At first glance, this might look like just another Volkswagen T3 double cab, but appearances can be deceiving. Robadr captured one of the rarest versions ever built: the T3 Transporter TriStar. Essentially a luxury DoKa, it combined the practicality of Volkswagen’s rear-engined pickup with a higher level of equipment and refinement. Production is believed to have totaled only about 1,500 units, making it an exceptionally uncommon sight today. So, what exactly set the TriStar apart from its more workaday siblings?
Well, it’s a full four-door vehicle, with a functioning rear passenger door on the driver’s side –unavailable in lesser DoKas. That, plus higher trim and a few other optional passenger-oriented items. Yes, for a utilitarian German/European vehicle, this is 1980s plush. If you like Eddie Bauer editions, this is not the vehicle for you.
Leaving that aside, the TriStar has all the functional qualities that fans of these enjoy. Simplicity, a space-efficient cabin and long-lasting materials; if rust is kept at bay and that 2.1 water cooled under the cargo area receives its proper maintenance.
I’m pretty sure those iron bars on the car bed aren’t part of the package, but few of these remain “as delivered”. Such is the life of utilitarian vehicles.
Rare they may be, but it’s not like one hasn’t shown up at CC before, with Paul covering its details about a decade ago.
Let’s take one last look at the TriStars’ most distinctive view. Take a good look. Who knows when another will show up.
Related CC reading:
VW T3 Transporter Double-Cabin TriStar – Much Rarer Than I Realized
Tri-Star seems like an odd name for these, what’s three on it? Double cabin, four full doors, four wheels, four cylinders, etc.
I’m not sure Lockheed liked them using that name…
Cool find just the same and I’m jealous. I’ve always liked the Volkswagen commerical vehicles, though this one blurs the lines a bit more.
I’d reckon the “Tri” refers to being a T3 (third-generation Transporter), with the “Star” indicating a top-spec version.
I saw a T3 Doka last weekend; there are a handful in my California town but I’ve never paid attention to the doors or looked for TriStar badging. Now I know!
Like this! Thought it might also have been a Synchro version – was that even available on a Tristar? – which would have made it a Top Trumps DoKa. These T3s ride and handle really well,can be flung about quite entertainingly and are very refined – in the pickups engine noise is really isolated from the cabin – making this a versatile, fun and very usable ride. Props to the owner, who obviously looks after it well.
As said in the 2015 post, about 500 of the Tristars were Synchro versions. However, I don’t see any 4WD labels on today’s find, so it’s likelier the more standard version.
Rich, that is no Syncro version: You can tell from the location of the fuel filler cap. Syncros have it next to the right rear wheel arch.
Though a nice find! We have got a 1986 Doka which is at 965k mi now, on the 3rd engine. We got a 1.9L TD from a Golf , still strong and really versatile.
Cool, Not sure that headache rack will work a the real event, but it looks the part. without real tie down hooks I doubt this pickup does much heavy work, its too nice.
As long as they’re building F-150s and other modern pickups where the bed floor is shoulder level, it would be a good idea to put these kinds of sides on it so we can actually reach things.
I recall seeing one of these in construction zone orange parked in the VW N America HQ garage years ago. Always thought the drop down sides were very practical. Reminded of the Corvair based rampside.
The interior looks like third world luxury.