IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: VW Type 2 T3 (T25) Devon camper van

Today's video features my friend Aaron's newest purchase: a Volkswagen Type 2 T3 T25 Devon camper pop top van.
Today's video is sponsored by Adrian Flux
Video walkaround text as below:
If you’re after a camper van which will hold its value, give you hours of fun and get you to your destination, albeit a bit slower than your modern runabout, maybe the T25 Devon is the camper for you.
These campers used to be the cheaper alternative for somebody who wanted the VW camper experience but on a smaller budget. Nowadays they’re steadily climbing in price - but with a bit of budgeting and being flexible on taking on a van which might need a little TLC, the T25 is a camper which most families could work towards and in the world as it is at the moment, the Staycation is the safest holiday choice.
So before we get to explore the practicalities of the van, let’s discuss the history!
Now whilst this is called the T25 by some, it’s actually a Type 2 T3 and was the third generation of the Volkswagen transporter.
Launched in May 1979, the Devon as we’re testing here today was introduced by Devon Conversions and was a similar design to the earlier type 2 bay window Moonrakers and this version was introduced in 1980.
There were several options available at launch including the Petrol Aircooled 1.6, the Petrol Aircooled 2 litre auto and 2 litre manual.
From 1982, you could also get the diesel water-cooled 1.6 manual.
This one is the the Petrol Aircooled 2 litre model and would’ve been one of the last air cooled vans sold like this, because from October 1983, all the T25 Devon vans were Watercooled.
It’s worth mentioning that if you spot these out in the wild, you can tell whether it’s an air cooled or water cooled because the grills differ. If it’s a water cooled, it’ll have two grilles and if it’s air cooled it’ll only have the one as we see on the van we’re testing today.
At point of sale, this van would’ve cost £9,140. However, this van really held it’s value because this example was sold to the second owner when it was nearly 8 years old for around £8,000. Interestingly the first owner was an artist who used to travel around with his art hanging in the back of the van and actually traded it in for Citroen in 1990.
The colour options for these vans were pretty limited and you could’ve got the brilliant orange and ivory beige, the agate brown and ivory beige, the assuan brown and Samos beige and the bamboo yellow and ivory beige - which is what this camper is.
Although for a reduced price, you could’ve picked a single colour scheme from 1982 and from the early mid 80s the duo colour scheme was stopped and replaced with single colour options.
The interior colour scheme on the cupboards in this van is coffee and cream although from 83 there was a lighter honey coloured brown option called Harvest.
Now let’s talk specs - we’re not promised anything amazing but we’re not testing a modern SUV we’re testing a joyful camper to take us away on our holidays.
The best we can hope for on fuel consumption is around 20 miles per gallon according to the sales brochures although Aaron said this is the lower end of what he gets and he gets around 25 miles per gallon on a long straight run and around town it is probably closer to the 20 mark.
She might be a 2 litre but she’s not a speed demon and you’ll be looking to go from zero to 60 in around 22 seconds - although as you’ll see on our test drive this is a wee bit optimistic.
We’ve got rack and pinion steering through split steering column and skew angle gear and we have discs to front, drums to rear and vacuum servo.
Power steering has been retro fitted to this, but I’ll talk about it when we go for a drive.
#vwcamper #volkswagencamper #devonmoonraker

[@alanbellwood3902]

Loving the Camper Van Coordinated outfit. Take a still of you sat behind the wheel and could be right back in 1980.

[@idriveaclassic]

Haha thank you

[@sadiqmohamed681]

I had the previous version, a 1977 T2 1800, with the Westfalia conversion. It had been my Dads, and I bought it to use as a crew vehicle for my TV Production company. It did great service for about 6 years. I even drove it up and down hills in the Lake District. I was very impressed by how easily it did it with 4 people and all our camera and sound gear.. The numerous cubbies were great for hiding the gear. I had a Mobira Talkman mobile phone which was actually worth more than the van!

[@Endfloat]

Great review! I love how T25s drive. There's several inexpensive things you can do to get them into the 21st century. Uprated poly bushes improve the handling massively cause it does have a theoretically very capable suspension setup. The water cooled vans do have good heaters and an auxiliary heater in the back doesn't cost the earth and makes for comfortable camping.

