If the ‘P38’ generation of Range Rover was proof that the model was more of a luxury car than an off-roader, then the L322 generation that came next took that to an even higher level.

From the outset, the L322 would be a luxury car first and an off-roader second, albeit with the same legendary off-road ability expected of a Land Rover product.

It was a car with an awkward gestation. Conceived by BMW at the time it took over the Rover Group in 1994, the vehicle was developed to use BMW powertrains (namely the 4.4-litre V8 petrol and 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engines), but by the time the model was launched, Land Rover had passed into Ford’s ownership as part of BMW’s high profile divorce from Rover Group. 

As such, the most sophisticated luxury off-roader ever made was born through three separate companies, with BMW mechanical components, an all-new monocoque body and chassis developed by Rover Group and eventually brought to market by the newly formed Ford Premier Automotive Group, which consisted of Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin.

Confusing as its parentage was, the L322 was an immediate success, the Range Rover brand proving that the general car-buying public cared little about what was going on in the boardroom.

The car’s reception was tremendous when it debuted at the end of 2001. As both a luxury car and an off-roader, it was peerless - the only real negatives being directed at the rather substantial list price, but demand was such that Land Rover could get away with it.

This example is from the first 12 months of production, so is a guaranteed future classic.

RR03 LAL was supplied new by AM Capurro and Sons Ltd of Gibraltar and first bore the registration number 1RPR. It came back to the mainland UK in 2005 and had an owner in Yorkshire until 2008, when it moved to Kent. Latterly, it has been owned by a keeper in the West Midlands before it was acquired by the vendor last year. 

The car will be offered for sale with a brand new MOT as the current test has recently expired. 

Supplied with the Range Rover are a pile of handbooks and papers including all of the original manuals and dealer documents, along with a service history stamped up to 104,832 miles in 2018. It currently has 125,030 miles on the clock.

The documented service work was either carried out by Land Rover main dealers or dedicated Range Rover specialists. 

The styling of the L322 is and always has been terrific - immediately identifiable as a Range Rover, with the same boxy lines, horizontal glass area and split tailgate of every predecessor, but in a modern-looking package, with a distinctive front end that still looks modern today. 

This one looks very smart in Oxford Blue and has a few extras fitted, including Overfinch badges, V8 fin badges, 20-inch alloys with black centre caps, chrome side steps, bright door handles and mud flaps. 

It's in very smart and presentable condition with no notable damage and only a few minor marks to the outer body. 

One area for the new owner to keep an eye on will be the rear arches, where they adjoin to the sills. There is quite a bit of surface corrosion inside both rear door shuts, which is a common L322 grot spot, and while they remain solid at the moment this area will require some attention in the future.

Inside, the L322 is glorious. High quality cream leather with blue piping and integrated DVD screens in the rear head restraints,  veneer trim and delicate but chunky controls give a sense of luxury and wellbeing. 

It's all in smart condition, with no significant wear to the leather seat facings, door panels or headlining and no damage to any of the controls, switchgear or main infotainment screen, all of which appear to work as intended.

The 4.4-litre BMW-derived V8 is a smooth and tractable unit and there are no obvious signs of any problems with it, or with the car’s running gear. 

The vendor reports that it drives well and that the complicated air suspension works as it should. 

When new, this would have been a very expensive car and the absolute epitome of luxury motoring. It’s wonderfully luxurious, extremely comfortable and has a bold and imposing presence. 

Today, the L322 represents an incredible amount of car for the money and still has a distinctively upmarket air, but for a fraction of the price it would have cost its original owner.

This one is a straight, honest and largely well-maintained example in one of the best colour schemes and with a few desirable extras thrown in for good measure.