WHAT IS A LAND ROVER SANTANA? How's it different from any other Land Rover, and should you buy one?

There's a lot of misinformation floating around out there about Land Rover Santanas, so let's dig into the history a bit and see if we can separate fact from fiction.
If you have any questions you'd like me to address in a future video, tell me in the comments, or drop me a note through the web site or Instagram, and I'll do my best to address it!
www.autologymotors.com
INSTAGRAM: @autologymotors

[@FernandoRodriguez-wj8fe]

Good morning. First, sorry for my english. My father (now he is dead) works about 40 years in the Santana Factory, in the axes production. The city vere all the Land Rover Santana, all the Santana Anibal, Suzuky Samurais and Suzuky Vitara is called Linares. I live in the city and there is an exworker from Santana Factory Asociation. Today the Factory exits and is possible came to see. For fanatics of the car, there too many old photos and videos and comercials in the Asotiation. I can help fanatics, and you must know that there are original parts still y this city, were many Santana Anibal still driving here. Excuse my english, please. I am pride of my father work and the car named Santana. Thanks you for your time.

[@JorgeGarcia-xe4mx]

Hola Fernando, gracias por el comentario, sabes donde puedo conseguir literatura sobre esos vehiculos? tengo uno en Colombia y me interesa restaurarlo consiguiendo partes y demas

[@rafaelcano5593]

I just bought a 1979 Land Rover 88 Series III Santana and I need to refurbished the car, can you give me name of places that I can buy parts and accessories for this car., thank you

[@FernandoRodriguez-wj8fe]

@@rafaelcano5593 Creo, por el nombre, que podemos entendernos mejor así, en español. La factoría se terminó de liquidar hace un par de años o tres. Conozco algunas personas que trabajaron en esa liquidación y que, o bien se quedaron con recambios, o bien saben dónde fueron derivados. Por supuesto todo legal. Tendría que hacer unas llamadas y saber que buscas. Yo no me voy a ganar nada, salvo la satisfacción de saber que por ahí ande uno de los que mi padre ayudo a fabricar. Si lo que necesites se puede encontrar original, pues genial. Yo te pasaré el contacto por un medio menos indiscreto y ustedes habláis. Aquí en Linares sigue habiendo una gran cantidad de Land Rover Santana (incluso de los primeros se ve alguno) y todos encuentran sus repuestos.

[@rafaelcano5593]

@@FernandoRodriguez-wj8fe me interesa como nos comunicamos,por whattsap

[@terrym4616]

Best complete knowledge based explanation I have seen.

[@bernardbarbour]

I agree!

[@fabioaugustoalzatealzate9712]

Explicación completamente objetiva y realista. Aquí en Colombia los más conocidos fueron serie ii, serie iia y serie iii. De chicos nos resultaba extraño el timón a la derecha; sólo entonces supimos su verdadero origen en Solihull.

[@jannadrielcervo7753]

You should also discuss the 4th era of the Santana. When Santana revived the Defender look alike in 2002, and called it the Santana PS-10 Anibal, still an evolution of the Santana 2500. Also add to that the Iveco Massif, which is a further evolution of the Santana PS-10 Anibal. Maybe this is for another video to give you an idea.

[@JUKE179r]

The six people who gave this video a thumbs down own Freelanders. 😏

[@paulmisencik]

Hahahahaha!

[@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316]

Or probably dont even have a Freelander!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

No, they only have right ears.

[@juanprime8827]

Hi Paul, as I live in Argentina, i ve owned 5 Land Rover Santanas Series III (1978 to 1980 models). I ve completely rebuit 2 of them using british parts (OEM, Britpart, All Makes) and the vehicles are identical. There are spanish vehicles with Lucas electric parts, and spanish vehicles with FEMSA electric parts. Engine, Gearboxes, differentials, brakes, etc are identical. Since 1983 they (spain) start to build "better" vehicles with original power steering, front disk brakes, parabolics springs, and diesels TURBO engines. Santana also built a bigger overdrive called "Toro" more rugged version (Toro is spanish word for Bull).

[@millomweb]

Hence 'Taurus' Zodiac sign (Not to be confused with Ford Zodiac cars ;) ) the bull !

[@Jcp1965]

@@millomweb Taurus is the old Rome latin word for bull (english)

[@rafaelcano5593]

I just bought a 1979 Land Rover 88 Series III Santana and I need to refurbished the car, can you give me name of places that I can buy parts and accessories for this car., thank you

[@Jcp1965]

@@rafaelcano5593 where are you from?

[@rafaelcano5593]

@@Jcp1965 Miami Florida USA

[@rajivrph]

Great video with accurate information! Learned a lot. Thank you.

[@davidstewart9233]

Thanks for a very good insight into the history of the Santana.

[@jeremysaunders9916]

Great explanatory video, well worth the watch. Thank you.😊

[@ecuauspain]

Thanks Paul for a well documented review.

[@Langersport]

Really insightful and informative. Thanks!

[@andrewberzins752]

VERY HELPFUL. Explains why the rear tub of a Santana fit perfectly on my ex-swiss army 2a with no modifications...Thanks for the insight!

[@fransan3274]

Very well explained. Thanx!

[@neilquinnell3391]

Well that cleared things up. Cheers appreciated

[@viajamossinrumbo2950]

Thanks for the information.

[@richardcampbell3731]

Today I have learnt something new! - Thanks :)

[@paulmisencik]

Thanks for watching!

