1985 LAND ROVER SANTANA SUPER TURBO 88

Three owner. Restored to original condition. *62,667 KMS* 4 cylinder turbo diesel with 5 speed manual transmission and 2 speed transfer. Seats for seven.

Find Me Something Similar

VEHICLE History

From the Private collection of Canary Island Rover. Two previous owners. Repainted and reupholstered. Originally sold on Tenerife and has spent entire life in the mild climate.

MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION

The “Super Turbo” model was a rare production of the more than 300,000 Santanas produced in 1985. The 75 horsepower ¨11J¨ motor is a 2.25L 4 cylinder turbo diesel, which is capable of cruising at 70mph with plenty of high rev power. The 5 speed LT85 “Spanish Box” known for its robust off road capability – British LR used under license in their V8 powered Defenders (1984-91) – shifts smoothly into all gears. There is the occasional 1st gear dance that accompanies many LR. 2 Speed transfer case works properly. Hydraulic steering keeps the vehicle tracking where the driver demands. Power boost brakes assist the front disc brakes and rear drums. Recent service to the hand brake makes parking on a 45+ degree incline a breeze. Several refinements to the suspension have been performed in the last two years including front end and rear end work, all documented with receipts. Four new 31x10.5 Cooper AT3 tires on magnesium alloy wheels were fitted in 2015 and have less than 500kms since installation.

INTERIOR

The interior has been refined with a reupholstered 40/60 front bench, as well as, a bespoke gear tunnel cover and gaiters decreasing engine noise and cabin temperature. Four fold down rear seats in good condition are original to the vehicle and are easily removed by tension clips in seconds. There are seats for seven passenger and shoulder seat belts fitted for the driver and front passenger. New rubber floor mating has been custom fit in rear bed and front footwells. All electrical components have been serviced and work properly including the heater (overhauled), interior lights, hazard lights (new addition), front and rear wipers (overhauled).

EXTERIOR

The doors shut tight and lock properly. The body has been repainted in the past to an OK standard with drips and imperfections present. Some below standard touch ups show with some paint bubbles on the lower portion of the doors. There is mild oxidation on the front firewall and chassis with the greatest found on the original exhaust and leaf springs. Period correct decals recently fitted that exude its 80´s essence. There is a European 7 pin trailer hook up and tow hitch.

TEST DRIVE

Inside and out the vehicle is clean and in daily driving condition. A proper LR for cruising around town or the beach. Simply a great mountain vehicle or working truck. A rare classic for off road enthusiasts with the perfect marriage between classic utility and simplicity with modern refinements prior to the computerized TDi release.

THE POSITIVES

A modern classic from the private collection of Canary Island Rover. This Land Rover Santana was made in Spain under license from the British Land Rover company and features many improvements over its Series III counterpart including added horse power from greater engine displacement and turbo forced air intake, 5 speed manual transmission, oil cooler, hydraulic assisted steering, front disc brakes, modernized interior, adjustable captains chair and quick release rear jump seats.

THE NEGATIVES

The gear box can be difficult to put into second.

Speedo is not calibrated for larger tires.

ADDITIONAL SPECIFICS

Excellent vehicle review in Spanish –

Santana Super Turbo Test Drive and Review

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent example of a luxury SUV from a simpler era.

Great driver.

Needs nothing.

This Land Rover Santana “Super Turbo”, like all Canary Island Rover vehicles, features the steering wheel on the left side like in North America and Mainland Europe.