Santana
Santana Land Rovers
The origins of the Santana company can be traced back to the formation of Metalurgica de Santa Ana, S.A. in Linares, Spain in 1955. In 1954 under "Plan Jaen", a government initiative to industrialize the Andalusian province, a group of businessmen obtained the license to produce 1,000 units of agricultural machinery per year.
The company started out by building combine harvesters and other farming equipment, but anxious to diversify their production, they soon came into contact with Rover. The Linares factory had been built with the aid of funding from the Spanish government, and so with their help, the following year an agreement was reached with Rover to build the Land Rover at the plant.
The initial worldwide success of the Land Rover had outstripped Rover's ability to supply, and at that time Land Rovers were being produced under license in Belgium by Minerva, and in Germany by Tempo. Rover was interested in the project, and talks focused on the choice of a model to be produced in Spain, as Rover wanted the Series I model to be built in Spain, using the machinery and tooling from Minerva whose contract had ended, while the Spanish wanted to produce an updated model, namely the new Series II.
Import permits were obtained for the necessary machinery from the Ministry of Commerce and finally in 1958 the company began production of the Land Rover Series II.
In 1959, just a year after the Series II became available from Land Rover, the first Spanish-built Land Rovers are launched, 75 percent locally manufactured, with a choice of 2.25-litre petrol engine or 2-litre diesel engine.
Due to the Spanish government's stake in the venture, the first 1500 vehicles had to be 75% locally made, the next 1000 85% locally made, and from there these Land Rovers had to be 95% of Spanish manufacture. This prompted the development of engine design and manufacture within the company.
The first Land Rover Santana vehicles were 88 inch models, with the long wheelbase 109 inch model following later. These were nearly identical to their British counterparts.
The large majority of the vehicles manufactured in these first years went to the Armed Police, Civil Guard, Ministry of Public Works, etc.. The Spanish armed forces also purchased numerous vehicles, a military version with a canvas roof and a jerry can located at both ends of the front bumper.
Santana Military version.
In 1962 production of the new Series IIa began, with few changes in comparison to its predecessor, but with the new 2.25 litre diesel engine as an option. Meanwhile the company diversified their production further by starting the manufacture of gearboxes for the Citroen factory in Vigo.
The factory was enlarged several times, and a new centre of production was established for the production of components for engines such as blocks and rods, plus axles and differentials. In La Carolina, a new centre was set up dedicated to the distribution of completed models, and the installation of specific special order components, as well as hosting the training school of the company.
In 1962, with local content of the vehicles now at almost 95 percent, the company begins exporting operations with a first shipment of vehicles to Colombia, revealing the South American market as one of the main destinations for Spanish Land Rovers. Supplying fully-built or as completely knocked-down (CKD) kits to be assembled at the destination country, Santana exported Land Rovers to Central and South America, North Africa and the Middle East, especially Morocco, Iran and Costa Rica. Land Rover supported these exports as they were unable to access many of these markets themselves.
Early on, the company had also set up a research and development department, the first product of which was the 1300 forward control, which appeared in 1967. Although totally of Santana design, it does bear some similarities to the Series forward controls from Land Rover, and was developed in a similar way. Santana decided to name this vehicle by it's load capacity rather than by it's wheelbase size, as Land Rovers were named, and so the '1300' could carry 1300 kilos of goods. The vehicle was available in seversl different versions, including pick-up, chassis-cab, double-cab or, minibus / van, each being available with petrol or diesel engines.
Santana Land Rover 1300.
In 1968 a new version was added to the range. The five door 109 inch "Station Wagon", having been available from Land Rover almost from the outset, finally aquires a Spanish cousin.
The production of Santana Land Rovers received a fresh impetus in the late 1960s with the emergence in 1969 of exclusively military models, developed entirely in Linares. Although these bear some resemblance to the 'Lightweight' Land Rover, the emergence of both British and Spanish versions was parallel, and because of differing design considerations, none of the panels on the Spanish vehicles needed to be demountable to make it airportable.