[@AlejandroP1980s]

@@paulmisencik thanks is spain santana

[@JOSECASTRO-yv1co]

Excellent video. Thank you for clarifying. Very educational

[@albertooliva60]

thanks, many thanks from Spain!!!!

[@t.h.o.r.]

Nice work- this is a good video 😊

[@freshsidefmp9963]

Great explanation! Thanks a lot

[@andymckane7271]

Excellent video. I'm greatly impressed. You certainly know your Land Rovers! Although your business is in Spain, I suspect you are an American. I worked for several Land Rover dealerships in Salt Lake City and Missoula, Montana starting in 1965 and ending in 1970 (when I went into the Navy). From 1974 to 1986, I owned a business called McKane's Rover Imports of San Diego, California. With few exceptions (such as shock absorber bushings and Auto Press repair manuals), we sold only genuine Land Rover parts. Inasmuch as I knew nothing about the Santana Land Rovers other than the fact they were built in Spain, I never thought much of them. To be honest with you, I was prejudiced against them. Just within the past several weeks I was reading one of James Taylor's books. His book filled me in more than I had previously known about Santana Land Rovers. Now, in less than twenty minutes, you've greatly increased my knowledge of what Santana Land Rovers were all about, so thank you very much! I've been driving a Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited since 2012. At seventy-two years of age, I still have a strong love for Land Rover's (read the original Series vehicles and also the later Defender models). Some day, I will probably buy another Land Rover. I'll have to bring it into this country to make certain I get just the Land Rover I want. I have a hunch that your business, Autology, may well export Land Rovers to North America??? If so, one of these days I'll have to talk with you. (The above having been said, in the late 1970's, I noticed a near constant erosion of assembly quality with numerous Land Rover parts. For instance, p/n 272922, the double lockers that held the ten bolts between the differential "casing" and the ring gear itself, were often not properly installed at the Solihull factory. These bolts would loosen inside of their lockers, and back out a bit. At some point after that, the bolts would break. Once in awhile a bolt would get shot through the axle casing. I've seen probably close to 100 cases of diff failure such as I write about here. I've also seen timing chain tensioners loosen up on a number of 1969 through 1971 Series IIA Solihull built vehicles. And rear axle shafts, 591378 & 591379. These factory shafts seemed to get worse and worse as time progressed. The Smith's speedometers were also highly prone to failure. Having watched your video very carefully, I'll have to see if I can get in touch with you via the Internet. I now live in Hawaii on the Island of Molokai. I will get in contact with you one way or another. Living on a small island, the "new Defender" does not interest me at all. If I still lived in Montana or Utah, perhaps I'd have more interest in it, but I've no interest in the "new Defender" here in Hawaii. Thank you very much for this excellent video and for your interest in Land Rovers! Andy McKane, PO Box 166, Maunaloa, Hawaii 96770.

[@fabioaugustoalzatealzate9712]

Muchas gracias por su aporte señor Andy.

[@andymckane7271]

@@fabioaugustoalzatealzate9712 Muchas gracias, Thank you, and Mahalo as we say here in Hawaii.

[@joelsanford]

Damn good info, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@bitxos50]

Nice video, I agree with you 90%. Just add that the quality of the chassis of a Santana was generally better than those manufactured in Solihull, if you dedicate yourself to the restoration of both you will have seen that it is true. Also here it was possible that it was galvanized (optional). Regards from Linares.

[@paulmisencik]

Thanks for your comment! I forgot the mention the galvanized chassis. I try to remember what I’m going to say, and then I start rambling and forget some things. It’s inevitable. Stay safe and enjoy Linares!

[@johncunningham4820]

@@paulmisencik . ANY British sourced that Isn't Galvanised , has Pre-installed Failure . Just a point of view .

[@dexburwell]

Wow great job ! very informative- Was anticipating a pop quiz near the end.

[@rayans9348]

Thank you Sir for taking the time to make this video and share us your beautiful work. God bless.

[@xtr915]

I have a land rover santana 109 1979 from spain nice vehicle very strong and beautyfull 4x4 made in linares jaen spain thanks for the video

[@SamhainBe]

Thank you - many questions answered!

[@federicoacker5672]

Is the first time I saw this channel, I found this video very accurate, I think you do a wonderful job, explaining everything important about Santana and it´s relationship with LR. If you allow me is interesting, even when is not the subject of this video, that there is a 4th period of Santana "Land-Roverized" vehicles: is the PS-10 project, know also as Santana Anibal in it´s military version (it is supposed than the name came from Anibal Barca the north-african general that lead a rebellion against the Roman Empire, and was married with an Spanish girl, native of Linares region, the same place where Santana company was establish... a bit of history rumble, sorry). Anyway, the thing is that Santana (after break the deal with LR) became controlled by Suzuki, and under that influence, they decide to develop an utterly re-version (a re-born, in fact) of the 2500, but with mayor exterior changes (basically the front), and new power plant (IVECO engine). Was launch in 2003, and bult until 2006 (wasn´t very successful, even among military, although it was nominated in 2005 as "Best 4x4 of the year" by British 4x4 Magazine...). But (in some way like we seems to be happening now between the Defender and Grenadier), there was a new re-born yet to come: IVECO take the project and re-launch it as IVECO "Massif", and from 2006 to 2011 was sold under IVECO brand, but was produced in Spain, at Santana Factory. Cheers!

[@paulmisencik]

You’re right! The Anibal should probably have its own section, and I still see Anibals quite regularly in Spanish military use. Thank you for the comment and wonderful history. I never knew where the name “Anibal” came from, and I love the romance of it.

