Having established itself as the leading brand in the full-size leisure SUV sector of the market with the Mk 1 and 2 versions of the Discovery, Land Rover brought itself kicking and screaming into a modern new era with the Discovery 3.
Now under the ownership of Ford, Land Rover released the highly-anticipated third generation of its best-seller in late 2004. It was a Discovery design revolution - an entirely new vehicle underneath its surface, but retaining some of its classic exterior features. It had a unique modular construction – essentially a monocoque, but with various body sections that could be removed to give the same benefits as a separate chassis.
The stepped roof remained, as did the reverse C-pillars and the steep angled windscreen. The driving position was also raised into its now familiar command driving position, providing a full unobstructed view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Two engines were offered – a rare BMW-sourced 4.4-litre petrol V8, and Ford’s own 2.7-litre TDV6 turbodiesel, which was perfect for the model, complete with a choice of six-speed auto or manual transmissions.
Inside, the vehicle’s infotainment was given a major upgrade and the familiar flexible seven-seat layout remained, however passengers in row three now entered via the rear passenger doors, rather than the tailgate as they had done previously.
One radical feature added to the Discovery 3 was its fully independent air suspension. This system allowed the vehicle to be both raised and lowered to adjust ground clearance - high ground clearance for off-road performance, providing extra stability to the vehicle, and a lower clearance for higher on-road speeds. This was in line with Discovery’s original utilitarian brief for both on and off-road performance, while the biggest technical advance was its Terrain Response system.
This example is one of the earliest known survivors – a ‘54’-plate car first registered in early 2005. It’s a clean, smart and genuine example in smart condition, and in generally good working order. It’s also quite rare in being equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, as most were automatic.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT October 2024
Service and repair history unknown, but has been serviced ahead of sale by vendor
Two keys
Vendor informs us the vehicle currently displays an electronic handbrake module fault and needs a break service including pads.
The Condition
Finished in desirable Zambezi Silver, which really suits the model
Very smart overall order with only a few small marks
Original alloy wheels with minimal damage
Bodywork has a few very small scratches and marks but presents very well overall with no notable damage
Underside appears sound with some light surface corrosion in places
All glass in good order
All correct badges and trim
Doesn’t appear to have ever been fitted with a towbar but does have electric sockets behind detachable rear panel
Smart Charcoal cloth interior
Minor wear to driver’s seat base and bolster, but no rips or tears
Stereo works fine but is missing a couple of buttons
Very slight drop to headlining
Some small scuffs and marks to door cards but no notable damage
Interior is clean, fresh and well-presented overall
Flat-folding twin rear seats
Split tailgate
Climate control
Electric windows all-round
Heated seats
The Mechanics
2,675cc V6 diesel
Six-speed manual transmission with low range and Terrain Response, all working as it should
Air suspension with multiple height settings
Starts and runs well with very smooth idle and light clutch and gearbox
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Whilst ****Car & Classic check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and so you are strongly advised to obtain a full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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More about buying with us
2005 Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7 TDV6 S Manual
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