Highlights
- Two owners from new
- Rare Autobiography spec
- Full service history
The Appeal
Soon after the launch of the P38 Range Rover, the Autobiography programme was introduced to allow a myriad of personalisation options to owners of the top SE and HSE variants. This included bespoke colours, upgraded interior trim and an expensive rear entertainment option, all of which we see here.
With only two owners from new, this example is finished in very desirable Autobiography British Racing Green and is complemented by Mondial wheels. While the bodywork is showing its age a little, a full service history and well-preserved interior mean that any investment in cosmetic improvements should reap rewards. With values of P38’s on the up, now would be a great time to get bidding.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new 29 August 1997
- Just two owners from new
- Full service history
- File of invoices
- Owner’s manuals
- Supplied with fresh MOT
- V5 present
The Interior
- Lightstone leather with green piping
- Autobiography rear seat entertainment
- Upgraded Alpine head unit with fold out screen
- Burr Walnut fascia
- New headlining
The Autobiography treatment was designed to appeal to customers who were looking for a more upmarket feel to their Range Rover and that’s still apparent in the cabin today with soft leather, a Burr walnut dash and all the toys. The upholstery and switchgear has fared very well with only light wear in evidence and the appearance is lifted by a new headlining.
The numerous buttons are all said to work and there’s no warning lights on the dash save for the indication that the suspension is set to the highest setting. Passengers in the back benefit from the rear seat entertainment package which was a hugely expensive option in its day. Overall, it’s a credit to its previous owners.
The Exterior
- Autobiography British Racing Green metallic paint
- Desirable Mondial wheels
- Some fading to roof
- Genuine light guards
- Tow bar
- Roof bars
- New front tyres
Finished in the Autobiography-specific shade of British Racing Green with Autobiography graphics and Mondial wheels, this is a Range Rover that will blend in for the masses and draw the eye of the cognoscenti. The paintwork has faded slightly on the roof and there are some areas of lacquer peel that are shown in the photos. But, from ground level, the excellent wheels and otherwise generally smart paintwork draw the eye and it looks suitably presentable.
The bodywork is all straight save for a small dent just ahead of the nearside rear light that will be pulled out prior to the sale and it’s fully accessorised with factory light guards, roof bars and a towbar. The front tyres have been recently replaced and the rears have good tread.
The bumpers have been repainted and there are no chips, scratches or rust that were picked up on.
The bumpers have been repainted and there are no chips, scratches or rust that were picked up on.
The Mechanics
- 4.6litre V8
- Automatic gearbox
- Air suspension manual inflation valve conversion
The current high riding appearance has been set up by inflating the air suspension to the desired level by the use of manual inflation valves, a common fix for the electronic alternative which provides less scope for failure. The engine bay is very original but there are reportedly no leaks evident and there’s no smoke from the exhaust at start up or under load.
The seller reports that this Range Rover drives exactly as it should, too, with the torquey V8 pulling well with a suitably rich exhaust note. The gears engage smoothly and braking is up to standard for a P38. In all, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
A rare, highly specified P38 Autobiography that, with some attention, should only increase in desirability over the coming years.
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