1997 Land Rover Range Rover Vitesse Sport Utility 4-door 4.6l on 2040-cars

VIN: salpv1445va373449 Year: 1997
Make: Land Rover
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Model: Range Rover
Trim: Vitesse Sport Utility 4-Door
Options: Sunroof, Cassette Player, 4-Wheel Drive, Leather Seats, CD Player
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag
Drive Type: 4WD
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Mileage: 119,999
Sub Model: HSE - 4-6 P38
Exterior Color: Yellow
Interior Color: Black
Number of Cylinders: 8

Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ... 

For your consideration, on offer today is my 1997 Range Rover Vitesse. Finished in AA Yellow over Black leather piped Yellow, this is one of fewer than 150 Vitesse models made during the P38A era. At a cost of over $3,000 more than an already-loaded 4.6HSE, the Vitesse models were done in either AA Yellow or Monza Red and came with standard equipment above and beyond the standard production models such as a 300 watt Harman/Kardon sound system, body colored mirrors and front valence, a blackout grille and chrome inside door handles. All Vitesse Range Rovers were built by Land Rover Special Vehicles Division, which was also responsible for the production of armored models as used by the Royal Family and other dignitaries worldwide. This example was purchased new at Midwestern Auto Group in Columbus, Ohio by my sister-in-law and has recently been the subject of much mechanical recommissioning work after a couple year lay-up, more of which I will go into in the following paragraphs, so please continue to read on!

The engine, most importantly, has just had the head gaskets replaced and a triple angle valve job performed by a Land Rover specialist and has been completely gone through otherwise with a complete overhaul of the cooling system (radiator, water pump, t-stat) as well as a new Bosch 120A alternator, new serpentine belt and all new oil seals throughout. Additionally, the power steering pressure and return hoses were replaced and all under-hood fluids completely flushed. Needless to say, the truck runs flawlessly and should be good to go for tens of thousands of miles for the new owner, and—most importantly—NO overheating! Additionally, the transmission, transfer box and both differentials had their respective fluids flushed and replaced with synthetic versions of each required. Again, no maintenance is required until the next service internal, which is 30,000 miles from its current reading of just over 120K.

The paint and coachwork on this truck are both in absolutely beautiful condition. There are no dents, dings or other flaws in the sheet-metal and the paint is in perfect condition from front to rear, including the rarely attended-to roof panel. The bumpers are both straight and fit properly and there is none of the typical waviness usually seen on P38A rear bumpers. All exterior trim is in otherwise excellent condition and the truck has recently been professionally detailed. A thorough examination will reveal no signs of accident damage and all panel gaps are even throughout. The undercarriage is near spotlessly clean and all metal has been wire brushed and treated with POR-15 rust preventative enamel so as to prevent any occurrence of cancer down below.

The EAS (Electronic Air Suspension) is in proper working condition and all heights, from low “Access” mode to high “Off-Road” mode are fully select-able and serviceable. The system automatically lowers into “Highway” level once a speed of over 50mph has been achieved and will revert back to “Normal” height upon exiting the motorway. This truck can sit for months on-end and will not drop down to the bump stops like most 38As do, even in frigid temperatures. This indicates a good, tight air spring network and valve block internals.

The electronically controlled ABS/TRACS system works properly on the truck, along with the hydraulically boosted braking. There is none of the typical ABS pump hum every time the brakes are actuated, and at the business-end of the system, the truck has new front and rear calipers as well as new pads and rotors, front and rear, along with a fluid flush with the correct Lucas/Girling DOT 4 brake fluid. The tires have been replaced at all corners with brand new Yokohamas in the correct size and the truck runs down the road very nicely with no vibrations or untoward noises or otherwise. Additionally, the insides of the wheels have been thoroughly cleaned and liberally coated with anti-seize so as to prevent the typical “frozen wheel” issue that seems to affect all Land Rovers—Range Rover, Discovery or otherwise.

Inside the truck, the interior is in excellent condition. The headliner has been redone, and there are no splits or blemishes otherwise to the leather or door panels. All carpets are clean and in excellent condition, the dash is not warped and does not rattle and all wood veneer is present and in fantastic shape. The spare tire, jack and tools are present and stowed in their respective places in the spare tire well underneath the rear cargo floor. The original handbooks are in their leather protective wallet inside the glove compartment.

All of the electronics in the truck function properly—from the windows, to the locks, powered and heated seats, to the split climate control which produces nicely chilled air as well as roasting heat. The heater core is not leaking and it has had the blend motors replaced. The battery has been replaced within the past few months and there are none of the typical power drain issues that usually plague these trucks.

In summary, if you’re looking for a very rare, limited production Range Rover, this example has been lovingly cared for and has had all of the major issues attended to. If you've done your research, you know that buying a P38 requires one to step into the purchase with his eyes wide open, as many of these trucks have been outright neglected and, if left to perish, will definitely cause an un-weary owner a lot of grief and disappointment. There is excellent service support still available for these trucks and they’re the last of the traditional body-on-frame, beam axle Range Rovers--very capable off-road and for towing as well. A friend of mine uses his 230K+mile ’96 HSE for towing his racecar trailer all over the country and has not once ever uttered a negative thing about the truck. So, get a well-sorted example such as this and you’ll have a unique piece of Land Rover history as well as a truck which can reliably be counted on for good service for a long time to come. I would invite any interested parties to contact me directly and to come see and drive the truck before placing a bid or committing to purchase it. A pre-purchase inspection is encouraged and welcomed and can be arranged at our local Land Rover dealer for around $100. Thanks for looking and good luck!

TERMS: Due to the age and mileage of this vehicle, it is being sold as-is with no warranties expressed or implied herein. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to come and see the vehicle in person prior to committing to purchase it. The clear Ohio title will only be released to the new owner upon confirmation of all funds by my financial institution. Full payment to be made within seven days of auction close. A deposit of $500 is to be made within three days of auction close. Shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser, however I will of course assist in any way possible to help make this a smooth, easy transaction. Thanks again for looking and good luck!