The Pact of the Bonnet: Land Rover in the Spanish Coup of 1981

The Pact of the Bonnet: Land Rover in the Spanish Coup of 1981

On February 23, 1981, Spain witnessed an attempted coup d'état that shook the nation’s newly-established democracy. Known as the “23-F,” the event was marked by dramatic scenes, including the storming of the Spanish Congress by armed civil guards. Among the many intriguing aspects of this historical moment is the involvement of the iconic Land Rover, which played a crucial role in the so-called “Pact of the Bonnet.”

The “Pact of the Bonnet” refers  to a surrender agreement, whereby none of the rebels who had lost the rank of lieutenant would be tried, and in fact the agreement was respected. The Land Rover was a Santana Military 109 6 cylinder. 



For decades, Land Rovers manufactured in Spain were the backbone of mobility for the Spanish Army, but also for the police, Civil Guard, Red Cross, municipal police... in general for all State services.

Their image, their sound, their characteristic smell... are part of the memory of two generations of Spaniards. And as in this case, they are part of key episodes in the country.

Below. an image of a decommissioned Santana and a CETME model C, the predecessor of the HK G3, which was developed in Spain and the licensed to the German manufacturer.