Highlights

Nicely specced P38 DSE
Extremely smart condition throughout
Upgraded Comet alloys
Air suspension works perfectly

The Appeal

The Range Rover ‘P38a’ is as much of a status symbol today as it was when it was it was new – opulent, well-equipped and exceptionally grand, it’s a car that has earned a huge enthusiast following in the 30 years since it was launched and is a rapidly appreciating modern classic.

With prices of Range Rover Classics going stratospheric, the P38’s moment in the sun is nigh – they’re already creeping up and are only going one way. It’s not surprising either, because as well as being iconic, they’re really quite lovely to drive and have a sense of grandeur about them that few other cars of the era can match.

This one’s a lovely example. A 1998 DSE automatic, it’s finished in appealing White Gold with leather upholstery and quite a sumptuous specification – at the time, the DSE was as posh as a diesel P38 got.

This one was bought by the vendor earlier this year from a fellow Range Rover enthusiast, but he’s recently bought a later L322 and also owns a P38 4.6 Vogue SE, so accepts that one of the Range Rovers has to go.

Overall, it’s a lovely example – there’s no evidence of it ever having needed welding and the door shuts, inner arches and sills are superb.

With P38s being really in vogue at the moment and the best examples getting fewer and further between, this one represents a terrific opportunity for the enthusiast and investor – a grand and stylish old truck in impressive original condition, not perfect, but extremely smart and solid.

The History and Paperwork

UK V5C in the name of the private vendor
MOT February 2025
Never had a corrosion advisory for MOT
Original handbook, wallet and audio systems guide
Service book stamped 13 times to 110k miles – serviced at home by enthusiast owner since, reported to be most recently in April 2024
Original radio code and EKA code (both tested)
Two keys
Scorpion alarm and immobiliser

The Condition

Smart White Gold paint
Late model ‘Comet’ alloy wheels in good overall condition with minor defects
Good overall paint finish with no major flaws but a few minor chips and scuffs, as detailed in photographs
One small dent on nearside rear quarter
Never appears to have been welded – sills and door shuts in great condition
Tow bar and twin electrics
Some marks to door mirror casings
Stone beige leather with black piping
Walnut trim on dash and centre console
Climate control (needs re-gas)
Electrically adjustable heated front seats
Cruise control
Electric windows and mirrors (all work)
Some dropping of rear headlining and lining missing from sunroof cover
Flip-out cup holder on armrest
One door pocket needs reattaching
Range Rover rubber floor mats
Original head unit and CD changer - head unit works fine but has some LCD bleed
Genuine Land Rover load bay liner

The Mechanics

2.5-litre BMW straight-six
Five-speed auto
Most recent oil service in April 2024
Original and fully working air suspension
AlliSport EGR bypass
Schrader-valve back-up for EAS (a popular P38 modification, meaning air suspension can be restored in emergencies at a tyre pump if EAS memory is lost)
Vendor reports that the P38 is surprisingly economical and has returned an average of 29mpg over the past four months
Traction Control light illuminated on dash but doesn't affect the way the Range Rover drives at all

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com