・Top-spec P38a diesel

・Low mileage for year

・Rare and appealing colour scheme

・MOT until March 2022

Replacing an icon is never an easy task, but that was what Rover Group was faced with in the early 1990s when the original Range Rover was well and truly past its sell-by date. 

In its 24-year life, the classic Range Rover had gone from being a more comfortable alternative to a Land Rover to being a yuppie icon. A status symbol of the upwardly mobile 1980s that was as happy plugging through the mud as it was cruising around Kensington. The replacement had to get that balance just right, as well as move the Range Rover further upmarket, with the recently launched Discovery now catering for the more leisure-oriented market.

But with a limited budget, Land Rover had its work cut out. The P38a (an internal code named after the drawing office where it was conceived) was built out of necessity on the existing Range Rover chassis, but with the addition of electronic air suspension to make it more dynamically competent. It was also pitched much higher upmarket, with all but the base trim sporting leather trim.

At launch, the P38a used Rover’s venerable V8, enlarged to 4.0 or 4.6-litres. It was originally destined to also use the 300 TDI diesel, but when BMW bought Rover in 1994 the first thing it did was swap it for BMW’s 2.5-litre six, as found in the 325 and 525 TDS, suggesting that the smoothness of the extra two cylinders was more suited to a luxury model, though in reality the BMW unit offered little in the way of extra power. Smooth it was, though.

And that’s what we have here. A 1998 2.5 DHSE, which was the highest spec diesel launched in October 1998 ready for the 1999 model year, and distinguishable from lesser models by its colour coded bumpers and larger alloys. 

First registered in North Wales, S137 OCC spent much of its life in the Staffordshire Moorlands before its current owner acquired it earlier this year. There isn’t a huge amount of history beyond that, but it’s clear from the overall condition that it has been well looked after.

The vendor is a car collector who is working his way through a list of 1980s and 1990s cars he wants to own, so having had his fun with the P38 he’s making room in his collection to make storage space for something else. 

Included with the Range Rover are a current V5C and an MOT valid until March 2022, which it passed with minor advisories. It doesn’t appear from the MOT history to have ever needed welding.

There’s also a VOSA printout documenting its previous MOT history.

The P38a looks resplendent in Oxford Blue, which really has to be one of the best colour options for the model. 

It’s a handsome brute, and sits well on its smart 10-spoke alloys. The DHSE, incidentally, came with smaller wheels than the HSE petrol due to the final drive ratio, while another tell-tale that this is a diesel and not a petrol is the lack of front fog lights. Oil-burning P38s didn’t get them as the oil cooler sits in the way.

Overall, this is a really smart and tidy example, with no major bodywork horrors, while the sills, chassis and floors appear to be in very sound order from what we could see by rolling on the floor.

There are a couple of areas of alloy corrosion, with small bits on both nearside door bottoms and a tiny amount on the other side, as well as the very first hint of alloy corrosion on the lower tailgate just above the bumper. None of this is going to be difficult to put right, though, and the structural condition appears excellent. 

Also fitted are original accessory light guards, though one of the rear ones has a bar missing if you’re fussy. Other options include side steps and rear privacy glass, as you’d expect from a top-of-the-range Range. 

It’s the cabin that really makes this example shine. Most dark-coloured P38s have either tan or grey leather, but this one has pure black seats with matching leather door cards. The cabin oozes class, and it’s all in great condition with no major signs of wear.

The original radio is fitted (and sought after by P38 enthusiasts), while it also comes with working cruise control and air con. The only real fault we could find was one of the rear electric windows isn’t functioning properly – a minor glitch on an otherwise superb scorecard.

We were able to conduct a short test drive of the Range Rover and can confirm that it’s a delight to drive. The all-important electronic air suspension operates as it should, as does the five-speed automatic transmission in both high and low ratios. The vendor also reports that the brake discs and pads have all just been changed. 

The driving position is commanding, the captain’s chair driver’s seat offering sumptuous levels of comfort and a great view out over the Range Rover’s vast bonnet. It’s not quick, though. If you want rapid, go for a 4.6 V8 and watch the money drain from your wallet. Use the long travel accelerator pedal to its fullest extent, though, and the P38 picks up speed competently, accompanied by a lovely six-cylinder whoosh as it gathers momentum. 

The DHSE is also a pretty competent motorway cruiser – what it lacks for in being rapid round town, it makes up for in high speed refinement and having plenty in reserve when travelling at the legal limit. 

There are a few things that make this P38a stand out. First, there’s its overall condition, which is largely very, very good. Sort out the minor cosmetic blemishes and you’ll have a really handsome example that looks as good inside as it does out.

Then there’s the fact it’s a top spec example, with the trimming that come with it. It’s a really plush place to sit and enjoy a commanding driving experience, with oodles of presence, character and practicality. And with just 110k on the clock, it’s barely run-in compared to other P38s of its vintage. 

Plus, the air suspension works, as does the often troublesome alarm and immobiliser system so there are no frighteners there. 

This is a great opportunity to grab a classy and good-looking example of a rapidly appreciating modern classic. 

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here