[@rocketsock4297]

Uuuuuh... color-matched. 🤗🌼🌟 Love your videos Steph. Hope you get well soon.

[@idriveaclassic]

Always! Thank you x

[@discerningmind]

Thanks Steph, and Aaron. I didn't know that power steering could be added to these. I had the regular version VW van/bus that comes with just seats. And it was just about the same colors as Aaron's here. I removed the rear seats to go camping once. I'd forgotten about heat. I arrived at the campground early in the day and that evening it became unusually cold. At the rate the temperature was dropping I knew that it was going to be shivering cold since the engine heater boxes needed new cables and couldn't be turned on. I remembered that I'd had a blow dryer with me and I borrowed an extension cord from another camper. At first I thought, Oh Lord it's never going to warm up in here but after a couple of hours the blow dryer was actually gaining on it. And surprisingly during the night it had become too warm in there. So fortunately, that blow dryer kept me warm through the night, albeit the noise it made. I never went camping again in my bus out of a lack of interest but I did enjoy it as a second car.

[@grayfool]

Love 'em or hate 'em, the VW vans are a true icon. They do require some adaptation to drive but are truly wonderous things. Yes, I am a fan having owned a seventies bay window transporter in the past. Heat? Sometimes. Body roll? Yep. Performance? Not really. Usability? Oh yeah. Good one. Always looking forward to your next video Steph. Thanks muchly.

[@NickAW72]

I have this exact model, if it's setup and working correctly when the engine is running and up to temperature then the heater sliders allow you to adjust warm air to your feet, into your face and even into the rear through the tunnel vent. If you intend to camp and need heating when stationery then I would recommend a secondary gas heater such as a Propex Heatsource

[@tonycox5625]

I had a 1986 water cooled 2litre panel van version, the heater was always fine and it was pretty nippy when it wasn't fully loaded. I had about six vans in all and that was definitely the best.👍😊

[@drwho534]

Great to see Steph and 'I Drive A Classic' back again!! Hope you are feeling better!! We have all missed you! 🇨🇦👍

[@idriveaclassic]

If I’m honest, not much, but I hate letting you guys down. You all mean the world to me so I wanted to put something out xxx

[@leeallen7491]

@@idriveaclassic get yourself better, us lot ain't going nowhere

[@stephenhall3515]

@@idriveaclassic We really missed you and you must be sure to get fully better. Your channel is unique in being accurate, as technical as it needs to be but has the secret of British female honesty with something for everyone who likes wheels and integrity. Doc Steve, Ireland

[@Topshaman-pk2rx]

Great review. Growing up, my parents had an old-style split screen VW camper van, which was great fun for holidays. Brings back memories.

[@paulkirby5479]

i had an 82 t25 2 litre danbury. another well known conversion company that are still going. mine had basically the same treatment, except for an electric rising roof, and a dash tidy top for odds and ends. the steering was light enough without the p.a.s fitted. and with the engine behind you, it was quiet, making longer journeys relaxed. and by modern vehicle standards, it's small in footprint, but even with the elevating roof down, rather tall. so it will not go in most multi storey car parks.

[@minskmade]

as an owner of two vanagons this is an appreciated video. awesome job. love the channel keep up the great work.

[@simonc858]

Fabulous video, brightened up a cold Sunday x

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Great video very enjoyable natural speaking manner of presentation. It's nice to see all these great classics still in general use similar to what they were designed and used for originally.

[@markthompson50]

Perfect for the staycations that we are mostly likely to have as our main holiday this year! After lockdown 1, I took the liberty of buying a Mazda Bongo camper which has been getting loads of use since & is honestly the best vehicle I have ever bought. Absolutely Love it!! Thanks for sharing & get better soon Steph

[@davidjenkins351]

Great video hubnut would love this. Camper van I have seen loads of theses around when I was growing up in the 90s thanks for sharing this video keep up with the good work sheph

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks for watching! X

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Cracking review as always Steph.

