(first posted 6/20/2012. Since I’m out working on my van, this one comes to mind) 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 Amarok 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?
Related:
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:
That commercial reminds me of the National Lampoon’s satire ad of a Beetle floating, with the caption “If Ted Kennedy drove a VW, he’d be President today.” The ad so nailed VW’s dry ad style that a lot of folks thought it was a real VW ad (it was on the back cover of the magazine) and sent nasty letters to VW for their poor taste.
I doubt the Lampoon could survive today.
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.
The yellow LT 4×4 is not just a campervan, but a (sort of) Westfalia Sven Hedin. The Sven Hedin was developped by Westfalia in the late 70’s and built up to 1996. It is a very smart interior with even a toilet/shower space and sleeping space for 4 persons. Notice that the LT is just 5 meters long.
For what the yellow LT 4×4 concerns: It seems that the interieur of a Sven Hedin is transplanted in a retired working Van, then I think there hasn’t been an original Sven Hedin 4×4.
Paul Cnossen
Dutch Sven Hedin owner
Safe home in Norway with my LT wrecker. Bought in Poland……. Now it’s just to find a LT40 front axle and start the 4X4 conversion.
that blue/white crewcab 4×4 pickup ‘doka’ RULES! I can totally see swapping in a cummins 4bt. I never knew these were live axle/leaf spring setups, as 4x4s they have to be unstoppable! They remind me a lot of the C202 and C303 Volvo Laplanders that I can only wish we had here in the states!
It’s unforgivable that Volkswagen never offered the LT for the North American market. The VW Bus was good, but it was only available in rear-engined rear-wheel drive format. There’s nothing wrong with that, but Volkswagen should’ve also offered a truck based vehicle for those who needed such a vehicle.
Seems to me I’ve seen a big heavy duty Ford box truck version of this van in the U.S. on occasion. I know the mini vans, VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy in Europe are the same .
@ C Parker
The Volkswagen LT was developped by Volkswagen, the only ‘odd’ part was the fourpot Perkins-diesel. This was replaced by a sixcilinder 2.4 liter with a huge 72 HP… Volkswagen sold this engine also to Volvo.
The one thing that the LT shared with an other brand were the taillights, you will find them on the Mercedes TN-series, the predecessor of the Sprinter.
Ford and Volkswagen had only an European partnership in the MPV Sharan/Galaxy, but that stopped (fortunately).
@Eric
one of the members on the Dutch VW LT Club (vwltclub.nl) just finished his renewed LT4x4. He was selling the spare parts he doesn’t need anymore. Maybe he can help you with the parts you might need.
Did some more research on this. It wasn’t a Ford, VW partnership. These were imported from Brazil during the late 80s, and marketed here as Peterbilt Midrangers. So they used the same cab as the VW LT but on a heavier duty chassis. The reason I thought they were Fords at 1st, was the oval type badge on the grill.
Also known as the VW / MAN G90 series. The truck was the result of a co-operation between Volkswagen and truck maker MAN, as Paul mentions below. (Photo: Wikipedia / High Contrast)
Yes. Also sold as a Kenworth too. There’s still a few of these around; I just shot one recently (attached).
These were called the “Mid-Ranger” in the US, and sold by both Kenworth and Peterbilt, and imported from VW Brazil, starting in 1987. I found a bit more about them at commercialmotor.com:
“The MR, built by VW in Brazil, originally was available as a straight job (with a GVW of up to 33,000 lb) and as a tractor (50,000-lb GCW), although by the time the MR’s plug was pulled a decade later, the tractor version already had vanished. Power came from a Cummins C8.3 with 210 hp on tap, mated to a Synchro-6 Fuller trans (On tap? Fuller? I’m getting thirsty…). There wasn’t much to dislike about this beast, except, if you ask American truck operators, its cabover format. In fact, some of the complaints about similar products of the day–including dedicated parts (like preformed hoses), and the need for specialised tools–were noticeably absent. Given that it was well suited to its intended vocations, such as retail delivery and hub-and-spoke operations, it’s little wonder that the Mid-Ranger made it over here for 10 years.
I had never seen a Peterbilt truck like that until I saw one several years ago. It didn’t look like any Peterbilt truck I’ve ever seen before.
Here’s another Peterbilt Midranger on a U.S. highway.
Yeah. this is what I see a lot on American highways. The first time I saw one of these I was like “what the hell is that? That’s not a Peterbilt truck!” It didn’t look like any Peterbilt I’d ever seen.
@ C Parker
Thank you for posting, I have never seen this truck. In Europe there was a link with MAN-trucks, they also used the LT cab. It was quite the same as the Peterbilt, although the frontlights were integrated in the front bumper. On the picture you posted you can see the contours of the European style lights.