The 88 inch Ligero Militar and the 109 inch Militar were produced, with specifications for a payload of 1/4 ton for the 88, and a ton for the 109. These models received a new body with greatly simplified lines, angles and wings, with a canvas roof top on all versions.
These were further developed, producing a special version equipped for deep wading, with a shielded electrical system, snorkel and high exhaust exit, specially designed for the Marines, and a model designed to carry a 106mm gun on the back. This model had backwards angled wing fronts, and the windscreen was split into two independent halves with a gap between them to allow the gun to protrude over the bonnet.
Other versions were equipped for radio communications, in this case with a fibreglass hardtop, or intended to patrol in the desert, equipped with a cooling system, strengthened upper air intake and two fuel tanks. An ambulance version was also created, with capacity for four stretchers, with special bodywork in the same vein as the Series IIa Land Rover ambulances.
Santana Militar 109.
The evolution of civilian Santana Land Rovers continued and in 1970 they introduced two new versions (88 inch and 109 inch) called "Especial" with a more comfortable interior than the basic models. These were offered with their own colour range and had Alpine windows in the rear, although the most significant change occurred at the front, as the headlights moved to the wings for the first time, while on the grille panel, where the ordinary models had normal lights, driving lights were fitted.
In 1972, due to a change in Spanish motoring legislation, the lights move to the wings on all models, three years after they did so on their British counterparts. Most Santana Land Rovers made prior to this date and still 'on the road' in Spain had to adapt to the rules and change the location of their headlights, with varying degrees of success, but for unknown reasons a few vehicles have been maintained to this day with the lights in their original position.
In 1974, three years later than in Britain, the Series III model is launched, distinguished from its predecessors by various technical improvements which include a new gearbox with synchromesh on all gears and a redesigned dashboard, as well as adopting across the full range some of the improvements of the 1970 Especial.
In 1975, all models were now supplied fitted with dual-circuit brakes. In 1976, all models gain a brake servo.
The obvious need to provide more power for the vehicles gave birth to new 6-cylinder engines developed totally in-house. The V8 petrol engine used in the Range Rover and other Land Rover models was never adopted by Santana, as it was perceived as being too thirsty.
The new 6-cylinder, 3.4 litre petrol (104 hp) and diesel (94 hp) engines were essentially produced by adding two more cylinders to the current Land Rover 2.25 litre 4-cylinder engine design. Because of this new (longer) engine type, 6-cylinder equipped vehicles are redesigned with the radiator grille moving out flush with the wings, whilst the gearbox and axles are upgraded to deal with the extra power.
The engine was only available on the 109" versions as this allowed the capacity of the fuel tank to be increased, although on request it was installed on military models and in some versions of the '1300'. Overdrive and free-wheeling hubs were offered as a factory fitted option for the first time.
Santana Series III 6 Cylinder Land Rover.
One of the good qualities of a 6-cylinder equipped 109 was that it allowed road travel speeds previously unknown to the owners of Santana Land Rovers, but against them was difficult starting due to the starter motor being too small, and fuel consumption was high.
In 1978, the '1300' model is replaced by the new 'modelo 2000' forward control vehicle, with a 2-tonne payload and 6-cylinder petrol or diesel engine.
and reached an unladen weight (chassis-cab version) of 2,360 kg. The Santana 2000 is marketed in different versions as a double cab or panel van, although the most widespread was the chassis-cab bodywork supplied to specialist conversion companies.
Santana '2000' Forward Control.
In 1979 the Series IIIa 109" 6-cylinder 'Especial' is introduced, with rectangular headlights.
The the front door sliding glass panes become a wind-up/down type, the windscreen is made as one piece (no centre split) and the roof is now made of fibreglass rather than aluminium.
The front central seat is eliminated and a centre-console fitted, Overdrive and freewheeling hubs come as standard equipment, as well as two fuel tanks giving 92 litres capacity. The spare wheel was originally positioned on the tailgate, but ultimately this caused the breakage of the hinges and Santana had to find another location.