[@gord307]

Just coming to terms with 1980 being 41-years ago...Oh heck! Thanks for the excellent review :-)

[@Lee7017]

Steph, thank you for great content. I was born very early 70s and moved to usa when I was 19yrs. You always take me down memory lane. Thank you!

[@idriveaclassic]

Ah my pleasure x

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Most Motorhomes hold their value very well, although many older VWs are probably worth more than they were when new! Devon conversions are still going. We visited their stand at the last Caravan and Motorhome Show at the NEC.

[@nealfoster6871]

I had that exact model in brilliant orange, we loved it as a family and took it everywhere, thanks for the memories x

[@mattfoster]

awesome looking van, ive always loved vw's especially vans,buses,bugs etc.

[@waterboxer87]

I have owned a T3 Westfalia for 26 years. I have become an able mechanic during that time. I have accumulated the tools and knowledge necessary to keep my Westfalia in good operating condition. Most parts are still available. Access in the engine bay is excellent. Removing and replacing the CV axles is easy. Oil changes are simple. There are plenty of resources online to help Vanagon owners keep their vehicles running. If you plan on buying and keeping a vintage Vanagon, a willingness to do your own maintenance and repairs is essential.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Very good video, it was good to see what's changed

[@edwardgwatterson1618]

great work Steph its an unsung hero

[@jmurray01]

That would be my first purchase if I came into some money!! Then I'd immediately regret it when I realised how cold Scottish summers are 🤣 Hope you're feeling better Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahaha it’s too cold for Scotland. Trust me

[@laurentartiges]

Well, as a ex-user of one of these, my advise would be: don't! My father had one, bought new in 1981, mostly used to go to holiday trips. I can tell you that this thing is full of conception mistakes, starting with the engine itself, terribly slow (2 liters twin carbs 69bhp, the top speed on flat road was about 125k/h) an unreliable (well also besause none of the useless VW mechanics could maintain/tune it properly... the synch of the carbs was terrible, the engine was leaking oil causing overheating). The dashboard was far too simple (yet, wi did get the clock on the right dial.... but there was no warning light for the brakes; nor parking brake). This thing used to break up every time we crossed the border... and preferably where there was nothing around to call for a towtruck. 185000km = 3 different engines (one was swapped in turkey, the second in Greece.... we gave up at the third and gave it away to the scrapyard). Te heating system was indeed terrible too, especially to 'defog' the windscreen but in the Wastfalia version, a webasto was installed at the back so I was hot while my parents were freezing at the front. Ii spend mos of my childhood in this bag of shit, never consider to buy a VW since I got my driving license thanks to this. It was a painfull experience for all os us (especially my father who spent hours under the engine, trying to get it back to live again... untill the next breakdown.

[@marklittler784]

@@laurentartiges That's happy motoring for you 😃😂😁😀

[@laurentartiges]

@@marklittler784 well, yes... I couldn't agree more. Forgot to mention the very positive point: looking at my father struggling to death to be able to drive a few more miles (and listening him swearing) was an excellent training to understand mechanics and learn good expressions to tell someone to get lost ;-)

[@alextoft9199]

You don't need much money to own one actually. My girlfriend of the time who had more much vision and is much more practical than me! Bought one off a right dodgy dealer in Birmingham for probably 1.5k. I was horrified, I thought it was a right piece of junk and that she'd gone mad! 😅 Aright it took a while to start and didn't like the wet but we went everywhere in it and once it got going and warmed it was fine! The camper section looked good too with a bit of DIY and hippy decor! 😅 People try to sell you one that is 20k and immaculate but you don't need that, they are built like tanks! It is a risk, but one worth taking. They are cold and slow but every car that becomes a classic has flaws! We never spent any money on the engine either. If we did bet it would have been fab! 🙂

[@dlwarren5340]

Another excellent video, Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks xxx

[@davejordan3131]

Love the camper , I like Aaron’s choice yet again on his camper ❤️

[@onemanandhisvlog1396]

Great video Steph

[@AliGspot]

Great review, nice one

[@RobbieHerrera]

Made me miss my old 1980 Vanagon. Mine wasn’t a camper though but I went everywhere in it. It made you enjoy the scenery because it wasn’t very fast.

