2005 | Land Rover Range Rover Vogue V8

Lot details

Year: 2005
Make: Range Rover
Model: V8 Autobiography (4.4 litre)
Registration: RO05 ORO
Chassis No: SALLMAMA35A196904
Odometer: 77,000

The Range Rover L322 (2002-2012) represented a major step forward from the P38A (1994-2001), both in engineering and philosophy. Development began in the mid-1990s under BMW ownership of Land Rover, with the aim of modernising the Range Rover into a vehicle that could compete directly with luxury flagships like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while retaining the off-road supremacy of its predecessors. Where the previous P38 used an evolution of the original 1970 Range Rover's ladder-frame chassis, (updated with coil or air suspension), the L322 moved to a monocoque (integrated body-frame) structure. Derived from BMW's technology (notably the 7 Series E38 floorpan), which gave it vastly improved torsional rigidity and refinement. Petrol versions were launched with the ultra-refined BMW M62 4.4 V8 and later included Jaguar AJ-V8s and latterly the FoMoCo co-developed AJ133, offering far more powerful and comparably efficient options than the Buick-derived V8's of Range Rover generations past. The integration of BMW's electrical architecture, high-level infotainment, advanced driver aids, and more robust electronic systems also made the new car feel more like revolution rather than evolution.

Launched in 1993, the Autobiography program began as a bespoke commissioning service at Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (then operating as Land Rover Special Vehicles). At the time, the luxury SUV market was still young, and Range Rover was pioneering the idea that a 4x4 could be as much a status symbol as a utility vehicle. The Autobiography concept was designed to elevate the Range Rover above standard trims, offering a personalised luxury experience more commonly associated with high-end coachbuilt cars. Customers could select from unique paint colours, premium upholstery and trim finishers that were not available on standard production models. Special wood veneers, custom embroidery, and bespoke details like monogrammed headrests or tailored carpeting became part of the package. Unlike today's extensive menu-driven configurator, early Autobiography cars were often built to one-off specifications, with Land Rover's team working directly with clients to realise their requests.

It was one of the first factory-backed personalisation programs in the SUV market, predating similar efforts from rivals like BMW Individual or Mercedes-Benz Designo. Autobiography editions often acted as testbeds for materials and design themes that later filtered into mainstream Range Rover models. In the late 1990s and 2000s, the Autobiography name became synonymous with the flagship Range Rover trim, offering the most luxurious interpretation of the model before the SV Bespoke program later expanded the possibilities.

This particular example presents in what is believed to be the only one of its kind as a right hand drive L322 in Wimbledon Green. Introduced as a limited-edition shade on the 30th Anniversary P38, Wimbledon Green was never used as a standard colour for the L322. One other vehicle is known to exist in the USA, a late 2012 car also special ordered in the same hue, selling recently for over $70,000. Unlike the 2009-2012 cars when Autobiography was introduced as a popular trim level, the earlier 2002-2005 Autobiography was a real rarity and commanded respect within the line-up, such was the significant price hike especially when coupled with custom paints (which cost anywhere from £6000-£10,000 alone). The custom paint process started by selecting a black car from the production line and taking it to the Special Vehicles paint shop. Hence the biggest telltale for being able to spot a real Autobiography which is its matte black engine bay and the engraved Autobiography plaque on the slam panel.

This car has been tastefully specified with Sage over Ivory two tone leather extended to the upper and lower dash, centre console and door cards, complemented perfectly by the fiercely rare Vavona wood trim throughout (again, an Autobiography only option). Autobiography badged kick plates complete the subtle interior, along with the in-vogue clear non-privacy glass. Boasting just 77,000 miles from new with a comprehensive history, we are informed the car has undergone a recent major service and new MoT test certificate. During our client's tenure the common rear arch corrosion has been remedied correctly using new rear welded quarter panels, the gearbox has been serviced, differential and transfer case oils also changed. With 19" freshly powder coated wheels and four brand new tyres, this represents a very smart collectable example of the ever-popular L322 offered at a sensible estimate. Consigned by Mathew Priddy