The VW Vanagon, especially the Syncro AWD version, represents an ideal that no other vehicle can quite match: the maximum amount of utility, interior living space and vagabonding capability in the smallest practical package, a vehicle that can be driven to the store as well as a remote hidden lake. Its multi-functionality might well be compared to a Swiss Army knife; no wonder it has such a cult following. But for some jobs, something a bit bigger and gnarlier is called for: a Leatherman, for instance. Or even a machete. And here’s the automotive equivalent: the VW LT 4×4. Everything to make the world a smaller place, all wrapped up in one tidy box.
Finding this globe-trotter sitting here in Eugene is anything but likely, but then I’ve given up being surprised. The LT was never imported, and this one ended up here when a genuine German globe-trotter decided to sell it in the US before heading back home. How do I know? A VW LT google search led me to this posting, where there is a reference to it being offered for sale at samba.com in March of 2011. The asking price was $38k. Well, looks like someone bit, and an Oregonian at that. It’s a small world after all. Here it is in its country of origin before it set sail for the New World.
Lest you think that the LT is some sort of Vanagon/Transporter on steroids, it’s not. The LT was VW’s first serious truck, designed in the early seventies when they realized that the classic VW rear-engine format was not going to scale up. The LT has a conventional front engine and rear wheel drive (heresy!); the only VW to ever have that configuration, except perhaps the current Anorak pickup. It first arrived in 1975, and was built until 1996, with some upgrades and refreshes along that long way.
The second generation LT was a joint venture with Mercedes, and the two shared development of what was sold as the Sprinter by Mercedes (and Dodge/Freightliner in the US). But the VW version was built in its own factories, and had its own engines, along with a 2.8 L diesel by Brazilian MWM.
The current version is called the Crafter, and is essentially a badge-engineered current-generation Sprinter, built by Mercedes. Apparently, VW’s LT hasn’t been all that successful in recent years. Butt-ugly.
The LT first arrived with short (2500 mm), and long (2950 mm, as in our featured van) wheelbase versions. Later, an even longer 3650 mm wheelbase was added. Its configuration is the classic forward control van, with the engine between the front seats. But it had a very capable independent front suspension, and developed a rep for being a better handling and riding van than average. This is not a German Dodge A1oo.
Given that VW wasn’t exactly in the business of building rwd-compatible engines, it had to get creative. The original gas engine was the 2.0 L four that originated in the Audi 100, as also used in the Porsche 924, and which eventually was sold off to AMC, where it ended its days in Gremlins and such. Yes, it is a small world indeed.
Lacking a diesel engine back then, VW purchased Perkins units, a rough number indeed. But by 1979, VW had created a six cylinder version of its new EA-827 based diesel, an engine that also found its way under the hood of the Volvo 240 (I won’t repeat that mesmerizing Disneyland line again). Early versions of the 2.4 six diesel made 75 hp, but it evolved along with the rest of the VW/Audi diesel line, first getting a turbo (90/102 hp), and eventually direct injection (TDI). A gas version of the 2.4 six replaced the 2.0 after it was sold to AMC. You didn’t know VW made inline sixes?
Needless to say, the LT came in wide variety of body styles and variations, from passenger vans, motor home chassis, and trucks of all sorts. The numbering system of the LT designates its maximum vehicle weight, which ranges from the 2.8 ton LT 28 (6100 lbs) to the 5.6 ton LT 56 (12,320 lbs). All the LTs from the 35 up have a leaf-sprung beam front axle.
But the most interesting version is of course the 4×4. This is not a Steyr-Puch conversion, but VW’s own development. It has a central transfer case, and solid axles front and rear. The 4×4 was available only in LT 40 and LT 45 versions. Our featured van is an LT 40 (8800 lbs max vehicle weight). This orange one is an early version, as evidenced by the round headlights.
The reduction gearing and locking differentials results in a climbing ability of 45 degrees. Serious stuff indeed. Just the ticket to make molehills out of mountains.
Love those wheels, axles and tires. Made in Germany (and Korea). It’s a….
From their website, it appears that the former owners were planning a trip through both North and South America, but called it quits on the southern portion after venturing as far as south as Honduras, and ended the trip in Arizona after an extensive tour of North America. That’s where the van was put up for sale. Maybe globe-trotting wasn’t quite their thing after all.
Westfalia made various versions of the LT, with their usual Swiss-Army Leatherman efficiency and fold-out-ability of beds and other accoutrements. This one has a rear galley and bathroom.
The main seating area obviously folds down for the primary bed. There’s quite likely another one that folds out in the tall roof too.
In that Teutonic fashion, there’s a place for everything, unlike the much more cramped Vanagon.
Here one has the world at one’s fingertips. Can I see myself here? I’m purposely spending all my energy on the LT’s dry facts and history, because if I were to let my emotions flow, it might get embarrassing. Let’s just say this solves all the problems I have ever considered in combining all the desired features into one reasonable-sized package. And a bathroom for Stephanie as well. The ultimate Niedermeyer-mobile? Maybe, although its off-road capabilities are probably beyond my actual needs, and that probably doesn’t help the ride. Still…
It didn’t help that I heard today about a former acquaintance who retired, sold everything, and hit the road in a VW bus. And is very happy indeed. Maybe this is his?
chap up in Quesnel BC has a doka version. He has done quite a bit of work on it, making it even more gnarly than stock (Unimog axles for example). He made it into a close approximation of a Steyr-Puch Noriker (which was S-P’s modification of the LT). Webpage with some info here: http://www.hasenwerk.ca/1993lt4x4/
attached is pic of his truck
Oh, one more thing Paul, Vanagon Syncro’s having a “cult following”? Does that appellation also apply to lovers of other older cars or is it just a good natured dig?
alistair
oh im sure it was a good natured dig bro
What a sweet home away from home. Looks right at home in Oregon. I’ve never seen one of these rigs before. There is a Feuerwehr truck I see around Bainbridge Island. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t think it’s a VW. Next time I see it I’m going to get a pic and put it on the Cohort.
