Thanks to all for the info .... and I travelled a 3 hour drive yesterday and eventually bought it ...

It's not a first edition, (no wood) - is fitted with a drop down DVD screen - with a LR instruction manual so I am pretty sure this means it's a factory fitted one, cooler box in the centre console, sunroof and side steps.

I must confess that on the three hour drive back on heavily congested motorways with hold-ups all the way and traffic continually stop/starting, I didn't get the "wow factor" I was expecting from the car. On a busy M25 sitting looking at the interior which is not - to be honest - not quite as plush feeling as an older shape Vogue SE, it didn't feel that "special". Sure it was extremely quick but it didn't make me smile all the way home, (Even with the adaptive cruise!)

After I got home however, I had to go out again on some A and B roads ... which is when the grin factor really did set in and suddenly it lived up to all my high expectations. -

And WOW .... I feel like a kid again. Currently having great fun programming telephone numbers into the voice system, telling the navigation system to zoom in and out ... and last night when I started it up with the headlamps and noticed them do their little "bow" and realised for the first time what adaptive headlamps meant. Amazingly clever, - as they turn left and right as you do, - illuminate the curb when you turn sharply and all that stuff you guys already know ...

It was the night time drive back through the twisting B roads that cemented the smile on my face ... And I'm glad to say the smile's still here this morning! It does go like a rocket and handles (for something that size) like a dream

So thanks again for all the advice

(Must admit though: It does seem that the fuel tank is a bit too small!)

That DVD system was the dealer fit optional one rather than the factory fitted one. If you need any manuals for your new toy then they can be downloaded from the web now. Have fun in it and please post us a few pics of your new pride and joy.
Now you need to get a set of Tasmod's sill protectors and an RRSport.co.uk sticker! 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Tim in Scotland wrote:

That DVD system was the dealer fit optional one rather than the factory fitted one. If you need any manuals for your new toy then they can be downloaded from the web now. Have fun in it and please post us a few pics of your new pride and joy

Should Know Better - I find the s/c drives at its best when the gear selector is moved accross into the "S" sport mode...... the engine blips on change downs and the throttle response is awsome. . . it def brakes better due to engine braking too  
" WITH MORE EXTRAS THAN A HOLLYWOOD EPIC "

Found that out last night

Last dumb question: - Is there any difference between a 05 and and 06 model - mine was registered December 05 so wondering if it's a 2005 or 2006 model ?

all the 1st ones [ 05 , 55 , 06 ] were classed as 06 model year ....... and all same stuff onboard. However later in 06 - the 07 model year was launched - then we get some extra equipment, such as one shot passenger window switch - clock in the instrument binacle and motorised closure of tailgate - which is a let down and not the full monty - ie a button press to fully close it - it just pulls the last 4mm in to close. 
" WITH MORE EXTRAS THAN A HOLLYWOOD EPIC "

2006 model was available from sept 2005
2007 from aug 2006
2008 from june 2007 just look in your local showroom

and 8.5 will be available later this year as I understand it  
" WITH MORE EXTRAS THAN A HOLLYWOOD EPIC "

MDP wrote:

... which is a let down and not the full monty

I beg to differ

Kaine - I was waiting for your response , I had forgotten about the oscar winning video  
" WITH MORE EXTRAS THAN A HOLLYWOOD EPIC "

Thanks for that - I can probably live without the tailgate closer and clock ...

But I wonder what's in store for the 8.5 ...