Future Classic Friday: Land Rover Discovery 3

Everything will become a classic one day (maybe...) but sometimes it's hard to see a particular car as anything other than a regular used machine. But the Land Rover Discovery 3's time has come.

Launched in 2004, the third generation of Discovery was the first to use a whole new structure - the first two models were based on the chassis of the original 1970 Range Rover and were woefully outdated.

Instead of a separate chassis, as per the original models, the Disco 3 used a modular monocoque, with the body sections still mounted on a separate chassis but in a way that contributed to the body’s lateral stiffness.

It was neither separate nor a monocoque, but an amalgamation of the two. 

The Discovery 3, or LR3 as it was sold outside the UK, was a hugely important car for Land Rover, using a new 2.7-litre V6 diesel co-developed with PSA (and subsequently proven to be a bit problematic) as well as new body and electrical architecture that was a seismic leap forward from the previous model.

In addition, the erstwhile mechanical differential lock and low-range gears were replaced by an electronic ‘Terrain Response’ system, which left Land Rover traditionalists crying into their real ale.

Then there was the styling - a huge departure from the past, albeit retaining the Discovery’s profile, but one that gave Land Rover a new family face that’s still evident in its model range today. 

To drive, the Discovery 3 was a revelation - smooth, refined and one of the first SUVs to offer genuinely impressive handling.

it was also a model that took Land Rover from being cool but crude into being cool and contemporary. Love it or loathe it, it’s a car with a great legacy and its historical importance comes without any doubt. Find a Land Rover Discovery 3 for sale