Headlights and world journeys

  • The first Discoverys shared their headlights with the Freight Rover van, and shared their rear lights with the Austin Maestro van. Very early examples were built with tail-lights carrying the Austin-Rover logo, but were replaced by the Land Rover oval when volume production got under way.

  • During the development phase of the Discovery 3, 75 prototypes were taken to "the four corners of the Earth" to test the capabilities of the model.

  • The side graphics of the original three-door Discoverys were very fashionable in the late 1980s and are now a distinguishing feature of the early models. They changed in 1992 and after 1994 were phased out to reflect a change in car 'fashion'.

  • The famous Camel Trophies of the 1990s saw the Discovery tackle the so-called 'Olympics of 4x4'. Specially prepared examples were used as the crew vehicles for the eight years from 1990 to 1997.

  • In 1993, Land Rover Special Vehicles used the three-door body shell to create the Discovery Commercial or 'van' derivative.

  • To mark Land Rover's 60th anniversary in 2008, 60 vehicles were donated to the British Red Cross Society and its sister national societies around the world.

  • Among the options of the first Discoverys was a shoulder bag trimmed to match the seats of your vehicle, and which could be attached to the centre console. These bags now command a high premium with enthusiasts.

  • Since its launch in 2004, Discovery 3 has won 111 awards.

  • Discovery 3 and Discovery 4 have electronically controlled all-independent air suspension, which delivers a superb on-road ride and improves off-road ability. The first two generations of Discovery had beam axles with coil springs ? although self-levelling air springs were fitted to the rear of top-model Series IIs.

  • The longest first-generation Discoverys built at the Land Rover factory had a 116-inch wheelbase and were designed as fast-response paramedic ambulances.

  • A Discovery 3 was the four millionth Land Rover to leave the production lines on 8th May 2007 and was donated to one of Land Rover's key conservation sponsors ? the Born Free Foundation.

  • Between 1994 and 1996, the Discovery was sold in Japan as the Honda Crossroad. It wore the badges of the Rover Group?s then business partner, but was otherwise identical to the standard product.

  • Discovery was the first Land Rover programme to fully utilise CAD technology. The exterior of the Discovery was fully surfaced in CAD to enable prove out models and tooling to be created. The interior was created in a wire frame format in CAD.

  • A light and airy interior has always been a Discovery trademark. Deep windows and Alpine lights in the roof have been a constant feature since the beginning.

  • The original project code name for Discovery was Project Jay. This was because of the naming policy put in place by Alan Edis to enhance prototype secrecy ? projects were named in alphabetical order, following bird and animal themes.