Marque: Land Rover - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

PAST: Essentially a re-bodied Range Rover and a rearguard action against the Japanese invasion, the Disco did its job well and became a big-seller – despite quality control issues. The original 200 series diesels became the improved 300 series in 1994 and the dull carb-fed V8 was uprated firstly to fuel injection and then to 3.9 litre. The dire 2-litre Mpi petrol model was introduced for the Italian market, but was soon dropped.

PRESENT: All-singing, electric-everything Disco 3 has rather overshadowed past generations, but with fuel prices through the roof and rampant road tax, those who need a comfy, family 4x4 then a kitted mid-‘90s Disco is looking very attractive.

FUTURE: Looking brighter for older cars, given the PC hammering to 4x4s in general. Not likely to become a blue chip investment, though. Price depends very much on spec (auto, leather aircon etc.).

PAST: Curiously, the shorter wheelbase 90 arrived in 1984, after its longer stablemate; curious, because the shorter models have always had more of a following, especially among the younger buyers. The car was instantly a favourite with off-roaders who raved over its new, long-travel suspension and short overhangs. Like the 110, though the interior was recognisably improved (air conditioning was now an option!) it was still quite basic and the seating not the best for those with back problems.

PRESENT: Buying demands care as any 90 is likely to have spent some time climbing impossible gradients – and occasionally coming down the hard way. Check very carefully, especially underneath. Again, the lack of a turbo or four cylinders (diesel/petrol) seriously affects the price and desirability.

FUTURE: Those that can survive will doubtless gain a real classic following – the danger is paying over the odds for what could be a very average example indeed.

PAST: Launched a decade after the original Land Rover, the Series II continued the process of evolution that is now part and parcel of the marque. The body was given some rounded edges to soften the original square appearance and ‘skirts’ were fitted along the sides to tidy things up and hide the exhaust system. Under the bonnet, the bigger 2.3-litre engine provided more oomph. The long wheelbase (still 109in) station wagon was made to carry 12, rather than 10, passengers which neatly sidestepped the thorny issue of purchase tax (as it was then classed as a bus!).

PRESENT: The look is instantly less postwar and better for it. The bigger petrol engine is a further plus, but driving for any distance is still an act of masochism.

FUTURE: Again, quite rare. Rotboxes demand lots of work and cash, restored cars are not cheap as a result. More power makes them slightly more practical though.

PAST: From a distance, the shape was virtually the same as the outgoing model but the headlamps moved outward into the wings (this was also a feature of some late model Series IIA cars) necessitating a revised plastic grille and inside the cabin, the instrument panel was relocated. More importantly, and at long last, a full synchromesh gearbox became available. The 1,000,000th Land Rover was produced in 1976.

PRESENT: The Series III represents the most practical way into pre-modern (90/110) Land Rover ownership; they’re not yet old enough to command monstrous prices, there’s still plenty around and cheap spares are abundant. Moreover, though still not able to perform up to modern standards, they’re less likely to create a four mile tailback. However, the quality of steel used during the strike-ridden1970s is pretty questionable, so check for rust even more than usual. Cabin civility certainly improved with the S3 however.

FUTURE: Buy right and you’ll not regret it as prices are unlikely to fall from the present levels.