Hey all, I have just bought one of these as part of a lot. The lot contained among other things two European/Spanish Jeep campeadors, two Land Rover Defender/Santana 109 6 cyl diesels, One Land Rover Military forward cab and yes one of these things VW LT45. If I can figure out how to attach some pics here I will post what I have pics of. I thought it would get positive reactions here. I specialize in sourcing odd 4×4 vehicles from around the world and these all fit the bill. If anyone in interested in any of it please call me or write me alloycars@verizon.net 305-525-5636
Only one image allowed so here is the Jeep (Perkins diesel)
Here is another image of the Land Rover Forward cab. 6 cyl Diesel. Pictured here with top removed and the hydraulic bed in the air. The PTO has a Hyd pump with 6 attachments/outlets. Truck was left over/surplus and has only 3000miles on it from new.
It is nice to see you are still finding things to write about LTs.
There are a few more in the US and Canada now, since the import rules are allowing them in, ?25? years. The 4x4s are more popular, more fun.
There is at least one LT, a Bariban conversion, in Australia.
There are some Facebook groups, VoLT, which will open your eyes and LT-Freunde in Germany, and Brickyard in the UK for more LT fun.
A term we like, VW LT Camper not cramper.
Next year the Mercedes~Volkswagen Sprinter~Crafter joint-venture will end, the next gen Crafter will be developed and built by Volkswagen. The diesel engines in the Crafter have always been Volkswagen’s own TDI engines.
This is the current version of the LT 4×4, the Crafter 4Motion, 4×4 system by Achleitner.
I remember when the Volkswagen Vanagon was on the North American (USA) market. I also remember the Vanagon Syncro. I thought that was the ultimate Vanagon. I was bitterly disappointed when the Syncro was discontinued from the North American market. It may have been more expensive to produce, but if people like it, then they should’ve continued production, even if it was in limited production. I don’t mind paying more for something if the quality of the product justifies the extra cost. 🙂
The Vanisgone was a T3, meanwhile the T6 was introduced last month.
Sweet looking VW Bus. It may not have been rear engined, but at least it was rear-wheel drive, wasn’t it?
-Volkswagen T1, T2, T3 (Vanagon in the US): Rear engine, RWD.
-Volkswagen T4 (Eurovan in the US), T5, T6: Front engine, FWD.
4WD optional since the T3, these days Volkswagens with 4WD are called 4Motion. As I mentioned, the new T6 was introduced last month. Most powerful diesel engine will be a 204 hp 2.0 liter TDI.
Here’s the interior of a T6 with a 6 speed manual. I wouldn’t mind driving this as my daily driver.
I would’ve preferred the LT based Volkswagen to replace the Vanagon than what became the Eurovan. While its styling may have been somewhat dated, it was still conventional (Front engine/Rear Wheel Drive, or Front engine/AWD) than the all Front engine/front wheel drive. I like the option of Syncro AWD and TDI Turbo Diesel engine. Sweet looking interior. Typical Volkswagen. 🙂
A neat public transport minibus, based on the LT50 chassis.
(Photo courtesy of Pimvantend / Wikipedia)
The current VW pickup ,is called an Amarok, not an Anorak (3rd paragraph). Personally I think Anorak sounds better; at least it means something.
Cool van….but 38,000? I don’t get it.
The toughest thing I could find with an LT1 cab. Obviously a truck trial competition truck.
There are a bunch of Syncro Vanagons still to be found here in Richmond–this LT looks like a larger version of one, though I know the underpinnings are completely different. Cool truck and looks like it would be super practical as a 4×4 camper!
Also sold (in various forms) in Spain as a Pegaso Ekus:
The vw inline 6 is quite possibly one of the sweetest sounding sixes ever. Complete with fuel injection it wasn’t a road burner or particularly economical in the big LT but they could soldier on for a long time.
I’ve been considering an upgrade, and this article https://luminous-landscape.com/challenges-getting-shoot/ has an interesting point.
Quote…
In Florida to watch one of the last Shuttle launches, I camped here for two nights, waiting for NASA. This shopping center had a gourmet food market, two cocktail bars and a cineplex, so I was all set here in the parking lot. That’s one of the best things about Frito. He’s invisible. Nobody cares. I’ve parked in some amazing urban locations, sites that would be a magnet for the authorities were I driving an RV. But because he’s invisible, I’m immune to hassles. In hundreds of overnights I’ve been awakened and questioned just once: in a small town in Pennsylvania in a campsite signed “Dry Cleaners”. When they learned my story (I was on the way home from the Shuttle launch) the cops said “Be gone by dawn”, and I was. And that’s been my urban-camping watchword ever since. A stealthy camper is invaluable.
That said, I like this one that I spotted at Saguaro In Tucson long ago… it had a map of the world on the side with routes marked.
Here’s the map.
Im the new owner of the van in Eugen Oregon. I will post links of our travels in the future
hello Graham, I also have a 1990 LT55 (Doka version) would love to chat about parts and service some time if you would like to.
my handle on the Samba is weisswurst if you would like to contact me.
Is this the same kook that was looking for highest bidder with a blown motor?
Get bent