BODYWORK: The vehicle remains in original condition and requires a complete restoration, although the original aluminium body panels are in reasonably sound shape. During the 1970s or 1980s, additional headlights were fitted on the front wings, but it would be very easy to restore the vehicle to its original appearance, as several Land Rover parts specialists currently offer brand-new replacement front panels. A complete metal roof and a metal tailgate, both currently dismounted, are included with the vehicle.

MECHANICS: The mechanical components require a full restoration. Its original petrol engine was replaced with a diesel engine at some point in its life. The gearbox has a major oil leak, so the vehicle is not currently suitable for driving.

INTERIOR: The interior remains in original, largely unmodified condition but will require a complete restoration.

DOCUMENTS: Original Spanish documentation from 1959.

HISTORY: In April 1958, the Spanish government authorised Metalúrgica de Santa Ana to import a small number of the newly launched Land Rover Series II from England in CKD and SKD form (completely or partially disassembled), so that the workforce in Linares could become familiar with the model. According to research by specialist Francisco Díaz, the first unit assembled at the Santana factory left the production line at the end of October 1958, already containing about 60% locally manufactured components. Differences from the British-built counterparts were minimal, mainly the left-hand-drive configuration, certain dashboard warning lights, the front window locking system, and of course, the “Santana” badges on the rear and front panels. These Series II models can be visually distinguished from the later Series IIA by features such as the access hatch to the gearbox from inside the cabin and the wheel rims, which at that time lacked the reinforcing slots between the nuts.

This particular example, recently discovered, is one of the very first units assembled in Linares from CKD kits shipped from England. It was originally built in Solihull on 2 September 1958 and then assembled at the Spanish Santana factory between October and December of the same year. It was finally registered in the province of Cáceres on 20 June 1959 and carries chassis number 145900074, the initial “1” identifying it as a CKD vehicle, making it the 74th Land Rover produced by Santana. Like all early units, it still retains several English electrical components such as Lucas headlights. It is fitted with a later diesel engine, as Santana did not begin assembling diesel engines until 1960, and its front end was converted to the four-headlight configuration, a popular modification during the 1960s.

Overall, this is a remarkably well-preserved and original example, making it an excellent candidate for full restoration. Very few pre-1960 Santana Land Rovers are known to survive, and only three or four CKD units are confirmed to exist today.