We first brought this a few years ago, as we really like the look of the Series II, of which we had a couple when brand new
Great family cars, and as we had a large family they were enjoyed by all of us
Hence, when any Pre-Prodcution or Press Launch cars become available, if in immaculate condition, of course, we do try to grab hold of them, and we managed to buy this very early Press Launch example about 7 years ago now
First registered in August '98 when the Press launch was in September and the Public launch in the UK wasn't until the end of November and for the rest of the World it was held back until 1999
This is one of the VOA cars used specifically for the re-run of the Hannibal trip across the Alpes 2000 years ago
The trip was undertaken to highlight the brilliant off road capabilities of these updated series 2 Discoveries
Much positive press was generated as well as the opportunity to advertise the expedition under the Best 4x4xFar banner
Our VOA came to us through a well known CVC expert (the prototype registration number for the P38 Range Rover's) who had owned the Discovery previously for over a year or so
As mentioned above, when we were offered the chance to buy her we snapped it up and were staggered at how good the car was / still is
It is the top of the range ES version (twin electric sunroofs, electric seats, leather trim, 7 seats, air conditioning, alloy wheels, Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade, seat heaters etc etc) and runs the lovely 4.0 litre petrol V8. A really smooth and powerful engine, which makes the car so refined - exactly the same specification as we always used to order when new (recently upgraded - see below)
She also has a Tow hitch with electrics, mud flaps all rounds, spare wheel cover, side steps and roof rails
We were very surprised when one of our sons decided he wanted to change his MB BGT and upgrade to the Discovery - again bringing back memories of family journey's through France as a youngster
Whilst in his care, we have serviced her each year and re-applied under seal to keep her underside as good as the top half
The mileage at that time was 83.000 (complete service book pack and invoices validate all her history since new) belies her condition - if she was 36.000 you've believe it
The interior is in mint condition, as is the exterior - really, really mint and not to be confused with just a good example
There is the original instruction manual, a period brochure and a laminated print out of the Hannibal Trip too
Since our son used her we again sold her to a Land Rover collector and in his care we have serviced her at all times, until about 6 months ago, when we were commissioned to upgrade her driving capabilities
After 4 months of hard work we have completed the following upgrades:-
Our favourite John Eales 4.6 litre engine with 255 bhp & 301 ft \ lbs torque
This engine gives extreme toruque at very low revs and makes mid range acceleration astonishing
Hand made extra capacity aluminium radiator with twin electric fans
Fully rebuilt 4 speed automatic gearbox
Sports suspension to all four corners, with coil springs & shock absorbers
Braking system to cope with the extra power via cross drilled discs, rad calipers & uprated pads
Stainless steel exhaust system to give that deep throated roar and superb burble at idle
Land Rover Spot Lamps for unlit country road on the correct Land Rover lamp bar
In all just about £30.000 worth of work carried out and yet she looks unfettered by these changes, so as not to upset her original underpinnings as an Original Press demonstrator
Only just run-in now, she must be the best Discovery II ES anywhere
One for a collector or one for everyday use - you choose.