[@firefighterps2]

So glad I found this channel.

[@peel5114]

Thanks mate. Great vid !

[@josefialho6650]

Nice information. Thanks :)

[@Del350K4]

Thumbs up for doing such a good job of clarifying this confusing business! I had hoped that you might mention the differences between the Series "Lightweight" and the Santana "Lijera".There used to be quite a few British Lightweights, which had been stationed in Gibraltar, chugging around in Andalucia. I remember attending a 4x4 meet in one of these in 1994, and meeting a chap in a Lijera. We parked them side by side and clambered all over them to note the similarities and differences - perhaps yoyu might do a video on the Lijera, if you ever get one in your shop!

[@paulmisencik]

You’re absolutely right, and a separate video might be in order, because the Ligero has more than a handful of differences! I have had a few of both pass through here over the last few years...

[@Del350K4]

@@paulmisencik I shall subscribe in hopes that one of these interesting trucks might come your way in the future.

[@karimalameddine5092]

Thank you very much, I had no idea!

[@insuing]

Poco fabricó Santana en ckd. Para los primeros 1500 vehículos las leyes españolas ya exigían un 75% de nacionalización de componentes, y un 95% a partir de los 2500 vehículos fabricados. De 1983 a 1987 Santana fabricó la serie IIIa (exclusiva de Santana), todavía bajo la marca land Rover, y motores 2.25 4 cilindros y 3.42 6 cilindros. Fue a partir de 1987 hasta 1992 aproximadamente cuando fabricó los 2500/2.5 y 3500/3.5

[@edmendevil7895]

entonces los de '83-'87 son 95% partes Santana? tengo un '83 de 4 cil

[@insuing]

@@edmendevil7895 Será un 100%, porcentaje alcanzado a los pocos años. Además, del 83 seguramente será un IIIa, exclusivo de santana (detalles estéticos, mecánica similar a la serie III, salvo q se trate de un súper)

[@sanatandharma4435]

This is really good, I have owned 4 series lll's whilst in the UK. Now I live in Asturias and have seen a few Santana's and have wondered about any differences.

[@richardburns1698]

Good info!

[@Topspeedmotorcars]

Thanks for the explanation

[@MrAndyorks]

A great video, that's a surprise wih what's on KZbin nowadays!

[@1amsotired]

Thanks Paul, really interesting and informative!

[@JUKE179r]

I'm a Land Rover enthusiast. Thanks for the very informative video!

[@paulmisencik]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@muddyboots1881]

If you see a Santana out in the wild somewhere it just looks a little 'different' and you can't quite put your finger on it. Great video explaining why. Love the 'ribbed' roof that we also had on our first Land Rover 90 (1985).

[@pmjd42]

I don't know what one of those is but I know in the 1980's there was the LT85 "Santana" main gearbox, very heavy compared to say an LT77, were fitted to the LWB variants IIRC.

[@JSever17]

Great video, provided the exact information I was looking for.

[@paulmisencik]

Thanks for watching!

[@rietveld840]

very interesting report. Cheers from Barcelona

[@happyhermit2022]

Very interesting thank you. I live inland Andalucia where there is a mix of Satana and LR. They are all in very good condition and still valued by their owners. The Santana is noticeably quieter and appear more powerful with less revving. Great upload appreciated:)

[@TheRocker1950]

Good afternoon I am looking at a Santana Anibal LWB is this vehicle always fitted with a 6cyl and is that engine good. I am in Spain now but in the UK we tended to steer away from the 6cyl petrol models. a walk around would be lovely. Thank you for the channel

[@andyjohnston4394]

Thank-you for this, it was a very interesting video.

[@harrytehobbycorner3089]

A lot infos I did not know about. Very good review about santana

[@godcol1]

Hi from the uk, for year I didn't think much about Land Rover Santana I always thought the were copies of Land Rover mind you I've never seen the old series Santana I've only seen the newer one but watching your video you've changed my mind and now I know more about them I've started to like them more, thank you I'll keep my eye on one from now on 😁👍

[@bernardbarbour]

I have a 1986 109 LWB I brought home from Colombia. Love my truck and you are totally right Sir. Best complete knowledge of these vehicles. Thank you.

[@fabioaugustoalzatealzate9712]

Excelente video. Es absolutamente claro en su explicación; lógico, verídico y acertado. Soy de Pereira, ciudad cafetera en Colombia. Crecí entre Land Rover Santana Series i, ii y iii. Las versiones inglesas estaban en el mundo mitológico. Usted ha puesto todo en un contexto valiosísimo porque pocos expresan un panorama tan claro. Mi permanente admiración para los hermanos Wilks y toda la gente de Solihull y mi reconocimiento fraterno y nostálgico para la gente de Linares. Land Rover es un ícono sempiterno. Muchas gracias.

[@afonsopereira1990]

Good video. Thank you!

[@guillermojaramillo7491]

Excellent explanation.

[@matthewbrooker]

Great video, presentation style and contentam based in Aragon, Spain. Many Santanas still round here. Filling the gap between tractors and cars. No corrosion issues here, even with Land Rovers and Range Rover Classics! The Santana costs a lot less than anything with a Land Rover badge, and more fit for purpose, imho.For some reason, Spaniards assume Santana are inferior to LR, but clearly not cut and dried. For my money, a locally owned Range Rover Classic TDi hots the spot!

