Don't know if this is the right place to ask, but my brother-in-law is looking to buy a FFRR L322 TD6 Autobiography. He isn't sure how to confirm whether it's a genuine Autobiography and not just a well specced and badged up Vogue.

Any ideas? Current Cars
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Don't think you can get it in a TD

http://www.landrover.co.uk/gb/en/Vehicles/...uality.htm

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The only surefire way will be to see the original invoice for the car....

However there will be other ways although they're not foolproof as they could always have been done independently. If it's full blown Autobiography it should have an Autobiography-only paint colour - this can be confirmed from the paint code on the label in the door jamb (or in the engine bay, I'm not positive on where that label is on a FFRR). Also, interior trim should point out whether it's Autobiography or not - look for extended leather, ununusual looking wood trims... This is obvious, but don't take the fact it has the badge on the rear as gospel, of course

Also, if you can get the reg number you might be able to phone this into your local LR dealer and they may be able to confirm the delivery spec for you. I know BMW dealers can do that - I presume LR can do the same. 

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It is actually very difficult to give a definitive answer on this one, as there are a few different permitations of what makes an 'Autobiography'.

Autobiography is a personalisation service carried out by Land Rover Special Vehicles at Lode Lane. There is (and has always been) a list of upgrades from the Autobiography list, however in essence they will work with a customer to do whatever they can. There was talk of a pin-ball machine being fitted many years ago in the boot of a RR! The standard list ranges from tread-plates and lambs-wool overmats right up to Chromoflair paint in Spectral Blue, Green or Orange at just over £12,000!

In the past any Range Rover passing through SV for Autobiography treatment was awarded the Autobiography boot badge (not sill treadplates which are chargable). This has now changed, so that the minimum spend to earn the badge is around £700. So in essence, the car you are looking at (if slightly older) could have had something as minor as a duo-tone steering wheel. It could however have every extra under the sun, including a pin-ball machine in the boot!!!

To further complicate things, Land Rover produced an off-the-shelf 'Autobiography' around the time of the 05 model year in either Java Black or Zermatt Silver. This vehicle had extended leather (perforated) and extended wood, plus the TD6's had 19" wheels and the 4.4's had 20". There are a few other changes which escape me but it may possibly have been Rear Screen Entertainment. These were certainly badged Autobiography.

Some Autobiography's had it marked on the V5 log book, however of late some just show Vogue or Vogue SE depending on the base car.

So in answer to the original question, it is very difficult to tell a proper Autobiography, however if you look at the vehicle and notice any unusual items which are NOT in the accessory price list or NOT in the factory list then the chances are it is an Autobiography. Obviously you can just buy the badge but it needs to be ordered to the chassis number.

1. Check the log book. If it says Autobiography then it is (but to what extent who knows).
2. Check for unusual options that only apprear in the Autobiography list.

But the only sure way as Schmoogle pointed out is to see an original copy of the sales invoice. Failing that try Land Rover customer care and ask for Special Vehicles email address?

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Thank you for the comprehensive answer

I have HPI'd some of the available claimed 'Autobiographies' and found that only a few show up as registered as Autobiography, the rest Vogue.

Reckon soem of these have just got some aftermarket Piano Black trim and an Autobiography badge from Ebay Current Cars
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Lexus IS200 SE 03-05
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Let us know what transpires!  

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If you get hold of the VIN number and take it to a Land Rover dealer and explain the situation they should be able to tell whether or not it is a genuine one from that, the other way is on the plate under the bonnet with the VIN on it, if the car was built in the Special Vehicles section it says so on the VIN plate! 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
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