MY AMAZING DISCOVERY 3

I AM answering your request for readers to send pictures of their own vehicles. I have been driving Land Rovers since 1981 when I passed my test in a short wheelbase at RAF St Athan, Cardiff.

They were fine days that started with a DI (Daily Inspection) of your vehicle before you went out for the day with an instructor and co-learner. I think I passed within two weeks, then returned to my base at RAF Stafford, from where I was be able to drive their Mountain Rescue fleet of 109s and later 110s. Later in my career in the RAF Mountain Rescue I had the pleasure of driving Defender 90s, and finally a County Station Wagon – a fantastic beast.

I have personally owned a Discovery 300Tdi, Td5 and, for the past five years, a Discovery 3, which to my mind is the best to date. Okay, I have had some costs – new clutch, turbo and belts – but only one breakdown, which was down to a faulty alternator. With 180,000 miles on the clock I have no issues, no leaks and I have no doubt it is good for 300,000 miles.

I have fitted a Warrior winch behind the front grille and have complete confidence in the reliability and performance of my Discovery 3.

I am sending you a few pictures of my Discovery with my sanity checker in tow (recovering at Conwy Estuary, North Wales).

I look forward to picking up my copy of LRM every month and, if time allows this year, I will try the North Coast 500. Martin Gilmour (via email) Thanks for getting in touch, Martin, and I hope you put your Star Prize (Draper bottle jack) to good use. It’s amazing how many Land Rover enthusiasts became fans after driving them in the armed forces – Ed.