[@gc5384]

Get well soon steph another great video looking lovely . Nice van

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks for watching x

[@gc5384]

@@idriveaclassic your welcome xx its not a Sunday till I’ve watched an I drive video x

[@johnjtm1097]

I just love a VW camper. Good to have you back Steph, but you must look after yourself until you are feeling better.

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

Glad to see you back hope your recovery continues quickly Steph .

[@idriveaclassic]

Me too! I’m sick of being unwell x

[@melciveng]

Steph, your delivery is excellent. Umms and errs are non-existent. A small point but very important!

[@JessShanahan]

I really want to do up a little van like this. Great review. 💛

[@MTSVW]

It’s so interesting to see this Devon version! In the USA we only had Westfalia conversions, which have a different roof setup. I believe this vehicle was the last application of VW’s type 4 engine (my Dad’s ‘74 914 Porsche also had this engine). The conversion to RHD seems a little rushed-the vestigial sliding door track on the wrong side is odd, along with a couple other oddities I noticed. I love the open panoramic driving experience with no hood out front.

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

We camped in a bay window VW camper which came from the US ! It was a 1.7 fuel injected - and was LHD - that was a fantastic week the 4 of us had !! They are such happy machines and this is infectious!! I'd love to get one ! Great review Steph as always - brought back great memories my missus is now watching on her phone 😂

[@idriveaclassic]

Ah I hope she enjoys it ❤️❤️❤️

[@martinevans1256]

Love these vans I’ve had a panel van and a caravelle 4x4 I wish I still had them great review Steph

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you x

[@touchesharon3206]

Great video

[@ganeshshenoy1102]

Cool❤️...as usual top marks🙏

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you xxx

[@braddent6050]

Fantastic review Steph, I know you’ve probably been asked this 1000 times before but please feature an MGB on your channel one day. Keep up the good work and stay safe in these challenging times.

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s filmed already! It’ll be on in the next month or two ☺️

[@kitbrown3895]

Beautiful colours!!!!

[@AlfieGoodrich]

Mum and dad had a W reg one. Exactly the same. Devon Moonraker in that colour combo. Had some wonderful trips. Great memories.

[@jowadshah976]

brings back some great memories my dad had one back in the day

[@volkswagonaudiuk]

Awwww its Air-cooled so yes going to be cold just like the MK1 Beetle, but again a proper lovely Video, I proper like your work :)

[@qrm8772]

These and other vintage vw's are so cool,any shortcomings become charm and not drawbacks.Wish the costs of these had not put them put of my reach.Great review

[@garywhapples365]

thank you for showing how the pop top works!

[@peterbonnez]

Good review

[@michaeltutty1540]

Very interesting, Steph. I always found these vans dangerously slow, and worse when laden. Volkswagen offered a gas fired heater on all their air cooled vehicles. Trouble is that it is on full blast or off completely. It does not cycle. It must also be left on for a minimum of 5 minutes or it can blow up. For camping, finding a place to mount a caravan heater that can run off the propane gas is a viable option for when parked. Seatbelts can be added to that rear seat. The mounts are built in as they were required in North America. The Westphalia campers did have the belts installed at the factory on Type 3 vehicles headed for the US and Canada.

Best wishes and thank you for filming this review! I'm always curious to see how the non-VW-fans see this kind of car. I bought the 1988 Caravelle Syncro 3 years ago and I'm still excited with that rear-engined vehicle! At least it has the factory power steering and the double (front/rear) water heating is actually considerably good, also the dashboard has all the goodies except for a rev counter, which is anyway of no use for the diesel. And the glacier pace, I'm still laughing! Nobody knows the meaning of "slow" unless you experience the wannabe 69HP diesel in a 2-ton T3 4WD .... and I use it for towing sometimes.

[@geoffmower8729]

Hi Steph looking beautiful as always. What a lovely old camper van it would be a fun van to cruse around in summer. With the engine at the back I think they might of used a petrol powered heater that worked independently from the engine like they used on the Carmen don't quote me on that though lol.