I’m also planning on retiring to a VW Westfalia and the beaches of the Gulf Coast.
Oddly enough, Ive seen a few of these putting along the Trans Canada highway over the last few years. They’re always sporting European-style plates and are usually equipped like they are going on an expedition of some sort.
I suppose that since I live a few hours’ drive from the eastern port of Halifax, NS, that may explain a lot. I can imagine that Europeans that want to travel around North America (including the far North) would consider Halifax a good port to which to ship their vehicle.
Nice machine, but 38 large will buy you a very nice RV if you’re not into off roading. There were some questions raised on the linked web site regarding the ability to register it in the US. Wonder if that was an issue?
I’m not sure the cause but when I read about these off road vans my head starts swimming, my chest constricts, and I can’t control my emotions. I don’t know if it’s because I crave the life of a vagabond or if it’s thinking of being off the beaten track in something with vw reliability.
It sort of reminds me of when I was in the navy (forever almost) and had a strong working relationship with Adolph Coors and Gussie Busch.
Whatever, it’s time for my nap.
Nice beast perfect for the nomadic lifestyle, I cant recall ever seeing an early VW LT van the newer one are common enough here along with most Euro vans but not many older versions the Japanese cornered the market pretty much.
There was a light blue 1978ish LHD one on trademe late last year, don’t think it had been in NZ long. Was brought in by tourists who decided to sell it and leave it here. I’d never seen one, and wondered what the heck it was. It may have been the 3650mm wheelbase version, as it struck me how enormous it was inside. I thought it was really awesome – if only I had money and somewhere to park it!
I’ve seen an LT identical to the Feuerwehr truck around Toronto, in a similar color to that camper. It’s an ex-military truck – it still has the Bundeswehr crests on the doors.
I think I just jizzed in my pants!
“Let’s just say this solves all the problems I have ever considered in combining all the desired features into one reasonable-sized package.” Yes, yes, yes!!
I thought of you when I found it, and figured you’d have a visceral reaction. Sure enough!
I want it! In a Bad way!
Toss in the dogs, fishing poles, the hunting gear and hit the road.
Man, that is one sweet machine.
If you think about it the asking price is not that out of line for a 4wd truck based RV.
If you look at what EarthRoamer charges for their Wrangler and F550 RVs and what a nice customized Class 6-7 4WD RV costs this starts to look better.
I do wonder how they managed to register it, it seems like Oregon is a haven for all sorts of grey market diesels.
There is always the DIY Military Surplus route. I caught this homebru HEMTT based RV on CA 89 between Tahoe City and Truckee last summer. My wallet squeals at the very thought of the fuel and tire bill for such a monster.
With the aero kit over the windshield I’m sure the fuel economy is great!
Looks like a bit more modern & bigger version of one built out here from a 6×6 ex-army, ex-fire truck. Nice in theory but sheer size will limit where you can go, both on road and off.
I don’t think the first gen LT made it out here to Oz either, but we do have a small number of the later ones – hard to call them ugly when they are barely styled really. Would this LT offer any advantages over a 4×4-converted US full-size van? I have seen one of those running around here a couple of times (late 1990′s Chev at a guess)
ps – I assume Anorak was a deliberate thing? And also that in saying the first gen LT as the only FE/RWD VW you don’t count the later ones as VW’s?
When I lived in Germany, there were still quite a few LTs roaming the streets. Not sure why, but I am drawn to them as well. Even picked up a few 1:55 Siku models of the LT while I was there.
What’s that black dogleg-shaped item on the front? Looks like a breather for deep water, but surely not?
It’s definitely a snorkel, why wouldn’t it be?
Yikes, are the doors on that camper waterproof? Squish, squish.
Is there an “LT Houseboat by Amphicar” edition? Now that would be the ultimate. Time for dinner? Head out on the river and fish from the driver’s seat. 10 seconds from hook to kitchen.
Hey, you never know… VW did run this ad once: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qB0lb401ZU
Its definitely a snorkel, really prepared for the Oregon rain!
Pretty sweet and yet another vehicle I had no clue existed… if I saw it on the streets I would’ve assumed it was a Vanagon, even though it’s clearly not.
The prospect of going on some harebrained global voyage by way of automobile has always interested me. To pull it off you need to be filthy effing rich or willing to give up on being a functioning part of society completely. I’ve never been out of the United States and scarcely have been west of the Hudson River, so even something as mundane as driving to Cleveland still excites me. Driving to Croatia?! Whoa…
Lots of people have managed to do it, mostly on two-wheeled contraptions, though. I followed the exploits of a four-wheeled adventurer over the last couple of years and he has a great breakdown of what the exact costs were on his website (link here)
Personally, I would never trust a VW to make it around the earth. That’s crazy talk… suicidal even. No surprise that this example has been involved in (at least) two ill-fated globe trekking endeavors! When I win the lottery and make a bee-line for Tierra del Fuego via Prudhoe Bay and beyond, it’ll be in an XJ Cherokee. A) because I think it’s easily one of the greatest vehicles ever built and B) because AMERICA! Most people do it in Toyotas or Land Rovers, which actually have parts distribution networks on more than one continent. No room to sleep? Pshh…
The Crafter doesn’t sell well? You wish. Competing with the other most common van, another piece of eye candy.
Whichever the drivetrain, as long as the engine is diesel or turbodiesel. I like the earlier generations LT Volkswagen.