Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)

Volkswagen Type 25 (T3)
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Transporter (Europe), (Australia)[1]
Volkswagen Caravelle (Europe), (Australia) [1]
Volkswagen T25 (Technically incorrect) (United Kingdom),
Volkswagen Vanagon (North America) (South America),
Volkswagen Danfo or Faragon (Nigeria),
Volkswagen Microbus (South Africa)
ProductionMay 1979–June 2002[2]
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassLight commercial vehicle (M)
Body style3-door van
3-door pickup
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
PlatformVolkswagen Group T3 platform
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4/5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,455–2,480 mm (96.7–97.6 in)
Length4,569 mm (179.9 in)
Width1,844–1,870 mm (72.6–73.6 in)
Height1,928 mm (75.9 in)
1,735 mm (68.3 in) (Carat)
2,055 mm (80.9 in) (Camper)
2,085 mm (82.1 in) (GL syncro)
Kerb weight1,395 kg (3,075 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorVolkswagen Type 2 (T2)
SuccessorVolkswagen Transporter (T4)

The Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) was the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter and was marketed under various nameplates worldwide – including the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, T25 in the UK but technically incorrect, Microbus and Kombi in South Africa/Brazil/Australia, Kampeerauto in Netherlands, Combi in France and Vanagon in North and South America.[3][4][5]

It was larger, heavier, and more angular in its styling than its predecessor, the T2, but shared the same rear-engine, cab-over design. It was produced in a rear wheel drive version as well as a 4WD version marketed as "Syncro."[6]

The T3 was manufactured in Hannover, Germany from 1979 until 1991.[7] Production of the Syncro (mostly for official use, like postal service or German army) continued until 1992 at Puch in Graz, Austria, where all 4WDs were built. A limited number of 2WD models were also produced at the Graz factory after German production had come to an end. South African production of the T3 continued, for that market only, until 2002.[8][9][10]

The T3 was the final generation of rear-engined Volkswagens.[11]

  1. ^ a b Australian Brochures, www.syncro.com.au Retrieved on 24 January 2014
  2. ^ "Goodbye 'Gus'". Car Magazine (South Africa). Ramsay Media. 21 June 2002. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  3. ^ VW T3 Bus from VW 1984
  4. ^ Transporter - 1980 Caravelle from VW
  5. ^ VW T3 Camper USA from VW 1980
  6. ^ Syncro from VW
  7. ^ Long, Strange Trip Ends for a Symbol of the '60s The New York Times, Oct. 4, 2013. NY Times
  8. ^ VW and the German Military
  9. ^ T3 Army bus vanwurks.co.uk
  10. ^ Is it VW T25 or a T3, justkampers.com
  11. ^ Chassis codes T3, coolairvw.co.uk