This 1964 Land Rover Series IIA Diesel is a Spanish-built “Santana” that was recommissioned last year, with work including a repaint in its original pale green and a refresh of the diesel engine with a new head gasket, cylinder liners, piston rings, and radiator. The chassis was also undercoated and rust-proofed, and the truck fitted with new shocks, differential seals, and the swivel balls rebuilt. Some minor electrical eccentricities remain, though the seller describes the truck as a very original and engaging driver. The truck is sold with complete importation documentation and a clean Illinois title.

This body was repainted though the seller notes that the unrestored removable hardtop was not and left as-is, remaining presentable but showing its age. The side mirror was relocated from the front fender to the door, but the truck is otherwise stock in appearance.



The chassis was undercoated and rustproofed, and the stock steel wheels are held on with upgraded wheel bolts.



Spanish-built Rovers carried a unique grille badge which displayed the “Santana” logo below the traditional Land Rover logo. This truck is also fitted with a Rover Diesel badge under the right headlight. A hole is present on the inside of the tailgate, though there is no bubbling around it.

The truck has been rewired and has mostly original instrumentation in the stock locations inside. The temperature-amp-fuel gauge is a correct Santana-branded piece, though it gives an inaccurate temperature reading. Another temperature gauge has been added in the stock cluster. The speedometer has a replacement bezel and reads slightly fast. The ignition switch has been relocated to a position below the tach, though the original could be hooked back up if desired. The horn is not working.

The 3-across front seats are in good condition, as are the inward-facing rear jump seats. The vehicle is registered as a full seven seater, despite its short length. The floors are protected by rubber mats. The seller states that this truck is fitted with its original transmission, which is unsynchronized from 1-2, but operates smoothly if properly double clutched. The high-low range selector works as it should.

The truck’s original 2.25L diesel engine shares many components with the 2.25L gas engine Land Rover was already producing at the time. This engine received a new head gasket, cylinder liners and piston rings, a new radiator, air intake tube, new water and fuel pumps, and cleaned/polished original injectors. Additionally the differentials have been sealed, swivel balls rebuilt, transfer case gasket replaced, and the truck received new fluids throughout within the past week in preparation for sale. The drivetrain is all original to the vehicle.

After the above work was completed, the seller spent addition time to remedy leaking axle seals. He notes that the truck holds temperature well even in city driving, and the brakes work as they should. As is typical of older diesels, some smoke is evident on startup but dissipates once the truck reaches temperature. The seller had the truck professionally inspected, and the smoke was deemed normal. There is a good record of annual mechanical and safety inspections from Spain’s ITV, indicating regular maintenance over the years.

Even after its lengthy journey from Spain to Baltimore the seller reports that this Rover started readily when disembarking from the Port of Baltimore to be trailered to Chicago. The seller is including the importation documents, copies of the ITV inspection records, and receipts for the work performed by himself and the previous owner. It is now sold with a clean Illinois title.