2001 Range Rover (P38) 4.0 HSE

Following the enormous success of the original Range Rover and its successively more luxurious upgrades, Land Rover introduced a new model, designated P38, in 1994. Produced up to 2001, the P38 was considerably better appointed than its predecessor and became the benchmark for luxury motoring in town and county. The all-new Range Rover could be ordered with a choice of three engine options: 4.0-litre and 4.6-litre petrol units or the BMW sourced 2.5-litre diesel, with many opting for the diesel. Various equipment levels were available but the Range Rover Autobiography rivalled the best from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar when it came to luxurious interiors.

The successor to the P38, the Range Rover L322, was being developed in late 2001 and, mindful of demand for the soon to be released new model, the final P38 ranges were exceptionally well equipped. This 2001 Autobiography 4.0 HSE in Bonnati Grey was sold by Guy Salmon Land Rover, Stratford-upon-Avon on the 09/02/2001 to the first of three former keepers and it is believed to have been a press car. It was bought by our vendor, the proprietor of a garage specialising in Land Rover and Range Rovers, for his personal use in 2013. Naturally, as the boss' car, the Range Rover has been carefully looked after in the workshop.

Such is the condition of this car and our vendor's reputation within Land Rover circles that it was selected by Jaguar Land Rover to be displayed at the 70th Anniversary celebrations for Land Rover at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2017. It took part in the parade lap and later, during a conversation with a knowledgeable enthusiast, our vendor was told that it was one of just four such cars built. We have been unable to substantiate this claim but it will make for some interesting research by the next owner. The odometer reading of just under 42,000 miles is substantiated by the entries in the original service book.

It is presented to auction with a history file that includes that service book, reams of receipts and old MOTs - with the current valid until November 2020. As the successor to the iconic Range Rover Classic, the P38 had a tough act to follow, but in recent years the P38's enhanced driving experience, build quality and interior refinement has now been rightly recognised. It is now firmly part of Land Rover's heritage, and much like the XJS that followed the E-Type, will always have its dedicated fans.