1980 Land Rover - Santana Series III 88

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Why It's Curated:

This 1980 Land Rover - Santana Series III 88 is for sale in Norfolk, Virginia. 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 the seller works directly with in Spain. See full details of the refresh below.

Check out the pictures in the gallery, and contact form below to ask any questions, make an offer, and get in touch with the seller. 

Vehicle Details:

Year: 1980
Make: Land Rover - Santana
Model: Series III 88
Drive: 4X4
Miles: 97,200
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Engine: 4-Cyinder | 2.25 Liter
Exterior Color: Mercedes-Benz “Brilliant Silver”
Interior Color: Silver | Blue Leather Seats
State of Registration: Virginia
Vehicle Location: Norfolk, Virginia
VIN: E57013946
Title: Clean
Seller Type: Dealer

Details:

Manufactured: Linares, Spain

Imported: Costa Blanca, Spain 

Mileage: 56,477 km showing | More than likely 156,477 km based on vehicle paperwork | 97,200 Miles 

The selective cosmetic refinements on this 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.

* Tires: 7.5X16 Michelins with full size hood mounted spare.

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

Recent Maintenance:

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.

Mechanical Work Done Upon Arrival in the U.S.:  Additional work was done to ensure the potential new owner would not have any issues with the vehicle and could enjoy it immediately.

* 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.

Anything Else:

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.

Modifications:
No - Stock

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
None

Seller Interview: