Highlights

• A sublime looking example of the very rare P38A Autobiography
• Presenting in a lovely overall condition and luxuriously and exclusively specified
• Complete with an extensive service history and generous paperwork archive
• Freshly serviced

The Appeal

 
There is little else available today which can offer the breadth of capability of the Mk2 Range Rovers for such modest outlays. The P38 combines the attributes of a luxury limousine, a mud-plugging off-roader, and a small van with consummate ease. None more so than the highly exclusive Autobiography models.

The Autobiography program enabled P38 buyers to personally specify an exclusive range of special colours, trim combinations, and extras. Hand finishing to the paintwork and interior trim was undertaken by Land Rover’s Special Vehicles team. Reserved for the biggest spending Range Rover customers models could easily cost north of £70,000 in 2000 with a four-day luxury “handover” event included hosted in London and Eastnor Castle. All very exclusive!
 

The History and Paperwork

• First registered in April 2000
• Specified in a charming 1 off and rare colourway by the first owner
• A combination of Prairie Rose Metallic externally over burgundy and black upholstery
• The Autobiography has been used and enjoyed by 8 previous owners 
• This equates to a tenure of around two and a half years on average
• The current mileage has been accumulated in a linear fashion
• This equates to around 7,000 miles a year on average
• Due to the level of personalisation available this is a very exclusive vehicle
• There is a generous paperwork archive included with the Range Rover
• This starts with the V5 registration document in the name of the owner
• The current MOT is also on hand and is valid until December 2024
• The original service booklet is also included
• This documents 13 service covering from 1,214 to 173,000 miles
• These span a period covering 2000 to 2024
• They were carried out by a mix of main dealers and specialist independents
• A good number of maintenance and repair invoices are also present
• A 2019 invoice details the replacement of the V8’s timing chain and ancillaries 

The Condition

• Considering the Autobiography’s age and mileage, exterior condition looks excellent
• The Prairie Rose Metallic paintwork is an exclusive and subtle shade
• It suits the majestic appearance of this Range Rover particularly well
• In line with the personalisation options bumper covers and wing mirrors are also painted
• As is the grill, helping to further enhance the exclusive look
• Inevitably, on close inspection, some minor imperfects can be noted
• There is some minor paint bubbling around the wheelarches
• There is some chipping to the paint on the lower sills
• None of this seems to detract from the eye-catching road presence, however
• This example rolls on its original set of 18-inch Hurricane, five twin spoked alloy wheels
• The condition of these is generally very good
• A matching set of mid-range tyres are fitted in a 255/55 configuration
• The Autobiography script boot decal is present and correct
• An integrated tow hook and accompanying single electrics are fitted
• The striking interior doubles down of the exclusive Autobiography credentials
• The sumptuous interior features oxblood and black Connolly leather
• This is accompanied by copious amounts of polished walnut veneer panels
• The commodious seats are box pleated and piped with contrasting burgundy leather
• The condition of the seats, front and back, appears to be very impressive
• There is some minor wear to the driver’s offside bolsters but no splits or tears
• The dash and door cards are finished with accents of dark walnut veneer, adding to the luxurious ambiance
• There are also stitched burgundy leather accents on the door cards to match the seats
• Carpets and new headlining are in good used condition with heavy duty, fitted rubber mats being present
• A large, glass sunroof roof floods the cabin with light
• A well-equipped interior including electric everything and air conditioning 
• Further Autobiography script is featured in the centre console veneer
• The very spacious boot includes a spare wheel and tool set
• It is protected by a heavy-duty Range Rover branded rubber liner

 

The Mechanics

• Fitted with the robust 4.6L V8 petrol engine, considered by many to be the pick of the range
• Originally rated at 215 bhp and 295Ib-ft of torque 
• This was sufficient to fulfil the limousine element of the Range Rover’s brief
• This is mated to a smooth shifting four-speed ZF automatic transmission which has had service along with the transfer case and differential 
• Permanent four-wheel drive is deployed for the ultimate traction and stability
• Complete with low range transmission and hill decent controls for full off-road capability
• As we have seen, this example has enjoyed a diligent maintenance history 
• The many high-value invoices underscore this
• Under the bonnet the all-important Special Vehicle Autobiography plaque is noted
• This team were responsible for hand fitting and finishing these models
• The under-bonnet presentation looks highly original
• The inner panels look straight and true, and no obvious leaks are noted
• The underside displays the usual surface corrosion 
• Nothing more serious is noted or present in the MOT history
• There is some potential here for wire brushing and spray treating if deemed necessary

 

BEFORE YOU BUY