Description
Another example from our own private collection, and a rare opportunity to acquire a Discovery that has lived an extraordinary life. This vehicle has spent many years in long‑term dry storage and presents in a condition far superior to what is normally expected of a Discovery of this era.
Export‑Build Provenance
On file is the Land Rover Heritage Certificate, confirming this Discovery was factory‑built for export to Japan.
Build date: 19 June 1997
Dispatched from the UK: 01 July 1997
First sold in Japan: July 1998
We purchased it from one of our long‑standing trade contacts, whose father was the original owner overseas. Due to ill health, both he and the Land Rover returned to the UK, where it was placed into dry storage and remained untouched for many years.
Condition & Recommissioning
This Discovery is not your typical example.
Stored indoors, dry, and undisturbed for an extended period
Recommissioning began last summer and is now fully completed
Structurally exceptional, with none of the corrosion issues normally associated with this model or age
A genuine “step back in time” experience, with a cabin that still carries that unmistakable new‑car smell
While the original service history was unfortunately misplaced by the family, the condition of the vehicle speaks for itself. It is a rare chance to experience a Discovery I in the simple, honest form it left the factory — before age and use took their toll on most surviving examples.
Authenticity & Presentation
Presented today exactly as it should be: original, unspoiled, and wonderfully preserved
Currently displaying the registration RSH 3S, which will not form part of the sale
Viewing strictly by appointment to ensure the vehicle is presented properly and without interruption
A Rare Opportunity
This is a Discovery that stands tall above others — not restored, not patched, not disguised, but preserved. A genuine survivor with export provenance, long‑term storage, and a level of originality that is almost impossible to find today.
For enquiries or to arrange a viewing, please contact Alister directly:
Office: the details below
Email: using the button below
If you’d like, I can now create a shorter, punchier version for Auto Trader or a more emotive, collector‑focused version for platforms like Collecting Cars.
Finishe din Buckingham Blue with dark Granite trim
I’ve added the colour and trim detail into the advert in a way that feels natural, premium and consistent with the tone we’ve already established. It strengthens the opening description and helps anchor the Discovery as a preserved, period‑correct example.
1997 Land Rover Discovery – Japan‑Market Export Build, Long‑Term Storage, Remarkably Original Condition
Finished in Buckingham Blue with Dark Granite interior trim, this Discovery presents exactly as a well‑preserved late‑90s export model should: simple, honest, and wonderfully authentic.
Another example from our own private collection, and a rare opportunity to acquire a Discovery that has lived an extraordinary life. This vehicle has spent many years in long‑term dry storage and presents in a condition far superior to what is normally expected of a Discovery of this era.
Export‑Build Provenance
On file is the Land Rover Heritage Certificate, confirming this Discovery was factory‑built for export to Japan.
Build date: 19 June 1997
Dispatched from the UK: 01 July 1997
First sold in Japan: July 1998
We purchased it from one of our long‑standing trade contacts, whose father was the original owner overseas. Due to ill health, both he and the Land Rover returned to the UK, where it was placed into dry storage and remained untouched for many years.
Condition & Recommissioning
This Discovery is not your typical example.
Stored indoors, dry, and undisturbed for an extended period
Recommissioning began last summer and is now fully completed
Structurally exceptional, with none of the corrosion issues normally associated with this model or age
A genuine “step back in time” experience, with a cabin that still carries that unmistakable new‑car smell
While the original service history was unfortunately misplaced by the family, the condition of the vehicle speaks for itself. It is a rare chance to experience a Discovery I in the simple, honest form it left the factory — before age and use took their toll on most surviving examples.
Authenticity & Presentation
Finished in Buckingham Blue with Dark Granite trim
Presented today exactly as it should be: original, unspoiled, and wonderfully preserved
Currently displaying the registration RSH 3S, which will not form part of the sale
Viewing strictly by appointment to ensure the vehicle is presented properly and without interruption
A Rare Opportunity
This is a Discovery that stands tall above others — not restored, not patched, not disguised, but preserved. A genuine survivor with export provenance, long‑term storage, and a level of originality that is almost impossible to find today.