[@nicotrial]

miss my 2500.. good times it was my first car it held up my crazy teen years like a champ later sold it for a sportscar regreted it my whole life.. i wonder where they all have gone in the mid 2010 they dissapeared from the roads seems they are exporting them to usa... hope mine is in good hands.. now i got an old 70 serias landcruiser becouse i cant find afordable santanas anymore but loving it so much

[@georgeadams1955]

Such a pity that LR did not use the 3.3 diesel that was developed by Santana from the 2.25 diesel. Regards from South Africa.

[@allanbrown9894]

Excellent video! I just bought a 1988 2500 and feel much more informed having watched this. Very appreciated!

[@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316]

show us a video of your 1988 2500. I also have a 1988 2500 but is the SWB or most commonly known as the 2500DC

[@allanbrown9894]

@@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316 It's in the shop for an engine upgrade (300TDI) but I'll try to remember to post once it's up and running.

[@georgejarry3964]

Best explanation, 6 Land Rover's until today and a 77 RRC CKD Venezuela, 2 Santana's as good and reliable as British Land Rover's, my first car at 17 years old was a 1955 SWB Series I, currently I'm restoring a 1978 SWB Santana.

[@georgejarry3964]

Minute 6:45 absolutely right 1978 Santana is better than my 1977 Series III.

[@promenteryrobbins]

Really helpful

[@Subgunman]

And what are the starting prices of the Defender 110 or a 130?? Would these be considered as "new" with your companies VIN plate or art you using existing VIN plates from LR or Santanna?

[@TheArelem]

For more information, they were built in Linares, a village in Jaén, Andalusia. Nowadays you can see plenty of these cars in every single village of Jaén and their prize, still, is not cheap at all. You cannot buy a good Santana for less than 3000 euros and that would be a great prize. They never break, cheap to fix and unforgettable if you ever drive one of these. Great video!

[@georgejarry3964]

Hello Paul. until today 7 Land Rovers in my life, yesterday I bought my second Santana, several years abandoned and came home driving it, my first car at 17 years old still without a driver's license Land Rover Series I 1954, then a Series III 1977, Series IIa 1964, Series III 1980, Santana 1980, Range Rover 1977 CKD in Venezuela, the best I have personally are the Series I, and the two Santana's, very reliable car.

[@jaredamaral4415]

Well put.

[@alhamedi66]

Amazing knowledge and explanation. I feel santana it's beautiful vehicle like it's.

[@ampmalmeida]

Very good

[@tomcrowe7927]

@Paul Misencik Excellent information. Thanks. Is it possible to add air conditioning to a Series 3 or a Santana (it's hot in south Florida)?

[@paulmisencik]

Although I suppose anything is theoretically possible, the realistic answer is no. But the roof comes off!

[@tomcrowe7927]

@@paulmisencik Thank you :-) I'll look into Defenders.

[@millomweb]

I wasn't even aware of these :)

[@acemobile9806]

SUPER informative video! It's been my mother's dream to have an old Series or Defender-based safari type truck & I'm trying to make it happen for her. I've currently got my eye on an '88 Santana 2500 wagon and this really helped me with what to expect if I go thru with it. The forums online are basically just hate-infused venom that serves no purpose but to feed the collective egos of a bunch of over-compensating d-bags! The drivetrain on the truck I'm considering runs great, it's a 2.5 diesel but NA (sloooow), no frame rust & the body is solid but somewhat beat-up looking, especially around the front fenders (wings in LR speak lol). He want's 15K for it. Thoughts anyone? I'm relatively new to values in the LR world & could use some solid advice.

[@paulmisencik]

Where are you located, and in which currency is the "15k" price? If it's US dollars and the truck is in the USA, it seems a very reasonable price indeed. If it's in euros and the truck is in Europe, it may be comfortably on the high side. I also made this video, which goes into a bit more detail on the 2500 in particular: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5vIc6CthZV1ppY The chassis was galvanized from the factory, which is nice. The engine is a standard Rover 12J, like out of the early Defender. The 5-speed is the same LT85 "Santana" gearbox, the same one used in the early V8 Defenders. They are rugged and reliable trucks, and really rewarding to own. Glad you're not buying into the hate. Best, Paul Misencik Autology Motors, S.L.U.

[@acemobile9806]

@@paulmisencik sir thank you so much for your response! I am located in Sarasota, FL, & the truck in question is located in Tampa, FL, just 40 miles up the road from me. It's already got a clear title for the States so that tells me the importation process is already done. My biggest concerns were getting consumables (oil/fuel filters, brake parts, clutch), body panels (specifically the front wings & front header panel, they are beat up pretty bad) & any ideas on A/C? I know it's asking a lot for 70 HP to pull the truck around AND cool it off but the only way I know this will be a viable vehicle for her is to have some sort of A/C. She currently owns a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick manual, only drives short distances around town & never goes near the freeway so I feel she fits the profile to daily one of these. What other 70 yo female would want to do this? You'd have to know her. She's probably more fit than I am 😂 I don't have a ton of money to throw at this but I'd like to make this happen because she'll never be able to do it on her own. Thanks again for any advice you can give. I'll certainly keep you in the loop if this goes through since you'll probably be my go-to guy for parts. Dave

[@paulmisencik]

