Description
This unique Range Rover P38 is arguably the most famous in existence, with significant provenance as the press car used in JLR’s Range Rover 40th anniversary photoshoot in 2010. During this event, Roger Crathorne and Nick Dimbleby famously located the remote hillside in North Wales that was used in 1970 for the famous press launch of YVB 153H, as depicted in the photos. The car was, later featured that same year by JLR on the company’s stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. All of this is documented in its extensive history file.
This iconic P38 is finished in its original Oslo Blue. The car has been well loved, as reflected in the usual wear and tear expected of a vehicle of this age. There are some dents on the rear tailgate and bonnet - as shown in the photos. The interior features cream leather seats, which show little signs of age, along with a reupholstered cream headlining that gives it a beautiful finish. The blue carpets are also in good condition, and the car comes with carpet protectors to keep the mud out of unwanted places. While there are some dents on the rear seats, the car is otherwise in great condition and requires little work to bring it to Concours condition.
The ‘Thor’ 4. 6-litre engine, featuring a Bosch Motronic engine management system, drives excellently. The ride is incredibly smooth, with light power steering and responsive anti-lock brakes, making it the perfect cruiser. The chassis of the P38, constructed using new welding techniques, was even stronger than that of the original model. This also made the chassis and body less prone to corrosion, as demonstrated by this example.
The car’s air suspension (EAS) was a significant improvement over the Classic’s system, featuring automatic height adjustment based on the vehicle's speed. The car offers five different height options for the driver: Access, Motorway, Standard, Off-road and Off-road Extended, with the latter only accessible if the car was beached. The EAS system works well on this car. With a Borg Warner 4462 transfer box, the P38 utilises an electronic control unit to switch between high and low ratios. The transfer case chains and sprockets were reinforced for the P38, and the front and rear differentials feature a 4-pin diff and 4-wheel traction control.
The classic 5-spoke Range Rover Hurricane alloys are in great condition and have been refurbished during the current ownership, along with the addition of new Pirelli Scorpion Verde 255/ 55/ R18 tyres. A small snapshot of recent work on this P38 includes, but is not limited to, a full suspension overhaul, new airbags and height sensors, a full engine service, new headlining, replaced rear shocks, new brake lines, discs and pads all round, including brake fluid change.
The car has been well-maintained mechanically, with regular serving. It was last serviced at the beginning of 2024 at 168, 278 miles, and sits currently at 168, 820 miles. The service included a new oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs and an engine oil change. It is MOT’d until January 2025.
Sold from the collection of a Land Rover and Range Rover enthusiast, this vehicle is being offered due to it being surplus to requirements. It would make a great addition to any garage. Given its provenance and the role it played in the history of this great British marque, this is a fantastic opportunity to own a remarkable modern classic that is synonymous with the rich and famous around the world.
