spikemd
Explorer
My 1991 Land Rover Santana 109 finally arrived in the states from Barcelona after over a year of waiting. Originally purchased in April 2016, upon further review of the title, the seller misrepresented it as a 1990 when it was a 1991. Due to the 25 year rule, I couldn't import it until last October. Then my contact broke his knee and couldn't work on it for awhile. Eventually, work was completed and shipment was arranged and it arrived last week after almost 2 months of transit.
Overall, she is in very good condition. One of the benefits of the Spanish climate is little to no rust on the vehicle. Also, it is left hand drive. After further research and talking to folks, I learned it has a more robust frame than a Defender and one of the largest rear axles ever out of a rover. The tail end of Santana production (they stopped making them in 1992), most of the truck used Defender parts... doors, dash, transfer case, etc. The front end was updated with new grill and lights as the original Santana used clunky square side lights. Probably the biggest difference is that Santanas are leaf spring, not coiled. It is like a Series 4 in the Rover timeline. If know a local guy who has built some incredible series trucks on 37s with leaf springs that drive excellent on the street and in the rocks.
Now the fun and build begins. The normally aspirated 2.5 L diesel puts out a mind boggling 68 hp! It can barely get out of its own way. The truck driver had to put her in low just to climb the ramp! I have been talking with Cummins about the new 2.8L turbo repower but a 5.9L can fit (heavy). Of course a 200/300tdi will work but not sure I want to put the money into that engine when installing an LS isn't much more cost. Lots to think about.
My ultimate goal for the truck is to be built out as an Overland vehicle with drawers, integrated cooking gear, roll cage, RTT, awning, swing-out on 33s or 35s.
Overall, she is in very good condition. One of the benefits of the Spanish climate is little to no rust on the vehicle. Also, it is left hand drive. After further research and talking to folks, I learned it has a more robust frame than a Defender and one of the largest rear axles ever out of a rover. The tail end of Santana production (they stopped making them in 1992), most of the truck used Defender parts... doors, dash, transfer case, etc. The front end was updated with new grill and lights as the original Santana used clunky square side lights. Probably the biggest difference is that Santanas are leaf spring, not coiled. It is like a Series 4 in the Rover timeline. If know a local guy who has built some incredible series trucks on 37s with leaf springs that drive excellent on the street and in the rocks.
Now the fun and build begins. The normally aspirated 2.5 L diesel puts out a mind boggling 68 hp! It can barely get out of its own way. The truck driver had to put her in low just to climb the ramp! I have been talking with Cummins about the new 2.8L turbo repower but a 5.9L can fit (heavy). Of course a 200/300tdi will work but not sure I want to put the money into that engine when installing an LS isn't much more cost. Lots to think about.
My ultimate goal for the truck is to be built out as an Overland vehicle with drawers, integrated cooking gear, roll cage, RTT, awning, swing-out on 33s or 35s.