The Vintage Charm of the 1976 Land Rover 109 Series III Santana Pickup
Meet the 1976 Land Rover 109 Series III Santana pickup—an iconic ride that got a facelift in Spain before making its grand entrance into the U.S. in March 2023. The seller snagged this beauty in September and transported it to California, where it’s ready for a new adventure.
Refurbished and Ready to Roll
This Series III has seen some serious upgrades. The hardtop? Gone—but don’t worry, it comes with the truck. Let’s talk features:
- Power steering—you’ll thank yourself during those weekend drives.
- Three-across front seats in tan vinyl, perfect for those long-haul journeys.
- A robust 2.25-liter diesel inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
- Dual-range transfer case to tackle whatever terrain you throw at it.
- Black wheel arch extensions and trim, plus LED taillights for that modern touch.
- 15” steel wheels—because style can’t compromise on strength.
- Locking front hubs for when you really want to take the road less traveled.
- A wood-rimmed steering wheel that truly encapsulates vintage appeal.
Now, here’s your chance to own this classic Land Rover with a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.
Rolling in Style
Once dressed in a humble green, this Land Rover was stripped down to its frame for a complete overhaul. It’s now sporting a sleek gray exterior, complete with black-finished front bumper and trim pieces. The attention to detail continues with:
- Wood-look vinyl planks lining the bed for that rustic charm.
- A convenient fold-down step for easy access to the bed.
- Globally stylish LED taillights and turn signals; no more dull lighting!
The hardtop? It was removed post-acquisition and is all yours if you’re looking to restore some height to your ride.
Tires that Mean Business
Black 15” steel wheels fitted with 265/70 Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires that proudly display their 2022 date codes. Let’s not forget the matching spare, which is stashed snugly in the bed—a thoughtful addition for your roadside escapades!
But that’s not all; during the refurbishment, the brake lines, ball joints, shocks, and even leaf springs on the driver’s side received a makeover to ensure reliable performance for years to come. Plus, an electric power-steering system was added for that extra layer of comfort, turning stressful maneuvers into a breeze.
Interior Bliss
Step inside, and you’ll find three new front seats, upholstered in tan Exmoor vinyl, offering comfort and style. This ride doesn’t skimp on flair, boasting:
- A black dashboard that combines ruggedness with elegance.
- A dashboard-mounted storage shelf—a nod to those who appreciate functionality.
- Rubber floor mats ready to deal with whatever nature throws at you.
Dashboard Dynamics
The wood-rimmed steering wheel takes center stage, where you’ll find the Veglia-Bressel instrumentation staring back at you, including a speedometer that goes up to 150 km/h. The odometer shows about 57,000 kilometers (approximately 35,000 miles). Here’s the catch: only about 160 kilometers (roughly 100 miles) have been added during the seller’s ownership, and, as it stands, the odometer is on the fritz, making the total mileage a mystery.
Powering Your Adventures
Under the hood, that 2.25-liter diesel inline-four engine isn’t just for show. It boasts a four-speed manual transmission, giving you the power to send it to the rear or all four wheels at a moment’s notice. During its voyage to refurbishment, they fitted in a replacement rear crankshaft seal, a new clutch kit, fuel pump, radiator, and alternator—pretty much everything you need to hit the road with confidence.
Durable Frame and Solid Foundations
Now let’s talk about the frame—once it saw the light of day, it got a fresh coat of black paint and a replacement rear crossmember. Robust and refined, this Land Rover is ready to take you places, whether it’s rough terrains or cozy city streets. Don’t just take our word for it; check out the detailed gallery below for a closer look at this classic revival.
This 1976 Land Rover 109 Series III Santana isn’t just any truck; it’s a piece of history revamped for modern-day enthusiasts. So, are you ready to take the wheel?