Santana Series IIIa Land Rover.
Santana Series IIIa 6 Cylinder Land Rover.
In 1980 the 88 inch model is withdrawn, and a number of improvements are introduced across the remaining range, a new engine block with a 5-bearing crank. To supply the then fledgling market for leisure vehicles, the Santana 'Ligero' (Ligero = 'Light weight'), a civilian version of the Series III 'Militar' lightweight-style vehicle is introduced. Soft-top or hardtop options are available, with an exclusive range of very bright colours.
Santana Land Rover Ligero.
In 1981 the company name is changed from Metalurgica de Santa Ana, SA to Land Rover Santana, SA. The petrol engined Ligero was the cheapest model of the entire Santana Land Rover range, whilst the diesel version cost the same as the 88 inch base model.
In 1982 Santana Land Rovers with a 6-cylinder engine are renamed 'Cazorla' and 1983's four-cylinder engined models are renamed 'Super'. The 'Cazorla' version was visually rather like Land Rover's Stage 1 vehicle, it was fitted as standard with overdrive, front disc brakes, power steering and three windscreen wipers on the one-piece windscreen.
The 'Super' versions incorporate part of the improvements of the Cazorla, and the engine size is increased to 2,500cc. The 'Super Turbo' version was among other things the first turbocharged variant of the 2.25 litre Diesel, with an output of 75 bhp and a torque of 180 Nm, - three years before the British turbo-diesel.
Santana Land Rover - Cazorla 6 Cylinder.
In early 1983 Santana signed an agreement with Suzuki to manufacture the Small Suzuki SJ-410 off-roaders, with first sales planned for 1985/86. Suzuki takes a 20% stake in Santana. At around the same time, Land Rover decided to release its equity, which had become 30% thanks largely to its contribution of machinery, and so Santana terminates co-operation with Land Rover, removing the Land Rover name from it's vehicles. Santana enjoyed a long association with Land Rover having built in the region of 300,000 'Series' vehicles from 1958 through to 1985. By the end of this period however, the vehicles being built were quite different in many respects from British Land Rovers.
1983 sees the launch of the Santana (Series IV) 2.5 or 2500 model. As part of a cost cutting package, the windows each side of the rear door disappear. The 2500 introduces the use of parabolic springs, The same year Land Rover changes to coils. Power steering becomes standard equipment. The six-cylinder diesel engine remains with the designation of 3500, and petrol versions are only available by special order until stocks are depleted.
Santana Series IV / 2500.
In 1984 the six cylinder diesel engines are discontinued.
1991: Suzuki Motor Corporation becomes the majority shareholder in Santana, with 49% of the share capital.
This led to the company being renamed Santana Motor, SA.
Although on the sales catalogue until 1994, the appearance of the Nissan Patrol and the massive influx of new all-terrain vehicles cause a gradual decline in sales of Santana Land Rovers. This focused the firm on the production of the Suzuki , whose range is increasing with the emergence of the SJ-413, the Samurai and Vitara.
1994: Santana 2500 production ends.
A last attempt to revitalize the model occurs with the development of military prototype 300-M, equipped with an Italian VM 105 hp engine, but the Spanish Army chooses another vehicle, which stalls project that could have derived a new Santana.
1994-96: The company is forced through re-structuring and ownership changes, and Santana sells it's 2500 production line machinery and tooling to Morattab. However a new licence contract was signed with Suzuki, and agreements were signed for the production of new diesel-engined models and extension into new sales markets.
Thankfully, the story doesn't end here.
1997: The licence contract with Suzuki is extended to 2006.
1999: PS-10 concept vehicle introduced - Essentially a re-design of the 'Series IV' 2.5 / 2500, but using Iveco's 2.8 litre, four cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
2000/01 saw the company facing sharply declining sales (2000 - 33,821 units; 2001 - 22,736), resulting in a loss of 301 million Euros. Santana decided that it needed to broaden its product base, and introduced a new model - the 'PS-10' (outside Spain) or 'Anibal' (Spain only) - at the 2002 Madrid Motor Show in May that year. They planned to sell more than six thousand units per year, and sell directly to Land Rover's home markets.