[@seanallen1699]

I thought I recognised where you were driving through (Findon). Nice camper🙂

[@patricksmith9610]

See a few of those on roads here in USA. Love the videos. 🙂

[@idriveaclassic]

I didn’t know you had them over there 😊

[@seancooke4127]

Looks like this VW Camper was made for you Steph and and your hair and clothes were made for her. My Dad owned a 1978 1.6 Bay window version which was lovely to drive. It did 0 to 60 in about 30 seconds but it didn't seem so bad. It did 66 mph flat out and did 35 mpg on 2 STAR. Even Mum's Fiesta needed 4 Star. I loved driving it,it was so comfortable and amazing in snow 🌨. I think the the Type 2.5/3 was a good upgrade with better visibility and bigger mirrors. They were just well engineered and built and my Dad's is now White over Purple with flowers 💐 on and a young 24 year old lady looks after it. I think you may have found something that suits you Mrs. Make Aaron an offer. Thanks again for great content.

[@Mark_T]

People have already commented on the groovy colour matching but just to add.....interesting van, and you have an enviable wardrobe!

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh thank you. I made this dress myself from vintage material xx

[@Mark_T]

@@idriveaclassic Oh cool. I've never attempted self made but I do love a good vintage store find :-)

[@percyolivas1128]

when i was a child my father rent a westfalia camper van type 2 ... a lot of funny family memories

[@jasonk7072]

I had a Westfalia one of these. The only vehicle I’ve ever filled with petrol 3 times in one day 😧

[@TheGavinM40]

Hahaha. I have a Westy with the same downside! 🤣

[@lewis72]

I filled my M5 3 times in one day. 😆

[@BB-ux9px]

it made me remember my school van.

[@DanTheManIOM]

what a great review ! ...body roll, yes, feels like driving on marshmallows !... you can also add butt warmers to the seats....after you figure out the German Engineering temperature control panel, I bought a sticker so I know what knobs and where they should go....

[@brits72]

🤣

[@woody5563]

This would be a very cool thing to own!

[@idriveaclassic]

Agreed 😍

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Handy in the UK having different coloured plates so you can tell if its going backward or forwards. 😆 Here in 'Sralya Maaate this would set you back some reasonable coin. All old Volksie Vans have gone balli$tic! Forget camping, would be cheaper to take all your holidays in a 5 Star resort. This van is hella cool though! Luv it!

[@stemcleeds]

Wow, your travelled a long way to see that!

[@MrRubberduck83]

Another great video! How supercar blondie has a bigger following is beyond me?! You review cooler cars, have tons more actual car knowledge and you're easier on the eye 😜 my only critism is you haven't done any powerful German machinery yet....

[@alextoft9199]

My ex girlfriend had one just like this in that bright yellow. I am not a Volkswagen fan but I really did like it! Was so characterful and I was so impressed how, in typical VW fashion, It felt built like a tank and was sooo ahead of it's time. I couldn't believe something built in 74 could be so comfortable and do long motorway stretches with ease, like a modern van or car! Like you say. Suspension is noisy but you just don't feel it. Engine surprisingly quiet too. You can still hear its distinctive air-cooled rattle though and a some characterful transmission whine from the front. Can guarantee these vehicles can make a day in a Tesco carpark a dream date! 😉 Brilliant review. Having experienced in myself I can confirm this is spot on. Steering was so heavy and gearbox so vague. Takes some getting used to! 🤣

[@danwilson8390]

The thing is it's air cooled, car heaters work with a heater matrix where the hot water passes through the heater matrix, no cooling system no heater matrix = no heating and the blank clock face probably shows engine temp maybe! Could always get a diesel heater 👍 cool van though and I would love one! Good vid!

[@corrieb74]

Great overview. We have an 82 Westfalia air-cooled 2L. It also has a tow bar. Which is kind of hilarious because let's be honest, what could it tow? We don't have the power steering. It's fine at speed and a nightmare to park. If the heater flaps are properly adjusted, you get a decent amount of heat into the cabin, but they're rarely properly adjusted.

[@Bluemanseller]

The roof inside looks so yummi! Love to sleep next to mold 🤨

[@DougsCars]

Awesome!!

