Motoring: Question of speed

I should have used the Discovery 3 to tow an ancient and heavy horse-trailer loaded with well over a ton of logs. Its V6 direct-injection diesel, with plenty of low-end torque, would have smiled; in low ratio first, on rough ground, it pulls it on tickover. But I felt it was time the 39-year-old Series 3 Land Rover — 2,286cc petrol, straight four — had a run-out.

All went swimmingly — if snails can swim — until the last hill before home, half a mile of steeply ascending bends. I had hoped to do it in second — the queue behind already stretched out of sight — but by the last bend that valiant old engine was losing breath. I’d have to get down to first and that, as anyone familiar with Series Land Rovers will know, usually means stopping because there’s no synchromesh to slot you into bottom gear.  Even then, would it pull away again on that uncompromising gradient? Or would I have to go down to low ratio? If it came to that they’d be announcing the queue behind me on the Six O’clock News.