Bringing the story full-circle, the PS-10 is in fact a very thinly-disguised Land Rover, powered by an Iveco 2.8-litre 4 cylinder turbodiesel engine, using parabolic spring suspension, and produced in two main body styles - a 5-door station wagon and a 3 or 5-door pick-up. Interestingly, a front-wheel-drive only version is also available in both body styles.
2006 saw the release of a short wheelbase version, launched at the Madrid International Motor Show, with a new Iveco 3 litre diesel engine and a six speed gearbox.
This machine is once again set to lock horns directly with the Defender.
2006 May 26th: Santana and Iveco sign an agreement to work together to develop new light 4 wheel drive vehicles.
2007: IVECO Massif - a rebadged and restyled PS-10 - is unveiled.
Iveco are to market the vehicle worldwide, using the Fiat brand in the South American markets.
However in 2009, Santana stopped producing RHD PS-10s for the UK market. Parts are still available from Norfolk Trucks.
Santana PS-10 'Anibal'.
2006 PS-10 Specs:
Engine: Iveco PS10 8140.43 4-cylinder 2.8 litre common rail direct injection turbo diesel, delivering 92 Kw at 3600 rpm and 275 Nm torque.
Gearbox: ZF LT85, manual, 5 gears + reverse.
Drivetrain: Part-time 4x4. The transfer box is based on the Santana 2500 unit.
Suspension: Parabolic Leaf springs
Brakes: Disc brakes all-round.
The handbrake is a disc transmission brake.
Power steering: Recirculating ball type, with ZF pump
Turning Circle: 6.5 metres.
Length: 4.675 metres
Width: 1.750 metres
Track: 1.486 metres
Height: 2.000 metres
Wheelbase: 2.786 metre wheelbase (109")
Tyres: 235/85 R16
Diff clearance: 200mm
Attack angle: 60 degrees
Departure angle: 30 degrees
Fuel Tank: 100 litres
Payload: 1 tonne
2007 models feature the new Iveco 3 litre turbodiesel unit.
Santana PS-10 Military Sales pictures.
Iveco Massif
The first images of the new Iveco Massif 4x4 have appeared, ahead of the public debut of the new vehicle, built by Santana Motor.
As with the Santana PS-10 'Anibal', the 'Massif' will feature Iveco engines and power trains.
Iveco 'Massif'.
The Iveco Massif is a rebadged and restyled version of the Santana PS-10 'Anibal' 4x4 vehicle. This new vehicle will be marketed and sold world-wide by Iveco, using it's established dealer networks. However in the major South American markets, including Brazil and Argentina, the Massif is expected to be marketed under the Fiat brand name. Iveco see the Massif as a logical extension of their product range, providing an adaptable and affordable off-road capable solution for some of their niche markets, based around Iveco engine and drivetrain technology. Iveco are also able to tap into the specialist use areas already developed by Santana - the PS-10 has already been converted for a number of specialist uses such as fire, ambulance and military applications. These specialist designs can directly carry over to Massif. The military version of the PS-10 is fully air transportable and includes special features such as a reinforced front bumper and fold flat windows. Iveco are initially targeting annual sales volumes of 5,000-6,000 Massif vehicles, with the focus being on professional use. Amongst the targets is forestry use. As with the Santana PS-10, the Massif is expected to be more competitively priced than the newly-updated Land Rover Defender.
Armando's Santana 2500
Armando Giraldo uses his Santana 2500 station wagon regularly for fishing and photography trips around Colombia. As you will see, he has done a bit of off-road competition in the vehicle, but it is kept in top condition with regular maintenance and repair as soon as it is needed.
Armando's Santana 2500 station wagon.
With this level of attention, this 2500 should be around for a long while yet!
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If you can help us out with more information regarding Santana SA or their vehicles, past or present, please do so. You can contact us at admin@lr-mad.co.uk.
Santana pictures
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