Highlights
- Very interesting history
- Very good-looking car on the whole
- A comfortable cruiser with a large V8 engine
The Appeal
First sold in 1994, the P38 generation of Range Rover is often forgotten compared to several other iterations of the car. Though with a more traditionalist design, it certainly stands out as a looker.
This car, manufactured in 1997 has spent much of its time being run as an oil testing car for German oil developer, FUCHS. From Germany, it was sent to Japan in the year 2000 before returning to the UK just four years ago.
Despite a lack of history, it seems FUCHS took good care of the car, still running very well to this day.
Despite a lack of history, it seems FUCHS took good care of the car, still running very well to this day.
History and Paperwork
- First manufactured 1997
- Originally owned by FUCHS in Germany
- Used to test FUCHS oils
- Registered in UK in 2000
- Swiftly shipped to Japan that same year by FUCHS
- No service history, probably serviced by FUCHS itself
- In UK since 2018
- Original owner’s manuals still with car
- Leather Range Rover booklet included
- MOT until May 2023
- V5c included in sale
The Interior
- Fully original interior
- Cabin includes sunroof
- Electrically adjusted grey leather seats
- Light Granite Grey headlining very secure
- Plenty of wood trim throughout dashboard and centre console
- Carpets in seemingly excellent shape
- Aftermarket Pioneer Bluetooth stereo
- Clocks changed from kilometres to miles
- Original dials included in sale
- Slightly worn front passenger seat
- Air con gas needs topping up according to the owner
- Very clean boot with spare wheel and toolkit
The Exterior
- Bodywork finished in Caledonian Blue
- Good overall visual condition
- Underrated P38 Range Rover shape
- Previous damage to rear bumper and nearside mirror fixed
- Some patina in places – windscreen wiper, fuel filler cap and some badges
- Scuff marks to each of the four wheels
- Mismatching tyres with relatively good tread
- Slightly scratching to passenger door handle
- Signs of surface corrosion underneath
The Mechanics
- 4.6-litre V8, 225 horsepower
- 4-speed automatic transmission with high and low range
- Fully working air suspension
- Lovely car to drive according to the vendor
- Tidy engine bay
- Sounds “as a V8 should”
- No issues as far as the owner has mentioned
Summary
Having travelled the world early in its life under the ownership of oil development company, FUCHS, this 1997 Range Rover has had a working life.
Used to test oils by the German company, it has most certainly been run with the most up to date lubricants on the market.
Used to test oils by the German company, it has most certainly been run with the most up to date lubricants on the market.
A supposed very nice car to drive, it is now waiting its next owner to live a more sedate life. Traditional Range Rover styling coupled with the massive V8 engine and automatic gearbox should ensure this is a comfortable cruiser.
Though with a fully functional air suspension system and low range, it’s not a bit of mud that will stop this model from getting you to your destination.
Though with a fully functional air suspension system and low range, it’s not a bit of mud that will stop this model from getting you to your destination.
Notice to bidders
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