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1 of 125 Made: 1997 Range Rover Vitesse 4.6HSE

The premise of a special edition vehicle tied to a unique color palette is a marketing tactic that has yielded inconsistent results. Throughout history, some models of a particular significance like a Porsche 911 or a Chevrolet Corvette have seen their sale price boosted by the manufacturer choosing to sell the model in a special color offering, but those are unique circumstances. For the masses, special edition colors usually make very little difference on the final sale price except among enthusiast circles. This 1997 Range Rover Vitesse 4.6HSE is part of a run of 250 total models offered in AA Yellow and Monza Red, and it’s listed here on craigslist in Omaha for $18,950.

The seller’s asking price is quite strong for a truck that is otherwise a standard-issue P38, which was hardly the pinnacle of reliability for a Range Rover product. The paint job is what the premium price is almost entirely based in, as the chassis itself is your run-of-the-mill SUV. Like all Range Rovers, it is more capable that many of its competitors but it also require a dedication to maintenance that isn’t typically seen in the used luxury 4×4 class. The seller’s truck is loaded up with all of the requisite add-ons you tend to see on vehicles like these, such as the rear ladder rack and full-legth roof rack, along with the front brush and rear taillight guards.

Mileage is listed as being 156,000. The interior of the Vitesse editions featured corresponding piping on the leather seats tied to the exterior color choice. The interior of the seller’s truck is in nice shape, and it also features OEM floor mats and no apparent modifications. Recent repairs include a new HVAC control panel and the conversion of the troublesome airbag suspension to standard coil springs and shocks. The seller notes all of the equipment that was part of the airbag system is still preserved on the truck, so you can always go back if OEM perfection is your goal – but really, it’s best to leave it alone considering the seller did the next owner a favor by making the switch.

The back seat shows very little in the way of wear and tear, and the headliner looks to be in good shape as well. The Range Rover is certainly a rare piece and a must-have for anyone who collects these high-end British SUVs, but that’s a narrow market considering most RR fans want the older models – not a modern example that’s known to have sketchy reliability. Recent auction sales have shown prices are trending upwards, however, right in line with the seller’s ask, so perhaps he’s not wrong to shoot for nearly $20,000 for a bright yellow SUV. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find.

Comments

  1. Avatar Euromoto Member

    I had the predecessor Range Rover County LWB (two, in fact). I tried really hard, and spent a lot of cash to keep that air suspension operable. I finally threw in the towel and converted to coils. Jeff is right, the seller did the buyer a favor. Also, “…dedication to maintenance” is an understatement. Having said that, I really loved mine, when I wasn’t wrenching on it.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Kevin R

    Found a used Holland & Holland…2001…lasted 3 months before head gasket went.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      @Kevin R – That was a good find! Head gaskets should be on the todo list of any high mileage Range Rover.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Troy

    Almost $19,000 bucks for a SUV that has 156,000 miles on it no thanks I will wait until mid next year when the used car market is crashed and buy a nice low mileage SUV for $15k or less

    Like 2
    • Avatar Jack M.

      What crystal ball are you looking at to come up with this date?

      Like 4
      • Avatar Troy

        Banks are already sitting on thousands of repossessed cars and trucks that people used their Covid stimulus money to buy then claimed Covid layoffs for not making the payments the banks are slowly sending them to auction trying to recoup their money. Dealers are going under because they overpaid at auction for the cars just wait you will see the used car market crash like homes did in 2008

        Like 1
  4. Avatar Howie

    23 photos, none of the engine?

    Like 3
  5. Avatar Karl

    1 of 125 it’s already a collectable classic!! NOT!

    Like 1
  6. Avatar PaulG

    Oh my goodness.
    All the new owner needs is a gold AAA card and his American Express!
    18k is a down payment…
    I lost mine to an under hood fire.
    Happy day indeed.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar tompdx

    I love this truck; but I have to say that of all of my Rovers (I’m on #8), my ’99 P38 was the only one that ever required a tow – seized transfer case. But $4000 later from a great independent Rover shop, she never let me down again.

    Like 0

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