﹒Only two owners from new

﹒Last year of P38 production

﹒Renewed Air Suspension system

Following the success of the original Range Rover (often referred to as the Range Rover Classic) was always going to be a tricky task for Land Rover, but they pulled it off with aplomb. Christened the ‘P38’ the second generation of Range Rovers have earned themselves a reputation as being rugged and adaptive, and can be used as anything from farm transport like the first Range Rovers to executive transport. 

Produced from 1994 - 2001, the P38 built upon the success of the Classic, refining and updating various features along the way. The bodywork, for example, no longer looked like something from the 1970s, and in fact still looks respectably modern today. The air suspension setup (EAS) was also upgraded, and featured four manually-selectable height settings, along with an automatically-deployed ‘off-road extended’ setting, which was only activated by the vehicle in the event of the chassis becoming beached. 

With the upgraded construction techniques also removing the P38’s susceptibility to rust that was found in the Classic, these hardy off-roaders can still be found all across the UK, in both urban and rural areas. They also have the distinction of being the last generation of Range Rover to be offered with a manual transmission and a classic transfer box.

This particular example is a 2001 Range Rover HSE fitted with the 4.0-litre V8 engine. Not only is it from the last year of P38 production, thereby incorporating all the refinements learnt throughout production, but the 4.0 engine was also regarded as the more reliable powerplant, making this Range Rover a very attractive proposition indeed. 

Purchased by the vendor in 2014 from the original owner on 117,000 miles, the car has been used  sparingly throughout the last 7 years as a second car, and during this time has always been well maintained with an annual service and MOT when required. During its current ownership, the air suspension system has been replaced with an original factory OEM part, to ensure continued reliability.

Accompanying the car is a wealth of paperwork detailing work done, including fitting of standard consumables such as tyres, etc. 

Thanks to the relatively basic nature of the Range Rover’s 4.0 V8, a majority of the servicing work has been carried out by the vendor and previous owners themselves, therefore there is no official service history with the vehicle. However, the vendor always had a minor service carried out at the same time as the MOT, with invoices and paperwork to show this.

Present is the V5 showing 1 former keeper before the vendor, a handbook, spare key, and a variety of old MOT certificates to help trace the history and condition of the car throughout the years.

The first thing that will strike you upon stepping into the Range Rover’s surprisingly luxurious interior is just how modern it looks. This is a car that is knocking on the door of 20 years old, yet the interior design could still hold its own, with a tangible feel of high-quality components and well thought-out design. 

The interior is certainly beginning to show some signs of use, but generally presents in good condition throughout. The major issue would be with the headliner, which is beginning to sag towards the rear of the car. Otherwise, there are only minor problems with the interior, such as the driver’s seat bolster beginning to split and show signs of wear, and some small marks to the top of the drivers door card. 

 
Being a HSE, all the normal comfort items you would expect are present, including an electric tilt/slide sunrood, cruise control and a Harmon Kardon radio cassette, with accompanying CD Changer in the boot. The correct rubber over-mats are present throughout the vehicle, while there are no known electrical faults or warning lights to worry about.

 

It’s clear that although this Range Rover has been used sparingly for the last few years, the exterior hasn’t always been cared for as well as the interior or mechanicals. There are a number of expected age-related marks around the body, which is commonplace on a car of this age. 

Along with these, there are also a number of small dents, minor lacquer peel on the mirrors, and signs of bubbling on both rear wheel arches. The front offside light also has a large stone chip in it, but everything has been photographed in detail, which can be seen in the gallery below.

The wheels are in great condition, however, with only a couple of very minor marks on the rear offside wheel.  

While it certainly looks smart from a distance and still fits in perfectly both around town and in the countryside, this is certainly no concours car.

Underneath the Range Rover shows signs of the usual surface oxidisation, though the only noted item in the most recent MOT pass which took place on 19 February 2021 was a corroded nearside rear brake pipe. 

In its current ownership, the car has had the air suspension system replaced with an OEM item, along with a new starter motor, new battery, and the original radio has been repaired. 

Starting first time with no signs of excess smoke or hesitation, it is clear that this Range Rover is ready to be put to work by its next owner, and comes with a long MOT certificate.

With Range Rover Classic prices skyrocketing in recent years, they have lost their appeal as usable, yet recognisable classics. Next, it will be the P38’s turn, so if you’re looking for an affordable way into P38 ownership, coupled with the desirable 4.0-litre engine, then this could be just the ticket. 

Fitting in everywhere from Mayfair to Malmesbury, the P38 Range Rover is both elegant and rugged, and will tackle just about any situation you throw at it.



Notice to bidders