Following almost a decade of continued success since the launch of the original model in 1989, the second generation of the Land Rover Discovery was revealed at the 1998 British International Motor Show ahead of its on-sale date in 1999.
This time, Discovery was now billed not only as a utilitarian vehicle for all purposes, but as an everyday use vehicle, ready for daily family life.
Discovery 2 was both longer and wider than its predecessor, with the sole purpose of creating more interior space. Both ride and handling were improved through the addition of Self-Levelling Suspension and Active Corner Enhancement.
The exterior design was altered with the rear extended to ensure boot space was used to its full potential. The front of the vehicle also changed with the introduction of pocketed headlights, whilst the turn signals were moved to high-side fixtures. The need for more interior comfort meant a revamp for the interior to make it more comfortable.
A new engine was introduced, an in-line five-cylinder 2.5 litre diesel, while the range-topping V8 was upgraded to 4.0-litre unit carried over from the Range Rover P38a.
In May 2004, production on the Discovery 2 ended in preparation for the production of its successor, the revolutionary Discovery 3. This example is a very late example of the breed, first registered in May 2004.
According to the vendor, the Discovery has been in the ownership of one lady owner from new until last year. It has recently been off the road for a three-year period after the previous owner stopped using it and has recently been recommissioned, with a new MOT issued in December.
Boxy, chunky and unmistakably a Discovery, this is a very handsome-looking truck and it looks at its best in Beluga Black.
The overall appearance is good and the outer bodywork is very straight and tidy, though there are a couple of small dents and scuffs, and some minor damage to the front bumper.
The paint is good other than a few small bubbles around the rear tailgate where aluminium oxidation has occurred.
One thing that the next owner might want to do is clean up and wax the rear end of the chassis. It’s a notoriously vulnerable area on Discovery 2s and while this example both feels and appears solid, there is a lot of surface rust that would benefit from being cleaned off and protected properly for the future.
This is a high-spec ‘HSE’ model, which means it’s a seven-seater with smart full leather upholstery and wood detailing.
It’s in largely very smart order, the only detractions being some scuffs to the door cards and some wear to the front armrests where the leather has cracked, as well as wear to the diff lock and handbrake gaiters.
There’s also some drooping to the headliner and some of the fabric has dropped at the front – a very common issue with Discovery 2s. Both sunroofs appear dry and there are no signs of leaks into the cabin.
This is a 4.0-litre V8 – a rare model in right-hand-drive as most British buyers preferred the more frugal Td5 when new.
This one sounds fabulous, as the venerable Rover V8 always does, and runs smoothly with no signs of any obvious faults, holding a steady temperature. It has automatic transmission, which engages forward and reverse gears smoothly, and the power steering and brakes appear sound.
The vendor tells us that it drives well, with no known problems.
Discovery 2s are on the cusp of achieving proper classic appeal and like all Land Rovers have a strong and dedicated following.
This one has the appeal of being a V8, which brings with it great performance, an amazing soundtrack and inherent smoothness, as well as rarity.
It’s also a really highly specified example that’s got the added benefit of luxury on its side.
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NO RESERVE - 2004 Land Rover Discovery V8 HSE
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