1980 Land Rover Series III 88 Santana

1980 Land Rover Series III 88 Santana

Status: Available for sale
Manufactured: Linares, Spain
Imported: Costa Blanca, Spain
Engine: 2.25L four-cylinder diesel  
Transmission: 4-speed manual  
VIN: E57013946

Title: Virginia Title | Clear Title

Mileage: 56,477 km showing | More than likely 156,477 km based on vehicle paperwork

These Land Rover Series-III 88 Santana models are outstanding Land Rover platforms for daily driving, off-roading or cruising the town on a sunny Saturday; Spain’s dry climate and penchant for driving on the proper side helps these classic Landy’s remain attractive even after a half century of use. The story of Santana and Land Rover has been told before, but in short: Ferdinand Franco needed manufacturing and agricultural equipment in Spain to modernize its economy, while Land Rover wanted to expand globally in the post-war environment. Knock-down kits were sent from Solihull to Linares Spain, where the trucks were assembled and sent to farms around both Spain and the broader Spanish-speaking world. From the 1960’s up until their licensing agreement ended in 1983, Land Rovers of all sorts were manufactured in Spain – 88” and 109” wheelbases as well as adaptions of the Lightweight for civilian use (See: The Ligero). These Santana’s played a huge role across Spain’s orchards and farms, some still in use doing the same work today. They’re a part of the family in that sense, and about as iconic as an old Ford truck.

This 1980 went through a recent mechanical and cosmetic refresh in 2024 by a restoration expert OV Classics works with directly in Spain.

The selective cosmetic refinements on this rugged machine are:

• The body was refinished in Monochromatic Mercedes-Benz “Brilliant Silver” with color matching wheels, galvanized body capping and matching roof vents.
• New interior with light grey vintage loop carpeting over sound deadening panels, and Steel Blue Nappa leather heated seats in front, with matching rear jump seats and door panels all around. Dash has been refinished with similar finish.
• Polished headliner.
• Heritage steering wheel.
• 5X16 Michelins with full size hood mounted spare.

Mechanical overhauls done in Spain:

• All fluids renewed.
• Oil & Filter renewed.
• Fuel Filters renewed.
• Cooling system (new radiator/water pump overhaul).
• Cylinder compression tests showed all was in good condition with rings/valves/valve seats.
• Fuel pump and injectors tested/some overhauled as needed.
• New brake booster and master cylinder.
• Overhaul of brakes with new drums, shoes, hardware assigned.

Upon arrival in the U.S. we sent the Rover, as we always do at OV Classics, for a full inspection to ensure that the vehicle is sound and will meet Virginia State Safety Inspection criteria. Additional work was done to ensure the potential new owner would not have any issues with the vehicle and could enjoy it immediately. Additional mechanical work accomplished:

• Rear driveshaft u-joints replaced, and driveshaft rebalanced.
• Rear differential axle housing seal/ and drive flange gasket.
• Front differential half-shafts were gone through and the differential gasket/gasket bearing retainer/oil seal pinion/mud shield were renewed.
• Both front differential bearings were replaced with new swivel pins and hub seal kits installed.
• Starter overhauled.
• New Speedometer Cable.
• Electrical check-out.
• Original Santana Gauges inspected.

Driveline. The transfer case permits adjusting between RWD and 4WD, as well as between high and low range.

Performance. The vehicle starts and runs well, with only a bit of smoke on startup and under heavy load. With my foot all the way down and the flat road laid out in front of me I saw 55mph briefly flick across the speedometer before letting off. Yes, they’ll do it. No, they don’t like to. The Defender gained popularity for a lot of reasons, but highway speeds were a big part of it. However, if the opportunity presents itself for a long-cut kinda day, a Series Rover is fantastic for connecting yourself to the driving experience: Operating a vehicle closer to its limits (or working inside what’s there) requires re-thinking your movements, routes, expectations, and norms. It’s the closest you can get to time travel, and I highly recommend it.

Interested? Contact Us for more information.