Highlights
- Beautifully presented Series III Santana in great condition
- Awarded Best Restoration award at a major classic car rally
- Five-year detailed restoration process
- Fully rebuilt original 2.25-litre diesel engine
- Extensive galvanisation of key components for longevity
The Appeal
The ‘Santana’ Spanish-built Land Rovers are well regarded in the community for their quality and the detail changes that appeal to true enthusiasts. Few, we suspect, are as good as this remarkable example.
It is a 1976 88in so benefits from the multitude of improvements introduced for the Series III Land Rover. Finished in mid-blue with white roof, this pick up is in fabulous condition thanks to a recently completed meticulous five year restoration process.
That work paid close attention to factory-correct details and attended every area of the vehicle. What could be restored, was, and only what was unserviceable was replaced. The 2.25L engine has been fully rebuilt and the chassis and other components galvanised for durability. The current Spanish ITV runs to July.
Looking at the photos and leafing through the history file it is perhaps no surprise to learn that this handsome vehicle was awarded ‘Best in Show’ at a recent large classic car event.
Good Series III Land Rovers, particularly Santana versions, are rarely as good as this.
The vendor says:
“With a restoration carried out over a five-year period to an exceptionally high standard, this Land Rover Santana Series III 88″ Especial is an outstanding example of the model. Offered with Spanish registration and a valid MOT until July 2026, it is ready for immediate enjoyment or to form part of a discerning collection.”
History and Paperwork
- 1976 Land Rover Santana Series III 88″ Especial
- First registered in Spain
- Five-year detailed restoration process
- Recipient of Best Restoration award at a major classic car rally
- Spanish ITV valid to July 2026
- Detailed records of restoration process
- Specification summarised below
The Condition
- Finished in original Marine Blue (LRC006) with White roof and wheels
- Desirable short-wheelbase pick-up model
- English-style canvas hood installed
- Centrally mounted spare wheel plate
- Factory-correct styling and detailing which can be checked in photos
- All exterior lighting units replaced
- Emblems and badges faithfully reproduced
- Newly upholstered front De-Luxe seats and rear side benches
- Freshly refurbished dashboard
- Doors refitted with three-panel trims
- Period-correct Series floor mats installed
- New lever knobs
- Fire extinguisher added
- Five new Goodyear Wrangler 205/80R16 tyres
- Mounted on restored white-painted steel wheels
- Chassis stripped and treated with red oxide primer and refinished in satin black
- All bolts underwent full zinc plating
- Period-correct headlights and new indicator units
- Chromed number plate light
- Parallel heater kit
Galvanised components for longevity:
- Side profiles
- Windscreen frame
- Under-bed crossmembers
- Rear corner cappings
The Mechanics
- Fully rebuilt original factory 2,256cc diesel engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Vendor reports it runs and drives very well
- Current Spanish ITV
List of new parts and work:
- Pistons and segments
- Connecting rod bearings
- Main bearings
- Professionally restored diesel injectors and fuel pump
- Silentblock kit installed throughout chassis and leaf springs
- Four new GME-brand leaf springs
- Shock absorbers
- Rear axle lowering straps
- Two new steering spheres
- Refreshed ball joint kit
- Professional steering realignment
- Completely overhauled braking system
- Master pump
- Hydraulic lines
- Brake cylinders and shoes
- Brand-new wiring loom installed
- Battery
- Diesel pipes and hoses
- Complete new exhaust system with silencer
- Support bracket kit
