Land Rover Discovery I 4.0 V8 Aut. ‘1997

Chassis nr. SALJY1242TA166756
First registration 4 February 1997, imported and registered in Finland 01/2007.
4-liter Rover V8, ZF four-speed automatic transmission
7-seater
Savarin White, light leather upholstery
Modern audio system and soundproof
Odometer 183,000 Ml
Restored 2021-2023.
19,900 €

After the Range Rover introduced in 1970, the next new Land Rover model was waited for no less than 19 years. In 1989, Land Rover presented the all-new Discovery at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car designed under the code name Project Jay was designed especially for buyers who dream of a spacious family car with off-road capabilities. In 20 years, the Range Rover had taken its place as a luxury SUV, but the Discovery’s purpose was to challenge the competitive middle class of SUVs and Japanese challengers such as Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero. Land Rover succeeded in its goal and the futuristic Discovery became a classic from the moment it was born.

The recipe for an off-road capable family car borrowed ingredients from the Range Rover: Separate chassis, permanent four-wheel drive and transfer gearbox with central differential lock. In the design of the Discovery, special attention was paid to the practical interior spaces, which were designed by the external design agency Conrad Design. Parts of the body, such as the door frames, were also borrowed from the Range Rover, and the rear part of the car’s body was extended to allow for a larger trunk.

Land Rover also relied on power with the Discovery, and you could choose either a turbodiesel or Rover’s V8 as the engine. The two-liter four-cylinder Rover engine was also in the selections for certain markets. At first, the fuel for the V8 was dosed by double carburettors, later by electrically controlled injectors from Lucas and Gems. The engine displacement increased during the facelift in 1994 from 3.5 liters to 4 liters and the 200tdi turbodiesel was updated to the 300tdi, and for the first time a diesel automatic Land Rover became available.

When the choice fell on the V8, there was no need to compromise on comfort or performance in an off-road capable family car. This Land Rover Discovery in question represents the last models of the first generation and is equipped with a “Soft Dash” dashboard, a 4.0 liter Rover V8 and an automatic transmission. The car’s equipment also includes ABS brakes, airbags and two additional seats in the trunk. The festive equipment also includes light full leather upholstery, panorama- and alpine windows and original sidesteps.

The car was first registered on February 4, 1997 and imported as a expat -vehicle and registered in Finland in 2007.

During the years 2021-2023, the car has been thoroughly restored: The body and frame of the car have been restored and the body has been painted in the original shade of white. The body’s protection moldings have been completely renewed, as have the headlight covers. The car’s brakes and tires have been renewed. The rims have been restored.

The seats has been completely reupholstered in light leather. A modern sound reproduction system is installed in connection with the upholstery. The sound insulation of the car has also been improved and doorcards and dashboard refurbished.

The engine has been opened, and seals, hoses and ignition parts have all been renewed. During spring 2023  hydraulic valve lifters, camshaft, camchain, connecting rod bearings, oil pump gears and water pump were renewed. The car’s engine runs smooth and beautifully and works perfectly.

The car is absolutely stunning. The engine and gearbox work great and the car really is both perky and comfort to drive. Discovery has been Mot/Tüv inspected in October 2022 and is ready to discover new adventures.

The car is located in Vantaa, 30 minutes from Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

Views by appointment only.

Worldwide shipping with generous rates.