@@acemobile9806 A/C is a no-go, I'm afraid. I must admit, it always freaks me when people discuss something like a Santana 2500 or Series III Land Rover as a primary vehicle. I mean, they are rugged and dependable, but they are GALACTICALLY unsuited for daily driving and general use. As loud as a Victorian era blacksmith shop. Slow as treacle. Bouncy, unrefined, and crude. As a second car? MAYBE. If you have something else to run around in. As a third car? Now we're getting into the comfort zone! Hahahaha! I mean, I'm sure your mom is made of steel and nails, but no matter how hardcore someone is they are never going to be routinely reaching for the Santana keys to run to the grocery store or pick a friend up from the airport, know what I mean? The Santana 2500 is like... owning a 1947 MG TC. Fabulous car. Amazing to take photos of. Unmatched for occasional, purely enjoyable use. Every time you drive it, people will hang out of cars to take photos of you and come up to talk to you about it, and tell you how their grandfather had an MG TC and took them for rides in it or something. But no one in their right mind would use an MG TC as their primary vehicle or posit fitting air conditioning to it. It's just... wholly unsuited to modern, general purpose use. It's not the car's fault, but it's true nonetheless. That said, the price is pretty reasonable, assuming it's not too beat up. But I would go drive it, and maybe take your mother along, to make sure the reality of the experience lives up to the expectations.

[@bardiaahramian731]

Hi thank for the informative video. Can you comment as to how the 4 door santana (post 1983) is different to a defender 110 concerning the exterior look and interchangeability of body panels? Thanks

[@paulmisencik]

Thanks for watching! Same deal, basically. All the doors are identical. Everything from the second row doors forward is the same. But, same as on the SWB models, the rear quarters are shorter and the hard top (or soft top, depending on what you’re fitting) is sized for a Series III 109, not a Defender 110.

[@lazy_beeman]

Hi Paul, thanks for Sharing your Knowledge. Very helpfull for those of us driving a Santana Land Rover. What do you think will be a good option if you have to renew the starter on a 1982 109 6cyl Diesel engine? Thanks Dean

[@paulmisencik]

Try these guys... www.rec4x4.com/spa/item/ART00343.html

[@lazy_beeman]

Very helpful, thank you

[@donkey-yw6bv]

Dear Paul, Many thaks for yr informative video. I live in NL and a few weeks ago I saw a Santana 1990 2500D for sale at a farm and just recenty my wife surprised me by having bought it for me. What a gift! The car is a real "donkey" and she huffs and puffs like a champ. According to the seller the car originaly came from Malaga where she worked in the harbour for a boating company. I picture moving and towing boats around. But thats probably my romantic view. The truth might be far off. In any case, she´s in good shape for a 30+ years beast. But plenty to be done. I am not an experienced car mechaninc but the build of the car makes it ideal for starters I recon. If it´s build to be able to fix it in the bush or next to the road with a hammer and spanner, then I should be able to do it as well. Your informative videos certainly helps! Thanks again. Would you know if there are any illustrated part books available (those books with blown up drawings of parts). I would realy like to get hold of those but can´t find any on the interweb. Once again many thanks and if you wish I could sent you a picture of the donkey I´m so proud of.

[@paulmisencik]

Thanks so much for the note and thanks also for watching! I have some things you might find useful. Send me an email through my web site! Best, - Paul

[@cameronwood1994]

What are your thoughts on the 6-cylinder diesel? I'm thinking of buying one and shipping it to the UK as a project to turn it into a camper (probably send it to Dormobile for a roof conversion) for my expeditions. Also, many countries don't allow right-hand drive vehicles in, which is a pain as the UK is a right-hand drive country, so the fact they're all left-hand drive is quite appealing.

[@h-prib9304]

very good explanation about Land Rover Santana. Do you know other countries that have licensed to produce Land Rover?

[@hugo8851]

Useful and interesting knowledge about the Land Rover Santana. I had a question on my mind about this topic for some time: Why is the back door top shape of the Santana Series different to the British Land Rovers and its hinges too? Was it redesigned for some reason?

[@paulmisencik]

I'm not entirely sure, but almost all of the Solihull Series III's I see here have a one-piece rear door, like a Defender. ALL of the Santana Series trucks have 2-piece rear doors, which means you can remove the hard top and run the truck fully open, but with the bottom of the rear door in place. With so many of the Solihull trucks, if you remove the hard top you need to run with no rear door at all. So maybe that's the reason? The heat in Spain, and the likelihood of people running the trucks fully open?

[@hugo8851]

@@paulmisencik So the Santana rear door has an advantage because you can run the truck fully open and still have the lower part of the door but with the Solihull you cant. I did not know that.

[@davidv9744]

Muy interesante!

[@fahren1962]

Bonjour et merci pour ces explications concernant l'histoire de la collaboration entre Santana et British Leyland. Qu'en est il de celle entre Santana et Iveco, qui construit le Massif à la suite, lorsque Santana a arrêté sa production ?

[@blacksquirrel4008]

What freewheeling hubs might fit a 1983 Santana 2500 Especial?

[@JohnInSale]

I’d never heard of Sant Ana or Land Rover Santana before catching this video. Very interesting and informative It makes me wish that they’d got the production line from Land Rover UK when they stopped mainstream production of the Old Defender in 2016 It would be great to see it being built under licence or independently in Spain for folk who don’t need or can’t afford the New 2020 Defender 🇪🇸🇬🇧 Let’s hope this can happen one day 🙏🏻

[@paulmisencik]

Would have been awesome, yes. But Santana was long gone by 2016. 😞

[@georgeadams1955]

You meant 2020 DEFENDER

[@JohnInSale]

George Adams bloody autocorrect 📲🤬

[@danielherring3343]

@@paulmisencik Would you be able to do a Video on the Santana PS10?

