Story and History

1998 Land Rover Discovery 2 ES V8 - Prototype Press Launch Vehicle

What a really nice opportunity to own one of these pre-production Discoveries

Couldn't refuse really

A nice, early car registered in August '98 when the 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 capabilites 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 for the last year

When offered the chance we snapped it up and were staggered at how good the car is

We used to own them in period and what attracted us was not just the fabulous colour combination, but also that 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 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

We have carried out a major service, replaced discs and pads, tailgate hinge, re-gased the excellent air conditioning, changed the rear sunroof seal, delicately under sealed the car which is completely free from rust and finally detailed the engine bay

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 a complete service history, the original book pack, instruction manual & a period brochure too

Everything works and on the road is a complete joy - we have a parking permit on her and are using her ourselves so the mileage of 80.000 is gradually increasing

A joy to behold and to use as well, we haven't seen a better version sine they were new in the showrooms!