Land Rover Discovery 1
About The Discovery 1
The Discovery 1 made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989 and launched in the UK in October 1989. Masterminded by Dave Evans, Mike Sampson, Richard Bartlam, Mike Brogan, Mehmet Ozoturk and Alan Sheppard it was designed as a more affordable alternative to the Range Rover. As the first iteration of the Discovery Series, the Discovery 1 featured many similarities to the Range Rover including the same chassis, suspension and four wheel drive system.
The points of difference to this flagship model was the inclusion of a smaller engine and just two side doors initially. Alongside this, the vehicle featured a longer rear than the Range Rover and more space for luggage. To accommodate the optional third row of jump seats, the spare wheel was instead fitted to the exterior of the chassis and attached to the side-swinging rear door. Similarly, to create sufficient headroom, the roof at the rear of the vehicle was raised and a safari side window cluster added.
Because of these key points of difference, the Discovery boasted a whole new silhouette. It was heavily touted as a car that could be used off-road as well as on your daily commute, and marketed at middle class families due to its design and affordability.
In its composition, inspiration for the Discovery 1 was taken heavily from other Rover Group cars. For example, as well as using several Range Rover body panels, it also featured highlights from the Freight Rover van and taillights from the Maestro van.
Chassis & Exterior
The Land Rover Discovery 1 was originally a 3 door model with five fitted seats. However, as the vehicle gained popularity, different body styles were introduced. For example, from 1990, the Discovery 1 was available as a 5 door vehicle, still with the option of two jump seats in the boot.
In 1992, the vehicle was made available with an automatic gearbox on 200di models and the ‘SE’ pack was introduced. This featured alloy wheels, front driving lights, roof bars, and a special range of metallic colour options.
In terms of the engine, initially the Discovery was available with either a 2.5 litre 200 Tdi engine or the 3.5 litre Rover V8. While a 2.0 litre petrol engine was briefly introduced to the 2.0 litre Mpo l4, this was a short lived addition to the Discovery 1 series due to a lack of power and changes in UK tax laws.
The four wheel drive system of the Discovery featured both a high and low range transfer box and locking centre differential. The Series 1 model which launched in Australia in 1991 was slightly different in as much as it featured a five-speed manual gearbox.
Interior & Design
The interior of the Discovery 1 was designed by Conran Design Group and won a British Design Award in 1989. It featured ‘Sonar Blue’ upholstery and plastic alongside the same switchgear and instruments from other Rover Group cars. Other features also included magazine holders, remote radio controls, removable sunroof panels, and a removable Land Rover storage holdall located in the front centre console.
Much like the exterior, the interior also evolved over the years. Two years following its launch, the interior colour choice was expanded to include traditional beige as well as the ‘Sonar Bue’ upholstery. A range of new exterior colours were also introduced.
Key Vehicle Changes
1994 was the year in which the most changes were made to the first vehicle in what was to become the Discovery series.
Both the 200Tdi and 3.5 L V8 engines were replaced with 2.5 L 300Tdi 4-cylinder and 3.9-litre Rover V8 engines respectively. As well as this, a more resilient and tougher R380 gearbox was introduced to manual models.
For the exterior, the original headlights were swapped out for larger versions and a second set of lights were also added to the rear bumper.
The Discovery 1 Worldwide
The Discovery didn’t reach the US until 1994. To comply with US safety regulations, the vehicle was fitted with airbags, and in North America the 3.9 litre V8 engine was originally used before being replaced with the 4.0 litre version.
In Japan, the Discovery 1 was rebadged as the Honda Crossroad as part of a cross-holding relation with Honda.
Special editions of the Discovery 1 were also available worldwide throughout the 90’s, including models such as The Country Life (Switzerland). Freestyle (France), Sunseeker (Germany) and Camel Trophy (Japan).
Special UK editions were named Goodwood, Horse and Hound, Argyll, Aviemore, Anniversary 50, and Safari.