[@dutchyjhome]

Well, you prayers are heard; however it is sadly not Santana who builds the truck you're lokking for but Ineos Grenadier is ! Designed by Brits and build in Germany/ Austria with German (BMW) parts. So there you go: It looks like a Classic Santana, but it comes with a lot of modern German High Quality tech ;-)

[@jamesnester8256]

This is very helpful. I'm currently looking at a 1979 Land Rover Santana Series 3. Any warnings/considerations? should I look away.

[@paulmisencik]

Absolutely no warnings. If it’s in good shape it will be a wonderful truck and easy to own. Enjoy it.

[@mary-ek5cc]

Paul, this is by far the most informative detailed information on the topic. I found you for being in the market and finding a 1988 Santana, however, i'm not sure how to distinguish if it's a 2500 model? That information is not forthcoming in the sale description although it indicates by your breakdown of differences particularly in the fenders being a sharp drop and rounded not flared out like Defender. It is a 2.5 Liter 4 cylinder diesel engine and LT77 (not sure what that is) manual transmission that i'm considering. Oddly enough, the 1978 Santana series III you have posted is cheaper than the 1988 i'm looking at now. I wouldn't want to assume even this year base model is a 2500, can you assist with how to distinguish between just a 1988 Santana LR base model if there is such thing to a 2500 model? greatly appreciated and becoming a follower of your site. thank you for your clear presentation! all the best from an active off road LR fanatic! Mary

[@paulmisencik]

Wow, thank you for the kind words!! And thanks for watching. Reach out if I can help you with anything!

[@mikestrange8955]

Thank you. This was very informative. I have a Santana series 3 88 1976 for 5 years. I cannot find any information on breaks. I have disc brakes on the front and drums on the rear. I am not sure where to start looking for parts. I am sure the drums are stock series 3, but the discs are the question. Do you have any insight as to what they are? Can I retro fit drums? I am at a loss. Thank you for any comments in advance.

[@insuing]

Santana comenzó a montar discos delanteros como opción en los super serie IIIa en 1983. Si su vehículo es realmente de 1976, está modificado, salió de fábrica con tambores delanteros. Tendrá que averiguar si los discos que monta son originales de modelos posteriores o cualquier otra adaptación

[@lordpetergaskin6816]

I have a Santana 2005 ps10 its a series landrover you say what diesel fuel tank do i need? i have a leak.

[@mariopinos8853]

Hi Paul. Thanks for the info. What about an 2007 Land Rover Santana??

[@paulmisencik]

There is no such thing. Santana had stopped making Land Rovers in any significant numbers by around 1993 and by 1995 all Land Rover production had stopped in Linares. Santana was building Suzuki Samaurais by that point. If you have something that lists it as a “2007” on the paperwork, you may have a retired Spanish military vehicle, or police vehicle or something, that was DECOMMISSIONED in 2007. It would get new, civilian license plates at that point and the “date of first registration” on the documents would therefore be highly misleading.

[@xtr915]

Yes santana close factory in 1995

[@piusbuhlmann2942]

Dear Paul First of all thank you very much for this very informative and interesting video. It has cleared many questions for me towards Santana. I know very little about any off road trucks so I hope I dont sound too stupid. Right now I am looking forward to get myself a Santana Ps-10 produced in 2006. Since you haven't mentioned much about this specific model of the Santana's production line, I would love to hear a short opinion of yourself since you seem to have a lot of knowledge about these trucks. Some main questions which concern me, since I am planing to spend most of my savings for this car is the reliability of this model. I wont be able to spend too much money on reperations, since I am still a student and dont have any earnings, but the Ps-10 which I am looking foward to buy seems to be in very good shape and has only 100000km on it (which I thinks isn't too much?) I hope my english was understandable since I am from Switzerland. kind regards Pius

[@paulmisencik]

Your English is excellent. The PS10 is essentially an evolved version of the Santana 2500 range (Series IV), but powered by a 2.8L Iveco common-rail turbodiesel with intercooler. This engine was considerably more modern than the old Rover 12J it replaced, and with 125bhp it compared favorably with the 200Tdi Defenders of the time. In good condition they are great trucks, and mechanical parts are still readily available. Trim and other cosmetic and interior parts are very difficult to find.

[@piusbuhlmann2942]

@@paulmisencik Thank you very much for your response, this was very useful for me.

[@cameronwood1994]

Is it worth buying a PS-10 over a comparable Td5-era Defender? In the UK, they're significantly cheaper than a Defender and available in right-hand drive, but there's only 150 or so examples on the road - most apparently in Scotland where they were quite popular. There is an official UK parts supplier for them who can even get some new genuine trim parts. It seems to be doors and second row floors that go rusty on them, but a lot of Defenders of the same age seem to have rotten chassis and bulkheads here.

[@freddyweaver873]

@@cameronwood1994 did you ever find out about the availability and value for the UK market? I’m looking a lovely PS10 and enjoy the fact it’s got it’s unique styling but am concerned it’ll be expensive to service because of the lack of available parts.. any info gratefully received! Thanks

[@kellyfox8885]

Do you have a way to get information about the history of a Santana via the VIN? I cannot find much about Santana in the US. My truck is a Series 3 109 station wagon.

[@paulmisencik]

Hi Kelly. Unfortunately, other than simple things like year of manufacture and model, you cannot get any information from a Series III Santana VIN number. Those old, 9-digit VIN's didn't have much information coded into them.

[@maxgood42]

I'm a Toyota Tool but I'd have a 2500 any day... thanks for the info . Can they be modded to right hand drive ? (AUS)

[@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316]

It probably can is a series III truck evolution with the 12J engine. YRM makes the footwell (pedals) for both sides and part to change from RHD to LHD or vise versa.

