If the ‘P38a’ 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 design stage it was Land Rover’s vision that 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. Today, 23 years since launch, the L322 is coming of age, with collectors taking a genuine interest in the first of the breed.

This example is from the first 12 months of production, so is a guaranteed future classic. Finished in gorgeous Giverny Green with Aspen leather (a fetching greenish grey), it’s in fine order throughout having been treated to a lifetime of care.
 

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 deposit. 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓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