Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)

Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Transporter (Europe and Australia)
Volkswagen Caravelle (Europe and Australia)
Volkswagen Type 25 (T25) (United Kingdom)
Volkswagen Vanagon (North America and South America)
Volkswagen Danfo or Faragon (Nigeria)
Volkswagen Microbus (South Africa)
ProductionMay 1979 – June 2002
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 transaxle
3-speed automatic transaxle
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)
Height
  • 1,928 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) is the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter. It was marketed under various nameplates worldwide – including the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe and Australia, Type 25 (T25) in the UK, Microbus and Kombi in South Africa, Kampeerauto in Netherlands, Combi in France and Vanagon in North and South America.

It was larger, heavier, and more angular in its styling than its T2 predecessor, 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."

The T3 was manufactured in Hannover, Germany from 1979 until 1991. Production of the Syncro 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 ended. South African production of the T3 continued, for that market only, until 2002.

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