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“Carlos”

1976 Land Rover Santana 88" Series 3

Carlos is only one family owned. The original owner of the family was a man who drove it in all-stock original to his dying day of 102 years old! Carlos was in Spain, but as soon as he hit the shores of Miami, he was sent straight to Rad Rovers. The job: “I’d like a full restoration, but don’t change anything.” Then came the air conditioning, power steering, and Defender disc brakes.

Quick Facts
Year1976
MakeLand Rover Santana
Model88" Series 3
Nickname"Carlos"
OriginSpain
OwnershipOne family since new
Original OwnerDrove it stock until age 102
Air ConditioningYes (custom fit)
Power SteeringYes
BrakesDefender disc brakes
LocationSarasota, FL

The Story

One family. 102 years. A full restoration, but don’t change anything.

Carlos is only one family owned. The original owner of the family was a man who drove it in all-stock original to his dying day of 102 years old! WOW.

Carlos was in Spain, but as soon as it hit the shores of Miami, he was sent straight to me at Rad Rovers. The job I was asked to perform was more or less “I’d like a full restoration, but don’t change anything.” So I asked if he wanted to pay me in full now and he can take Carlos home right away… (little joke.)

Shortly after, I was asked: Is it possible to have air-conditioning? Yes. Is it possible to have power steering? Yes. And right at the end we also changed everything to disc brakes from a Defender.

The Build

Every ¼” of space was crucial.

The usual process of 100% disassembly was undertaken, and every part was media blasted, chemically dipped, then powder-coated, then painted.

Carlos was extremely tricky with how to fit all the air-conditioning parts into such a small cavity. Every ¼” was crucial in calculating space and travel of parts. I think it came out very nicely.

I just wish his father was around so he could enjoy it as well.