[@aberdeencarwash9363]

Hello Paul, I just bought Land Rover Santana after watching your video several times, Your presentation was awesome, I would love to share pictures Please let me know. Thanks Bud

[@paulmisencik]

Would love to see it, thanks. www.autologymotors.com

[@rainerbuergin]

Great video, thank you! I just bought a 109 a few days ago on the island of La Palma (Canarias). It's quite a road block going up the steep mountain roads with its 62 hp Diesel, but what's really killing me is the steering. Is there a reasonably economical (and street-legal) way of converting it to power steering?

[@paulmisencik]

There is a really good kit made by “Señor Barbo.” Elegant engineering, compact, and fully electric. Installs in about ten hours (requires a lathe and a bit of TIG welding, but you can farm those two steps out to a metal shop), and it’s compact and fairly hidden. All good news But it is NOT street legal in Spain, and although you can turn it off and hope the inspector doesn’t see it, if they do? You’re kinda sunk.

[@rainerbuergin]

​@@paulmisencikThanks so much Paul, I've been in touch with Senor Barbo (great guy) and discussed his electric power steering. Problem (for me) is indeed that it's not street-legal. Could be a problem with ITV or insurance in case of an accident. I guess I'll have to get used to driving it as is.

[@TheRocker1950]

Thank you for the information. I have a 1983 Santana SWB. It was sold to me as a S3. It has a one piece screen and no vents. I love it but for various reasons I would like to part exchange it for a LWB. The dealer is saying it is not a S3 . How do I confirm it is or is not. Vehicle plate is no help. Thank you

[@paulmisencik]

Technically, the dealer is correct. Santana referred to your vehicle as a "Series IIIA." It is, essentially, a very late Series III in almost all ways, but with minor changes throughout. You mentioned the one piece windscreen and lack of under-screen vents. Most Series IIIA's also had roll up door windows. Most used an unusual sliding lever to open the doors from the inside. Things like that. Pretty much all trim and so forth. The guts are all Series III.

[@martinhawkes2823]

Always been a fan of the Santana as i found them far more reliable than a lot of the english one's I've owned. My question is with regard to converting the 2500 to coil springs and other such accessories is how do you manage to pass it through the Spanish ITV because with my own experience if nothing is original it's a right royal pain, even had to change tyres once because they weren't company spech.

[@paulmisencik]

When I need to homologate changes for Spanish road use, I use an engineering firm based in Madrid. It's actually very straightforward. Just a little paperwork and a little money. Not hugely difficult.

[@martinhawkes2823]

@@paulmisencik that's interesting to know, it was the only thing that stopped me from doing the things all landy owners do. At first i found a loophole by importing them into Gibraltar, modifying them then putting them back on Spanish plates or UK depending who was interested but it became a right old game so gave up in the end. The one i looked high & low for was a 109 with the 6cylinder diesel but was never able to aquire one, I'd still buy just the engine if there we're any and put it in my 2a but they seem rarer than hens teeth.

[@fnh8340]

Have you any information about the Santana 6cyl diesel engine that was based on the 2.25 4 cylinder uk one?

[@paulmisencik]

What information do you need? It is a great engine. Essentially a 2.25L four cylinder Rover diesel with two extra cylinder grafted on. (Not unlike what Audi did to the Volkswagen 4-cyl in the 1980’s to make their 5-cylinder.) It is exceedingly smooth and refined, with a lot of torque. But it was ultimately let down by the short gearing in the series trucks, which didn’t allow the extra power and refinement to translate into significantly more usable speed.

[@fnh8340]

@@paulmisencik Thanks for your reply. Were many made? Was the gearbox moved back? Did Solihull have any interest or input in the production of it? Was it robust enough to be turbo charged? In my opinion Land Rover UK were very Conservative when it came to engineering, their own engines and drive trains were obsolete in terms of capacity for for upgrades. The Japanese ran rings around them in terms of engine and drive train options and reliability. In reality Land rover should have failed as a company, they survived and are surviving on customer loyalty.

[@paulmisencik]

fnh8340 I don’t have production numbers, but not too many were made. I have had three of them, and in my personal opinion it is a very robust and lovable engine, but my experience is largely anecdotal. You’re right about Land Rover refusing to invest in new engines, technology and models throughout the 1970’s, but I think this has a lot to do with the fact that they were owned by British Leyland. BL was tight fisted and was loathe to spend on anything, and their refusal to invest in the future saw other proud marques, like MG and Triumph, driven straight into the ground. So glad it didn’t happen to Land Rover.

[@CalPowerMario]

Hi. I purchased a Santana 1977 from Poland to San Diego CA. Have been having issues with preheater and would like to buy the manual for the vehicle and start working on it. Thank you

[@paulmisencik]

Hi Cal! Contact me privately at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@rafaelcano5593]

Hi Paul,i have a santana 1979 series III short wheel base. Can I put and ac on this car,will i loose alot of power and if I can do you know of an ac that I can install

[@paulmisencik]

With the caveat that anything is possible, the short answer is no. There is no "kit" for fitting A/C to a vintage Land Rover 2.25L, whether petrol or diesel. Your only realistic option would be to fit a "universal" electric A/C compressor and have all the related bits fabricated. But I have never been motivated to look too deeply into that. Expectations of modern comfort in a Series III sorta seem like going down the wrong road to me. Sorry!

[@juancarlosmorenogonzalez6929]

Los chasis en Santana eran galvanizados, importante diferencia,,,,

[@Rosquillito]

Como los parachoques???

