Land Rover - SANTANA 88 - 1982

GENERAL STRUCTURE
This vehicle is a Land Rover Santana 88 Series III produced in 1982. It is a classic off-road vehicle manufactured in Spain under license from Land Rover, a historic alliance that began in 1956 when Metalúrgica de Santa Ana (Santana) signed an agreement with the British company to manufacture these vehicles in Linares, Jaén. Over time, Santana introduced its own improvements tailored to the Spanish-speaking and global market, making its vehicles famous for sometimes surpassing the robustness of the original English models. Specifically, the Series III versions built in the early 1980s benefited from the evolution toward 2.25-liter diesel engines with five crankshaft journals (instead of the old three), a fundamental technical improvement that dramatically reduced vibrations, increased the engine block’s longevity, and cemented its reputation as an indestructible engine. The car is in very good condition, having been very well cared for and cherished by its only two owners throughout its history. It is currently used on a weekly basis as a leisure vehicle and retains its completely original configuration without restoration, which guarantees that the mechanics are in perfect working order.

BODYWORK AND PAINT
The body structure is in very good condition, with no structural damage and only some surface rust as expected for its 44 years, not requiring repairs. The current paint is original and shows some of the normal scratches from the passage of time. Although it suffered a minor impact to the left front fender, this incident has already been repaired without affecting the vehicle’s structure, as seen in the photos. However, for delivery, the car will be handed over to the buyer completely repainted in its factory original color. Aesthetically it wears Wolf-style Defender rims with tires at about 80% life, but the sale also includes the vehicle’s original rims. Likewise, all exterior elements such as glass, rubber seals, and chrome are in keeping with its good overall condition, and the vehicle is delivered with its original removable roof. The exterior set is completed with a properly homologated tow hook recorded in its technical sheet.

MECHANICS
The 2.25-liter, five-crankshaft-gear engine is in perfect working order, delivering a very smooth sound and presenting itself completely clean, with no leaks of any kind. It has recently undergone exhaustive and comprehensive maintenance including oil changes, replacement of all filters, auxiliary belts, and the valve cover gasket. The manual transmission is four-speed and includes the coveted Overdrive system, a trendy extra of the time that acts as an intermediate gear applicable to all gear ratios, relieving the engine on the road. The vehicle also features front wheel releasers to reduce wear on asphalt, ensuring that all mechanical components function perfectly, as everything on the car works.

INTERIOR
The cabin remains in very good overall condition and retains its original configuration. As typical signs of wear from use and age, the dashboard shows some minor damage and the front passenger seat backrest has a seam that has come undone, so it will need reupholstering in that specific area. Beyond this, all electrical components and cockpit controls have been thoroughly checked and operate correctly. The cabin layout offers excellent versatility, providing a capacity of between three and seven seats, as the car is delivered with the four rear benches or additional rear seats ready to be installed.

DOCUMENTATION
The vehicle is officially registered and cataloged as a Historic Vehicle in Spain. Thanks to this advantageous administrative status, the car enjoys exemption from road tax in the vast majority of Spanish municipalities and has a valid ITV (Vehicle Technical Inspection) until 2028. Due to its historic designation, the owner only has to pass that mandatory inspection once every four years, which is a major saving and convenience. All documentation is perfectly in order, free of charges, and ready to proceed with the ownership transfer, including the history that proves the two owners.

PICKUP
The car is available for its corresponding pre-delivery inspection and subsequent pickup in Ponferrada, in the province of León, Spain. The seller is fully available to collaborate and facilitate all logistical arrangements for transport with the winning buyer.

OTHER INFORMATION
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a highly authentic Land Rover Santana 88 Series III, a piece of Spanish automotive industrial history that has not been altered and retains the original patina of a true survivor. The fact that it is regularly used weekly is the best proof that the car has not been idle and is ready to be enjoyed from day one. The recently completed preventive maintenance and the peace of mind of having the next ITV scheduled for 2028 add value and reassurance that are very hard to find in the market for classic SUVs.