Project Range Rover 4.4 V8

That's all folks!

CM project 2002 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8

PART EIGHT: In our last instalment we round up the last few jobs on Skelton’s errant off-roader.

I remember all too clearly what I was told by specialists when I was first sniffing round the idea of a L322.

“The amount of money your P38 is costing you, you should upgrade as the bills with an L322 are unlikely to come close.” How we laughed. Because the truth of the matter is that in nine months of ownership my L322 has managed just 4500 miles and has cost me close to £4000 in bills. For the little time it was working, it averaged just 13.8mpg – almost 10% less than the older, fewer geared, bigger engined car it replaced.

And while it has a LPG conversion, the gas network is not as comprehensive as it once was, and it’s had a fair few tanks of unleaded in that time.

The frustrating thing is that I still really like it. It’s handsome inside and out, it’s comfortable, it rides well, it’s practical, the radio is good, the toys are better, and there are few cars with the same sort of presence. Range Rovers are great when you’re a journalist too – there is nothing better suited to motion photography, just ask the BBC. And it might be that my last few jobs have turned it into a reliable car, but it’s time for someone else to find out.

I’ve just taken on the editorship of sister title Jaguar World as well as my existing Classic Jaguar commitment, so I should really be using a modern Jaguar as daily transport – which means the L322 needs to go. If you’re mad enough to want an early V8 Range Rover in a great colour scheme with a proven photographic record of expensive jobs completed by a trusted specialist, please contact me via the mag.

It’s even had a recent clean bill of health from the MOT man, as shown. I’d hoped to fill these pages with pictures of fail points – all content is good content after all – but it hasn’t obliged, passing instead without incident. The tyres that came off were cause for concern, but the 100 miles or so I’ve done on the brand new Falken WildPeaks have shown me how much better it feels, and there are no poor repairs or splitting carcasses to worry the next owner.

So, what do I want for it?

Now it’s actually working properly, I’ve had a look at the market and comparable examples are going for between £2500 and £5000 depending on colour, trim, options and location. The work covered during this project totals over £4500. I’m open to all offers that aren’t insultingly low, but if someone wants to put £3750 in my hand, they can drive it away tomorro