Unveiled on 28 September 1994 as the successor to the original ‘Classic’ Range Rover, The P38 built upon its forerunners reputation for being able to tackle everything you could possibly throw at it, yet do so in such a refined way that even Royalty could be found behind the wheel. 

Available with either a 4.0 or 4.6 litre Rover V8 or a 2.5-litre BMW-sourced diesel inline-six, the P38 featured numerous technological advancements, such as self-levelling and adjusting air suspension (EAS) a stronger chassis, ABS and more. The P38 also holds the accolade for being the final generation of Range Rover that was available with a manual transmission and a classic transfer box.

Specifically, the ‘Westminster’ was a run-out special edition that was produced at the end of P38 production, featuring a high factory specification, the choice of either the 4.0 V8 or 2.5 diesel engine, with the production split 150:50 between the engines on offer. Only three colours were offered - Blenheim Silver, Java Black or Bonatti Grey - and all interiors were trimmed in Ash Grey hide.

In terms of equipment, the Westminster came ‘fully loaded’ in that it boasted electric windows all round, Poplar Anthracite wood trim, colour-matched carpets, an upgraded stereo system with additional speakers, electric mirrors, a glass sunroof and factory-fitted satellite navigation.

This particular example is a Bonatti Grey, 4.0-litre V8 model, which has been cherished throughout its lifetime, and benefits from a full JLR service history. 

In recent times, whilst in the care of the vendor - a well-versed Land Rover enthusiast and seller - this P38 has benefitted from a new EAS pump as preventative maintenance, along with two new front struts. The vehicle has also been serviced, though the book has not been stamped in order to preserve the full JLR service record (though an invoice is provided, naturally.)

In its original condition throughout, there are no reported issues with any of the systems or switchgear to the best of the vendor’s knowledge, and the recent EAS pump fitment should put any enthusiast’s minds at ease.

One thing we should point out, however, is there is a somewhat unexplained mileage discrepancy between the JLR service records (which reflect the car’s odometer) and the MoT history, with the former showing the ‘correct’ mileage, and the latter showing the car as having 154,590 miles in 2009.

Having spoken to the vendor, the discrepancy looks to be down to a clock change or technical fault earlier on in the vehicles life, as the Land Rover service records would appear to verify the current indicated mileage, as would the condition and clean HPI report. As our vendor states, they’ve dealt with plenty of high-mileage P38s, and this certainly does not look, sound, or behave like a 100,000 mile-plus Range Rover. 

Included with the vehicle are the V5, full complement of Land Rover books and manuals, the stamped service record, several MoT certificates, and numerous invoices for servicing, maintenance and parts, all contained in a folder.

The P38 will be also sold with a brand new MOT.

On the inside, the Ash Grey leather seats present in very good condition - commensurate with the indicated mileage - with only some minor creases and wear to the leather, though certainly no rips, tears or other damage that we can see.

Similarly, the wood inserts are in fantastic condition as far as we can see, with no obvious signs of damage to the lacquer or, indeed, the wood itself. 

The high-traffic areas such as the inner door edges, aluminium trims and rubbers around the doors show some more signs of wear, but this is, again, in keeping with the vehicle’s age and mileage.

In the rear, the three-across bench seat is in equally excellent condition, whilst the carpets and over-mats throughout the vehicle show no sign of heavy or unexpected wear.

The sat nav, dials and entertainment systems are all fully working, though the vendor has not tested the heated seats.

Externally, this desirable ‘Westminster’ model finished in Bonatti Grey still strikes an impressive presence to this day, which is testament to just how good Land Rover’s designers were during the 90s, and how well the P38 has aged in terms of its design. 

The bodywork is wonderfully straight throughout, with only a couple of minor indentations reported from the vendor. It would appear that a PDR attendant has removed a number of older dents whilst in the care of the previous owner, and whilst it has been successful, there are some small marks left where the paintwork broke.

The paintwork is in very good condition throughout with only the usual light marks and stone chips noted, though the vendor states the offside front wing has been painted at some point in its lifetime, and has not been finished to the highest standard, which is one area the next owner may wish to improve upon. 

All four ‘Hurricane’ wheels have been recently refurbished and present in as-new condition, and are wrapped in matching rubber with plenty of life left. 

Under the bonnet, the 4.0-litre Rover V8 is reported to be in excellent health, with no untoward behaviours or issues noted, and no mention of any oil or fluid leaks. It has new coils, plugs, leads and major service carried out less than 50 miles ago.

The air suspension systems is also working as Land Rover intended, with adjustments being nice and smooth with no ‘hanging’ and no sagging from the suspension when left parked up. 

The most recent MoT exam - dated 14 April 2021 - shows a clean pass with no advisory items.

The P38 Range Rover is already a desirable car, fitting for everyone from families to royalty, and remains a design icon and instantly-recognisable modern classic to this day, thanks to Land Rover’s excellent design studio and very good build quality. 

This particular P38 is even more desirable thanks to being one of only 200 Westminsters built, with arguably the better engine of the two available and remaining in factory original condition throughout - one not to miss for those looking for an interesting and useable daily driver with a touch of class.