LS-Powered 1985 Land Rover Defender 90 by Signature Motorsports
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1985
- Make: Land Rover
- Model: 90
- VIN: SALLDVAH8AA229573
- Mileage Shown: 2,062mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Automatic
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Beluga Black
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Dealer Fees: None
- Location: Westhampton, NY 11977
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0058071
A modernized take on the classic off-road icon, this 1985 Land Rover Defender 90 was custom-built from the ground up by Signature Motorsports in Virginia in 2020. Powered by a 5.3-liter LS V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, this example is refinished in Beluga Black over a black leather interior. It features a custom Griffin radiator, front and rear disc brakes, upgraded HVAC systems, VDO gauges, an aftermarket multimedia head unit with navigation, and more. This beautifully restored Defender is now being offered for auction by its seller out of New York.
During its comprehensive build, this example was refinished in Land Rover Beluga Black and fitted with widened aluminum front and rear fenders to accommodate the upgraded drivetrain and wheels. Exterior details include a matte black Kahn Design Wide-Track Arch Kit, KBX grille assembly, a black soft top with clear side and rear panels, LED headlamps and taillamps, “Fire & Ice” powder-coated steel side steps, and checker plate aluminum panels with a diamond tread pattern to the hood, front fenders, and lower body sills. It rides on black powder-coated 15″ Land Rover Sawtooth alloy wheels wrapped in Achilles Desert Hawk A/T tires, with a matching spare mounted in the rear swing-away carrier. Detailed images are provided in the gallery. A set of windshield wiper arms and blades will accompany the sale.
The cabin has been reupholstered with four individual diamond-stitched bucket seats trimmed in black leather with white contrast stitching. The dash and HVAC system were upgraded using components from Ministry of Defender, and additional interior appointments include a charcoal Alcantara headliner, VDO gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rear-facing jump seats over a custom wood cargo floor. A double-DIN touchscreen head unit is installed in the center stack and provides navigation and a rearview camera display.
Power comes from a 5.3-liter LS V8 engine paired with a push-button 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. A custom Griffin radiator aids in engine cooling, while stopping power is facilitated by four-wheel disc brakes. The build incorporates power steering and air conditioning, and the seller states that the vehicle has seen limited use since completion with no known mechanical issues reported.
This sale will include a spare tire and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “BUILT BY ONE OF THE PREMIER DEFENDER BUILDERS.”
Comments (6)
@ionyota, yes I am quite familiar. I owned a 1997 NAS D90 LE and currently own a 1989 restored and built D90 very similar to this listing except its a hardtop with an exocage, that I purchased 2 years ago on the other auction site you are active on. My post was simply to point out that this was converted after the Signature build, and as you point out will require more than just locating another hard top, including buying a full rear door. This one does look better imo as a convertible than the prior listings with the hardtop and masai windows. Almost tempted to go check it out.
@et550, 99.9% of ROW defenders were hardtops (station wagons). It’s common to convert them to soft tops. However, in most cases, you need to remove the soft top cage in order to reinstall the hardtop. It’s a big job. Nothing like the top on a Jeep, for example.
Based on the pre-purchase sheet, and pictures from prior listings of this vehicle on-line, it originally was built as a hardtop. Looks good with soft top though. Should also note the vehicle still appears on your website with your asking price.
Thank you for your interest . There is no hardtop but I am sure Signature Motorsports could supply one . The only build sheet we have is the original pre purchase sheet . Shown in the photos . I will try to contact SM and try to find out what brakes were used in the build .
What a cool build. Hardtop available? Heated seats? Do you have a build sheet - something that shows what brakes were installed - so they can be serviced, etc.
Bid in the amount of $5,000