This unusual VW Transporter was spotted near the entry to the paddock area behind the pit buildings at the Sandown Historic races last year.
I expect it is a custom build, because other than a CC post by Paul on stretched VW campers I haven’t seen anything else like it.
The Transporter had been beautifully restored, inside and out.
At the end of the day I was able to see what its cargo was… (note the narrow “transport” wheels)
This Ralt RT4 open wheeler, which car was an off-shoot of the Formula 3 RT3 built in the early 80’s for Formula Atlantic/Pacific racing. The RT4 was typically powered by a 1600cc Ford Cosworth BDD engine, making around 230 hp. There were approximately 134 RT4’s built between 1980 and 1987 which is actually a large production run for an open-wheel racing car.
Roberto Moreno Ralt RT4 Aust GP winner 1981, photo from www.moss-green.com.au
These cars formed the majority of the Australian Grand Prix field in the 1982-84 period when it was held at Calder Park each year on the northwestern edge of Melbourne and dominated by Brazilian Roberto Moreno; he was beaten once only, by Alain Prost.
Ralt was established in 1975 by Ron Tauranac, who was the designer of the Brabham racing cars, with two world championships to his credit (1966 & 67 constructor’s as well as driver’s) after Brabham was bought by Bernie Eccelstone.
But perhaps a more fitting payload for a VW Transporter is a Formula Vee racer!
These also fit more easily on a standard Transporter, and would weigh several hundred pounds less than the RT4’s 1230 lb approx (550 kg). Don’t forget you need spares and tools on top of that, so it adds up to a considerable load.
The VW Transporter’s performance limitations are well-documented, but assuming it has a healthy engine I’m sure it would perform adequately on the highway. This appearance at Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit attests to that, being roughly 2 hours from Melbourne. At least in the heavy traffic on the return journey you would have the opportunity to bask in the attention such a unique vehicle undoubtedly receives!
Further Reading:
Curbside Classic: 1965 VW Deluxe Micro Bus “Samba” – Tinnibus – a comprehensive look at the VW Type 2
Poor VW Transporter having to carry that race car. Looks like it’s too heavy of a workload.
I was not aware it was Australia until I saw the mighty white Ford Falcon in one of the photos.
Thanks for the post!
Isn’t the T2 rated for a one ton load? If so (other than being slow) it’s probably not being taxed that much.
Payload ratings for 1971 (I think):
There’s a fair bit of additional weight the truck is carrying without a load from its structural extension. The image of it loaded shows the rear wheels tucked in pretty well. It’s obviously being taxed a bit more than usual. 🙂
That twin exhaust setup makes me wonder if this well done machine has a 911 engine.
I would wonder the same thing (larger replacement engine generally, maybe or maybe not 911); seems unlikely that someone would spend the money and expend the effort on such a high-quality conversion and then fail to equip it with an engine up to the task.
I am repulsed, but I must temper that with the fact that it was actually finished, most lengthened/shortened T2s are sold as a bare shell with “the hard work done”, yeah right.
I must admit my first thought was “Can you imagine how long the shift rod is?”
V Dub Transporter would cope easily with a Ralt aboard google Southern outlet Huon Highway and check how steep it is we towed a large car trailer with a 76 Kombi van aboard with a 78 1800cc Kombi not fast ye understand but it did it quite easily, a Kombi van or ute will easily carry a ton.
Nice one John. Got a Brabham/Tauranac piece coming up in about a month.
Looking forward to that!
Is this a delayed version of the famous CC effect I’ve heard about ?
On the Hume freeway between Epping & Craigieburn heading north this afternoon, I spied this VW Transporter heading south.
Given that it appeared to be, loaded with a race car, in the right hand lane and not holding up traffic in anyway. Those speculating on it having something other than a standard VW engine may be correct.