Hello all, I am not a Land Rover owner yet, but I have the opportunity to buy a 1982 Land Rover (Spanish) Santana Military Lightweight. I am coming back to the states after being stationed overseas, and I am wondering if anyone would give me their thoughts. The vehicle is very nicely restored.

If I don't purchase this vehicle, I am still planning to buy a Land Rover to bring back with me, so any other thoughts would be appreciated as well. Thank you!!

-Cryptzog

 

Be sure to check the US Importation Law & Requirements before you commit.....i know of a couple land rovers that were seized and crushed..............after entering the US...

 

I've checked out the importation rules, and it appears to be good to go because it is all-original / stock and it is over 25 yrs old. One thing I am not sure of is because it was prior military if there would be any snags. I'll be checking up on that soon.

I know the "Lightweight - Air Portable"s are incredibly rare in the U.S., but I don't know if incredibly rare = worth more than a comparable defender?

 

i guess you will have to find out .. i cant say ..

 

It would have to be factory mint to be worth the price of a Defender.

 

I am also looking at Santanas, the Land Rovers built in Spain by the Santana company. But it seems as if real UK defenders are preferred over Santanas. Is this true, or is my observation flawed? I have found a few very clean Santanas (a really nice 109 2500 DL) but wonder if I should hold out for a Defender (Santanas are more common where I am). One of my main thoughts is that it might be hard to order parts for a Santana in the USA for the Spanish built "Defender". Thanks in advance to any further advice!

 

Santana's from what I can tell were shipped broken down and then assembled locally,
the down side is they are still old series machines not defenders.
the never got any of the improvements like coils spring, 4 wheel disc, and unusually use a locally manufactured drivetrain.
I sure others know more about them

 

First, the lightweight is a great vehicle. Simple, easy ro maintain and work on. You should have no problems bringing it across, but if you are unsure, there are a few importers on here who can assist. True, the Santana does not bring as much in resale as a "true" LR, however, they are equally capable autos and even better in some respects. The only catch is the engine and drive, previously mentioned, can be different in autos from Spain and Italy. I think, regardless of your choice, you will be happy with one of these truely unique and remarkable machines.

 

I've shied away from the Mil-Spec "Lightweight" Land Rover, and I am very close to purchasing a >25 year old ('84 approx.) ex-MOD Mil-Spec Defender (Left-Hand drive). It is all original. The only doubt I have is because it is ex Military. Would any of you know if that makes any kind of difference? The VIN-Lookup result doesn't specify anything about being ex-Military. I have heard that there might be an issue because it doesn't have a roll-cage, but I also think that being >25 yrs old would make that non-applicable as well. Any thoughts? Thank you!!

 

You mentioned that there are some importers on this forum, is there any that you would recommend that I contact directly? Thanks again!