A Land Rover Discovery 3 once driven by Jeremy Clarkson during a memorable Top Gear off-road review has survived more than two decades and is now being restored by a new owner in England. The former press car, registered as BX04 CKN, was recently found and purchased by a client of RCM 4×4 Limited, a Land Rover specialist in York, North Yorkshire.
The Discovery 3’s Top Gear Mountain Drive
Top Gear fans may remember the 2004 review in which Clarkson took one of two Discovery 3 SUVs up a Scottish mountain for an extensive off-road test. The challenge was to reach a mountain where no other vehicle had previously climbed.
The Discovery successfully made the ascent, becoming one of the show’s more memorable reviews. In a humorous postscript, Clarkson said he had accidentally taken the SUV’s keys with him while the rest of the team was still filming B-roll and joked that the Discovery had been left on the mountain.
The episode aired in late 2004, but BX04 CKN eventually made its way back down and continued driving for years afterward.
A Former Press Car Survives
BX04 CKN was used in Land Rover press materials, although little was known about its history after its mountain adventure. Eventually, the SUV was found and purchased by a client of RCM 4×4 Limited.
The Discovery was not in the best condition when it was acquired, but it had survived 22 years, including its famous trip up a Scottish mountain. Before restoration began, it appeared to still be running despite its tired condition.
A Discovery 3 Spec Not Offered in the U.S.
The Discovery featured in Clarkson’s off-road segment was paired with another Discovery 3, BX04 CKP, which was used for the show’s on-road filming. After the shoot, BX04 CKN was returned to stock condition, without the nudge bar, winch or all-terrain tires.
The vehicle also had a specification that was not offered in the U.S. It was powered by a 2.7-liter V6 turbodiesel, known as the 2.7 TDV6, producing 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Clarkson also described the Discovery as heavy, with a weight of more than 5,000 pounds. The SUV was not built for outright speed, according to the article.
There is also hope that BX04 CKP will receive a new lease on life. Although it was not the hero car, it appeared on film and remains part of the same automotive history.
Restoring Clarkson’s Discovery 3
RCM 4×4 carried out a frame-off recommissioning, revealing more than 20 years of accumulated dirt and grime. The work also uncovered a significant amount of surface rust, which was caught in time.
The restoration process included fitting the equipment seen and used during Clarkson’s review. The nudge bar was new-old stock, while Devon 4×4 restored the winch.
At the time of writing, the rejuvenation of BX04 CKN was complete, leaving the former Top Gear press car looking ready for another trip up the mountain it conquered 22 years ago.
Back to the Mountain
The new owners plan to take BX04 CKN back to the mountain soon, creating another opportunity to photograph the Discovery at the location associated with its Top Gear appearance.
RCM 4×4 also said the restored Discovery 3 will tour some Land Rover shows, giving enthusiasts in England an opportunity to see the former press car and its connection to automotive television history.
