Highlights
- Remarkable condition throughout
- Full service history, MoT to May, 2023
- Below average miles and low owners
The Appeal
Twenty-four years after the introduction of the Range Rover Classic, the P38A was shown to the automotive media in September, 1994 with production commencing shortly after.
The new model included an updated version of Rover’s V8 power plant and offered more equipment and premium trims, deliberately positioning the vehicle above the Land Rover Discovery to face the increased competition in the SUV marketplace.
The new model included an updated version of Rover’s V8 power plant and offered more equipment and premium trims, deliberately positioning the vehicle above the Land Rover Discovery to face the increased competition in the SUV marketplace.
If there is any car that can genuinely be said to be in a class of its own, it is the Range Rover. With its combination of on- and particularly off-round ability and high-end luxury, the many remaining P38A Range Rover examples appear to be well cared for.
This early mid-1995 example of the P38A is most certainly one of those.
This early mid-1995 example of the P38A is most certainly one of those.
History and Paperwork
- Mostly dry-stored and driven, garaged when not in use
- Just four keepers in 27 years
- V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
The car’s data plate suggests that M800 HSE rolled off the Solihull production lines in the first week of May, 1995 and received its first UK registration to David J Medcalf, director of Lavender Hill Garage of Enfield, north London two weeks later on the 17th May.
The current keeper acquired the vehicle in October, 2017 and maintained the car’s excellent condition in the same manner as all the former keepers have evidently done.
In the past ten years, the car has been driven a little over 9,000 miles.
In the past ten years, the car has been driven a little over 9,000 miles.
Accompanying the sale will be the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, an MoT certificate valid to May, 2023, a leather holdall containing the owner’s handbook, the fully-stamped service and maintenance record book and a ‘quick guide to driving controls’ booklet.
In addition, there is a raft of invoice detailing spares acquired and maintenance undertaken over the years to keep the car in its current condition. Of particular interest is the original sales invoice dated 15th May, 1995.
Also evidenced is Land Rover’s recall #A312 of September 1998 which required the cooling system hoses to be replaced, which of course was undertaken with the mileage recorded at 22,662.
Also evidenced is Land Rover’s recall #A312 of September 1998 which required the cooling system hoses to be replaced, which of course was undertaken with the mileage recorded at 22,662.
The Interior
- Fully original throughout
- Elegant leather upholstery
- Tidy and unblemished interior
The original interior presents in excellent condition and is noticeably out of kilter with the vehicles 27 years and 75,000 miles.
There are no evidential signs of wear and tear to the leather seats which is remarkable.
There are no evidential signs of wear and tear to the leather seats which is remarkable.
The door cards, soft furnishing and headlining appear in excellent condition and the custodian reports all the electrics – and there are many on this upper-end HSE variant – to be in good working order, including the switchgear, instruments and front seat settings.
The veneer trim inserts on the dashboard, centre console and doors present in very good condition and show none of the age-related varnish peel or sun bleach sometimes found in cars of this vintage.
It must be noted that there is a tear to the front passenger seatbelt which will require replacement.
It must be noted that there is a tear to the front passenger seatbelt which will require replacement.
The Exterior
- Original Biarritz Blue Metallic (Code 965)
- Brightwork is in exceptional order
- Stunning condition for its 27 years
Wonderfully presented in its rare and exquisite Biarritz Blue Metallic (Code 965) paint finish, this fine Range Rover P38A is indeed a handsome beast.
The paintwork gleams like new and the brightwork around the car is in excellent condition. The original alloys wear a few minor scuffs but are in good condition nonetheless. All of the tyres appear in rude health, too.
Both the front and rear light lenses are clear and show no hint of the sun-bleached fogging usually associated with a car of this age and a cursory glance down each flank of the car reveals no evidence of damage at any time in its 27 years and even the front valance, number plate and under sill – for all their vulnerability – remain blemish free.
All apertures open and close as well as the day it was assembled, plus the sunroof remains full operational and trouble-free.
All apertures open and close as well as the day it was assembled, plus the sunroof remains full operational and trouble-free.
The Mechanics
- Two original keys
- Fully maintained, no expense spared
- A long MoT awaits the new keeper
At the outside photo location, the P38A was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of changeable light at this time of year.
The car started first and every time and settled into an appreciative and throaty burble that only a well-tuned V8 can deliver.
The car started first and every time and settled into an appreciative and throaty burble that only a well-tuned V8 can deliver.
The ZF-sourced 4HP24 automatic four-speed transmission connected smoothly – including reverse – with drive engaging with no drama and requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
As mentioned, the car has been driven less than 9,000 miles since 2012. The custodian reports the car to be in very good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective British engineers intended.
Like the immediately visible parts of this car, the underside and lower sills present in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age and mileage.
Summary
There is little doubt that M800 HSE will be a worthy and enduring addition to any new home willing to keep it in the manner to which it has evidently become accustomed over the past 27 years.
In addition, there is a wealth of information, technical support and comradery available at the UK Range Rover Owners Club, the members of which are as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as they come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
