Project "Jay" of the mid-1980s ultimately led to the Discovery, intended to lie between the arguably somewhat agricultural Defender and the upmarket Range Rover.

Launched at Frankfurt in 1989, the Discovery took the market by storm and went on sale in the UK a few months later. Initially only a three-door, within a year or so a five-door version followed.

This is the oldest surviving pre-production Discovery "Jay 5" and was built in 1988. It was one of the test and development fleet for on and off road testing, cold climate and desert heat exposure amongst other things. They were heavily disguised with body camouflage and older number plates – this one was registered as an Austin to divert attention. A shell was also fitted over the roof to hide the raised section and the distinctive side windows, as well as matt black painted around the headlamps and bonnet to break up the lines of the body. Range Rover Rostyle wheels were used until the launch to keep the new style wheels under wraps as well.

On loan to Dunsfold Collection