Importation question from a LR n00b.

[aeromax]

I know, I know.. you're probably sitting there groaning, "Oh jeez, not another importation question..."

My apologies.

So anyways... I've never owned a LR, and have always wanted one, probably ever since I started driving a car. My dream would be a D110 followed by a SIII, in a diesel. I read in this forum that you can can of course import anything 25yrs or older, which would mean any LR from 1983 or earlier. But what confuses me, is why people say you can have a Defender NAS from 1993. Why not from 1997? Wasn't the Defender sold in the states until then?

Also, if one were to get a SIII or a Defender in gas form, what is available in the states in terms of diesel that drops in easily? Or is it just easier to import an old diesel version from Europe?

[jimfoo]

Because 1993 was the only year the 110 was imported, so the only year for standards to comply with US regs. However any 1993 110 you imported would have to be modified to be identical to a NAS one, roll cage and all. There are no US Diesels that will drop in easily. You would have to import an LR engine as well.

[jimfoo]

Here is a III Diesel someone is selling BTW. Solihull Society Forum - View topic - 1978 sIII swb diesel rhd for sale $5500.

[rmuller]

As Jim said, 110s were only imported in 1993, and only about 500 of them, hence the price tag in the mid to high 5 figures usually. In 1994/1995, 5-speed Defender 90's were imported, both soft top and station wagon, they didn't import anything in 1996, but in 1997, automatic STs & SWs were imported. And that's all the NAS (north american spec) defenders in the country. Since the Land Rover One Ten was first made in 1983, this year marks the first year that they are able to be imported into the country. So far I've seen predominately right hand drive, needing some work, for low to mid $10k's. The 'Defender' name itself wasn't adopted until about 1990.

[aeromax]

Super. This clears up a lot hehe. I'd always wondered why D110's were so freakishly expensive, and now I know. Sounds like importation is much more of a hassle than it's worth.