[@FernandoRodriguez-wj8fe]

@@Rosquillito El vehículo entero era galvanizado varias veces en gigantescas piscinas que todavía están ahí, abandonadas.

[@berndeikers8924]

hi paul, interesting that you picked up this subject. as a santana owner i also "investigated" a bit of the history of our santanas and i must say you got some points of the history completly wrong. for example between solihull and linares have been long negotiation before production how it would be posible to produce the car in spain. it was the time of franco and strictly prohibeted to import anything. all had to be produced in spain. so actualy about 90% of the car was produced in spain, but there you are right - under land rover licensed. that fitted solihull anyway because they were overwhelmed with their never expected success of the car. --- the success of santa ana was, that they treated the cars for bananas, coffee, rice whatever spain needed and couldnt or dificult buy because missing currency. it was post war times and the whole world was broke. and that came to the goodwill of franco - so he made the exception of the import of keyparts. ... and so on, and so on ... very interesting, you should investigate a bit more. always good to have something to tell to buyers. anyway, santana is a great car, spare parts fits, happy days. if there are better than original land rovers? well they all got there "souls". much more important is how the owner will treat and mantain the car. cheers

[@terrym4616]

I have a Santana 2500.Pretty much all the axle seals and gaskets need replacement. Can you offer any advice on what part numbers to buy?

[@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316]

Send me a line thru Facebook messenger. And I'll send you the Santana 2500 illustrated parts manual so you can look at the gaskets you need!

[@NathanShattuckIsHere]

@@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316 I would love that manual as well. There are a bunch of Dennys Rivero on FB messenger. How do I know which one is you?

[@esolthailand7439]

Ok, where is the real Ricky Gervais and what have you done with his body?

[@paulmisencik]

(ASSUME GERVAIS VOICE): "Are you 'avin a LAUGH?"

[@jacquesbrink9113]

Hallo Paul do you perhaps know if the sold 2500's in South Africa I have a series 3 but would love to get my hands on n Santana

[@paulmisencik]

North Africa was always a big market for Santana, but I’m pretty sure they left South Africa to Solihull. But I am not 100% sure. I will ask someone I know who worked at Santana during the 2500 years and I will get back to you!

[@jacquesbrink9113]

@@paulmisencik please I would highly appreciate it

[@cameronwood1994]

@@paulmisencik South African market Series vehicles were largely CKD vehicles from the UK assembled in South Africa. The exception being the Series IIIS models, which had the Stage One front end with either a licence-built 2.6 litre BMC E-Series 6-cylinder petrol engine known as the R6, or a licence-built 3.9 litre Perkins 4.236 diesel engine known as the ADE 236. Both were connected to a Santana 4-speed gearbox, although the ADE 236 had Stage One 3.54:1 differentials because it didn't rev very high (about 2,800 rpm).

[@masodmohammed9615]

لاندروفر...هى اسطورة الصحراء .هى السيارة التى تعتمد عليها فى الصحرا هى الرفيق الدى يتركك فى اصعب الظروف الصحراويه... شكرا على هدا الفيديو المفيد .

[@thomassnow5791]

I am currently overseas in Andalucia and my family and I are in the market for a Land Rover. At the moment and I am looking into a 1982 Santana is there any advice you would have on what to keep an eye out for? Also... Would a 1982 Santana seem to be a "better" vehicle compared to a Defender?

[@paulmisencik]

Hi Thomas! Enjoy your trip. No, I don't have any particular advice on buying an old Santana, other than to say that (particularly in Andalcia) a lot of these were used as workaday farm vehicles, for bringing olives or almonds in from the groves, etc. As a result a lot of them didn't necessarily get regular maintenance, and since they are inherently SO TOUGH, they can put up with a lot of abuse and still seem fine. But you really don't want to buy an old truck that has been neglected. So beware of cheap examples, inexpensive trucks with fresh paint, that kind of thing. I try to buy only known vehicles with a known history from people I trust, and we try to evaluate them pretty extensively before we buy one. That doesn't offer any guarantees with a four decade old 4x4, but buying a neglected one pretty much guarantees heartache. And no, the Santana was not a "better" vehicle than the Defender. The Defender was categorically the better vehicle. As I explain in the video, the Defender was a new evolution of the type. Coil sprung, full time AWD, longer chassis, more interior room, and more refinement. It's the better vehicle, hands down. The Santana 2.5 and later 2500's were just lightly evolved Series III's.

[@hmandrianasolo7592]

some land rover 110 have 4 alpine windows on their roof (2 on the left and 2 on the right) instead of two alpine windows (one on the left and an other one on right). Do they come from a Santana or Did Land Rover UK put them on 110?

[@greatvidsviewsfreedom7316]

Those are Santana roof that were adapted to the 110. The Defender never offered the 4 alpine windows on their 110 that was a Santana feature that started around 1983 until 1994 from the 2.5DL, 2500DL or 3500DL.

[@lenartraul]

Hello, what about the Land Rover Santana from 2007? Is there any information to read about? Thanks

[@bolux]

it doesnt exist

[@paulmisencik]

@@bolux You are correct, it doesn't exist. If you find a Santana with a "date of first registration" of 2007, it is an earlier vehicle that had it's matricula, or license plate, changed in 2007. This may have happened because it was a government or military vehicle for the first years of its life and then decommissioned and sold to a civilian. Or it may have been in another country and imported INTO Spain in 2007. Something like that. But they were not building Santanas in 2007.