• Late-model run-out special
• Beautiful Java Black paint 
• Sumptuously trimmed interior
• Superb runner with comprehensive history

The peril of the difficult second album is something that’s dug its claws into the very concept of creativity for generations. It took The Stone Roses five years to come up with Second Coming, and some people really didn’t like it. And there are countless examples of bands bursting onto the scene with a stellar debut, then struggling to follow it up with something of similar impact; The Strokes, The Clash, Franz Ferdinand, Elastica… it’s a broader condition, known as ‘the sophomore slump’, whereby the second bite of the cherry can lead to disaster; a footballer’s second season, a student’s second year at college, movie and videogame sequels, it’s all-pervading.

It’s also a load of absolute nonsense. Second outings are an opportunity to up the ante; Nirvana’s Nevermind was better than Bleach, Die Hard 2 was better than Die Hard, and when it comes to the Range Rover P38… well, we don’t want to stir up a hornet’s nest by saying it was better than the iconic original, but as a follow-up goes, it filled those big boots with gusto.

Launched in 1994, the so-called P38 (or P38A – nicknamed for the office building where the development team were based) was offered with a choice of 4.0- and 4.6-litre Rover V8s or a 2.5-litre BMW turbo-diesel straight-six. The electronic air suspension was a clever evolution of that found on the later ‘classic’ Range Rovers, anti-lock braking was available, and the chassis was supremely strong and corrosion resistant.

Production ran until 2001, and in that final year a strictly limited run of 300 run-out models was issued: these took the luxurious Vogue SE spec and added Java Black paint, Lightstone leather, Piano Black wood, Comet alloy wheels, and the Harman Kardon 14-speaker audio system. The Range Rover you see here is one of those run-out specials – beautifully specced, and a proper slice of Land Rover history.

It’s plain to see from the great condition of this Range Rover that it’s been carefully looked after and maintained throughout its life. With a robust and comprehensive service history to back up its impeccable road manners, it’s a late-model rarity that’s now presented to market as a hard-to-find and truly desirable proposition.

The Range Rover comes with a full and detailed service history, keenly demonstrating the care with which it’s always been maintained. It’s interesting to note from the MOT history that the car’s enjoyed very gentle usage over the last decade or so, with the mileage climbing by just a thousand miles or so each year. It’s also evidently been very good at passing MOTs over the years, generally flagging no advisories. The seller will put a new MOT on it before sale, with any potential advisories being fully addressed at their own expense. All of the correct book packs are present, and all the keys.

(Note: Documentation refers to the previous number plates the vehicle had in the past)

The interior is beautifully appointed. Whereas some older Range Rovers are starkly utilitarian, this one keenly demonstrates the bridge between the P38 and the L322 that replaced it, offering sumptuous trim and high levels of equipment. Being the much sought-after run-out special edition of the top-tier Vogue SE, you’ll find tasteful Lightstone leather trim in here, complemented by subtle Piano Black wood accents.

The 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is a devastatingly effective setup, and much like all the other buttons and switches in here, it’s in great working order. A new headlining has recently been fitted, and the air-con blows ice cold. The dials all work correctly, with no warning lights illuminated on the dash. The spare wheel appears as-new, and the correct original toolkit is in place.

It’s a handsome beast, isn’t it? Really, this is the spec you want – the wonderfully malevolent Java Black paint over the attractive Comet six-spoke alloy wheels is a supremely alluring combo.

Furthermore, the condition of the car is exceptional: the front bumper and bonnet have been repainted to eradicate stone-chips, and as such you’d struggle to find a blemish on the exterior of this well-looked-after Range Rover.

We couldn’t spot any scuffs, scratches, dents or dings, and all the panels sit straight and true. Testament to its low mileage and history of careful owners, its handsome profile gives the impression of a much younger car.
The light lenses and window glass are all in good condition, all of the correct trim and badging is in place, and the wheels have recently been professionally refurbished.

The 4.6-litre V8 is a glorious brute of a thing; with modest mileage and a comprehensive service history, it runs great just as you’d expect. It’s recently been treated to a major service, and it’s a very happy motor: it doesn’t leak oil, doesn’t get through excessive amounts of coolant, just gets on with the business of being a strong and trusty mill.

The ZF automatic transmission is notoriously robust, and this one’s in great working order, shifting smoothly and slickly. The Range Rover has been treated to a couple of reassuring remedial works too; there’s a new pump for the air suspension, and it’s also had a new heater matrix and O-rings – a fairly substantial repair of a very common fault, so the new owner won’t need to worry about that.

There are two very clear reasons why you need this exceptional Range Rover in your life.

First of all, just look at it – it’s basically the ultimate spec for a P38, resplendent in desirable options and finishes, and presented very splendidly indeed. And secondly, there’s the incredible tightness and correctness of it; 92,000 miles isn’t a huge number for a 20-year-old Rangie anyway, but this one drives like an example with half that – testament to how carefully it’s been used, maintained and looked after.

A thoroughly modern-feeling P38, which would be equally at home as a daily driver or in a high-end collection.

Notice to bidders

(Photos provided by the seller)