Not only farmers had appreciated the practicality of the new SUV. First generation Land Rover was used as military light utility vehicle in several countries. Military experts have recognized the reliability and versatility of Land Rover. Delivery of these vehicles to the armed forces of foreign countries had become an important part of the company’s business.
In March 16, 1987 Range Rover become available to American market. Standard configuration included air conditioner, cruise control, ZF 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as electric moon roof. One could order optional crystal wine glass set and wooden picnic trays for all three passengers and waterproof cover for expensive leather backseat.
In the mid-80s Land Rover engineers and designers were working on vehicle, intended for a family car market segment. It was decided to use a Range Rover wheel base with a simpler and less expensive body. The result of hard work on the project was the Land Rover Discovery, presented on 16 September 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Discovery was for Land Rover’s pioneer project for a new market segment of all-wheel drive cars.