, only 500 were made for the USA. A further 25 were produced for Canada, with an additional nine prototypes then bringing the total to 534 vehicles, making it one of the rarest versions of the Defender ever manufactured. The vehicles were also sold exclusively in the US, making them subsequently highly sought after by collectors worldwide. 

Producing a Defender that met the US Department of Transportation’s safety regulations was a complex task. Land Rover had to modify the original Defender 110 vehicle significantly to comply with these regulations, which added to its exclusivity.

Moreover, the NAS 110 was sold at a time when off-road vehicles weren’t as popular in the US as they are today, further limiting demand. This contributed to the decision to restrict the number of vehicles produced. The following year, Land Rover shifted its focus to the smaller NAS 90, which had a larger production run in the thousands, making the NAS 110 even more distinctive in comparison.

Key features of the NAS 110

Despite its utilitarian origins, the NAS 110 was designed with a number of unique features that contributed to setting it apart from many other off-road vehicles at the time. 

A 3.9 litre V8 petrol engine

The NAS 110 was powered by Land Rover’s trusty 3.9 litre V8 petrol engine, which delivered 182 horsepower. While not a speed demon, the engine provided plenty of low-end torque, making the vehicle ideal for off-road adventures.

Roll cage

To meet US safety standards, the NAS 110 was equipped with a full external roll cage, providing additional protection in the event of a rollover. This feature added to the vehicle’s rugged appearance, and certainly contributed to its cult following.

Numbered plate

Each one produced had a number plate added to the rear, detailing which of the 500 manufactured it actually was, so for example 35/500.

5-speed manual gearbox

The NAS 110 was equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which, when paired with its four wheel drive system, allowed it to conquer a wide variety of terrains.

Six seats in the back

With its 110 inch wheelbase, the NAS 110 was spacious, offering seating for six passengers in the rear. This made it one of the most practical Defenders, suitable for both family use and adventurous expeditions.

Exclusive colour scheme

The NAS 110 model came in a distinctive ‘alpine’ white finish, with contrasting black accents on the wheel arches, bumpers and the external roll cage. The inside was furnished with a tonal grey houndstooth seat upholstery. Although there was only one external colour available, one special unit was actually painted black, for Ralph Lauren. Every NAS 110 was hand-built in Solihull, ensuring a spectacular level of craftsmanship and care. 

Today, NAS 110s are some of the most sought-after Land Rover Defenders in the world. A well-maintained example can fetch a premium price at auction, with some models fetching in the region of $100,000 - $150,000, depending on their condition and mileage. The success of the NAS 110 paved the way for the NAS 90, a slightly smaller and more affordable version of the US Defender, which went on to become a major hit in the US, helping to secure Land Rover’s reputation in the North American off-road market. 

If you are one of the few people lucky enough to own one of these rare cars, we are a little bit jealous! The NAS 110 is more than just a vehicle; it’s a pretty exclusive piece of automotive history.

Photo credits: https://cars.bonhams.com