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If we are honest, the P38a Range Rover is perhaps the most unloved full fat Range Rover. Made from between 1994 and 2002, it had the shortest lifespan as well. Over the years it has gain a reputation of being unreliable and potentially difficult to fix due in part to the electronics. However, when one came up for a bargain price, Land Rover Life member Mike jumped at the chance. Not only was it a limited-edition variant, but it had been worked by Overfinch too, but more on this later.

At launch the P38a was available with a 2.5 litre BMW sourced 6-cylinder turbo diesel, or a couple of V8’s with 4 and 4.6 litre capacities driving a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, although the larger V8 was auto only. The suspension was air adjustable and offered different heights depending on the terrain. The vehicle could be lowered from its standard height in two stages. The first stage was to give better dynamics when driving at speed, the second stage was even lower to aid ingress and egress of the vehicle for its passengers. When venturing off the beaten track the Range Rover could be raised to aid ground clearance. An even higher setting was also available in emergencies. If the vehicle got beached, the suspension would raise even further to lift the vehicle and allow the driver to progress.

Above – Like all Range Rovers, the P38a had the split tailgate. Note the silver highlights inset into the rubber side strips. This wasn’t factory.

Over its span, Land Rover produced a number of limited-edition models, and this is where we go back to Mikes Range Rover. Released in June 2001, the Bordeaux was limited to just 200 examples. Under the bonnet there was either the 2.5 litre Turbo Diesel or the 4 litre V8, both mated to the 4-speed automatic transmission and each limited to just 100 examples.

The first thing you notice about the Bordeaux is the very striking paint work. Called Alveston Red, its very colour matched with the bumpers and wing mirrors all matching. Wheel wise, the Bordeaux came with 18” Proline 5 spoke alloy wheels, but being the Bordeaux edition meant that the spokes were pinned striped with the same red hue as the body work. Interior wise, you got a full leather interior in a Lightstone leather, with subtle red piping along the edges. Less subtle was the full on bright red carpet.

Above – Colour coded Overfinch grill and badging

Now I mentioned this was an Overfinch P38a, but don’t get too excited. The mechanics of the vehicle are all stock, no huge American V8 lurking under the bonnet here. I actually contacted Overfinch to obtain the build sheet for this vehicle to see exactly was the owner specified, but unfortunately when the company last changed hands, all the previous records were lost. This means that to find out what was done, we needed to go full on Sherlock Holmes.

Above Left – Whilst the carpet and leather as Bordeaux specification, the wooden steering wheel and dashboard surrounds are not. Above Right- the wood was all added as part of its upgrades at the hands over Overfinch. Note the H gate gear selection, which was unique to the P38a. The right hand side was high ratio, whilst the left hand side was low ratio.

The most noticeable change is the front grill. This is of Overfinch design and is colour coded to match the original paint work. It also features an Overfinch badge. The silver stripe, set back in the black trim along the doors and rear bumper doesn’t feature on the standard Bordeaux, so is assumed to be an Overfinch embellishment.

Interior wise the seats and carpets are all Bordeaux specification albeit a little worn due to the passage of time, but what isn’t are the wood surrounds on the dashboard and gear lever. The wooden steering wheel and door trims are not factory either.  Finishing off the Overfinch look with a badge on the rear tailgate, where the Land Rover Logo was located when it left the Factory.

Below – All Bordeaux editions came with colour match pin stripping on the Proline alloy wheels. The suspension is set to its off road position.

All in all, despite being nearly 25 years old, the Range Rover still has that air of grandeur. There is nothing like driving around in a Range Rover, even an old one. Sitting aloft, with the purring V8 soundtrack is a fantastic experience indeed. Mike doesn’t know his plans for the P38a yet, it is currently his daily driver. But seen as someone else covered the £38,495 depreciation (Plus Overfinch additions!), he is just enjoying the ride!

Do you have a vehicle that you think we may be interested in? Contact admin@lrlife.co.uk