[@neilelliott6151]

I love mine. He's called Carta the 9th. I'll let you guess at the number plate. He's a 1982 air cooled plodder. Hopefully if all goes well this year we won't have to cancel our wedding again, 3rd time lucky for us and we'll be spendin the summer in Carta touring Europe on our honeymoon. A great little campervan that fits easily into parking spaces.

[@TheDumbassSoldier]

In my opinion this is the perfect cheap way to RV/Camp around the world with its perfect for 2/3 people in it not to mention towing either pop up traailer or to add smth on roof or just carry smth on top my point is its perfect

[@robmk3]

You are right there Steph, most things with a VW badge is big money now due to them having such a following. My uncle had one that colour years ago and it was badged Billabong by Aragon.

[@wangdangdoodie]

Unusual to see one with a floor!

[@___Steinn___]

Cabin heating with an aircooled engine was never the best... The watercooled versions got a better heater. And i have to say, i love the driving position right above the front axle! 😅👍

[@michaeltutty1540]

The only downside is that the driver And front seat passenger are the crumple zone. The crash tests of the Volkswagen vans and pickups are terrifying.

[@fruitychink]

Never found an air cooled with an acceptable heater on any model .

[@terryglidden9647]

I have a '68 vw beetle with better heating than my partner's 2011 Opel Corsa haha. It's an oven when the heat is on.

[@___Steinn___]

@@michaeltutty1540 The T3 is actually very good for its age in crash tests... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4DCcpl5e7aFaK8

[@a11csc]

love that van steph

[@idriveaclassic]

Me tooooo x

[@jamesdecross1035]

There are not enough yellow vehicles. It's a great colour!

[@davidhicks2198]

The water cooled version has an efficient heater and blower. My Holdsworth conversion also has a gas heater under the rear seats - an option when new and can be retro fitted.

[@SKSK-rz7br]

Hi Steph .... i have a 1990 one of these ... mine is a westfalia model (German import)which has power steering as standard and runs with a 2.1i watercooled engine 5 speed which more than keeps up with modern traffic.. standard heating is very good and there is separate heating with vents at the rear (all with blowers operated from front) .. mine actually comes with an lpg heater with temperature control for when you are parked ... actually gets too hot if left on ... the roof on mine flips up from the front and again sleeps 2 up top and 2 below .. has all the usual refinements such as fridge, sink etc .... one last thing ... mine has had seat belts fitted in the rear (x3) retrospectively making it safer .. mine though is boring white .. love the colour of the Devon .... Great vid ...

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh I think we need to pinch your heater!

[@SKSK-rz7br]

@@idriveaclassic if ever we are camped next to each other i will run a pipe over from mine to yours

[@Shane_Marsh]

Hope you're felling better steph 🤕

[@idriveaclassic]

Not much lovely xxx

[@ScaseFacetime]

Hi Steph, You drove right past where I work on the A27!! I own a classic Rover Mini Mayfair automatic H reg. and you’re welcome to test drive it next time you’re in Worthing😁

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh no way!

[@iantrott9152]

An excellent review :) I have a 1983 water cooled 1.9 automatic high top T25 :)

[@SuperHamster01]

The heaters work fine after 5min driving . It just needs fixing . It doesn’t look well looked after that one .

[@idriveaclassic]

Lesley the owner said he’s just purchased it and plans to get it looking good again. We drove for a lot longer than 5 min and really experimented to get it working. It didn’t work and when I take out the vehicle I judge what I’m given. The heater definitely was not up to scratch on this.

[@barber1813]

the opening shot reminds me of carry on camping

[@aaronmatthews6315]

I've now got a Carry on Camping sticker on the rear 😅

[@rollstuhlmeister]

They often put wheelchair lifts under the bus versions that would come out at the side, with the middle row of seats removed. My family had an '89 1.9 petrol one that was so comodious you could get me and another wheelchair side-by-side. We kept it for years from 91 to 2005 and I miss it a lot. It was on the road until 2016. It had a pretty good heater and apparently it wasn't that hard to steer even without power-assistance, as the engine was not weighing down the front, but then it wasn't a camper.

[@Adam_T]

Great review Steph - I`m Guessing the Water cooled ones have a proper heater .

[@carlosnunocardoso3386]

I just bought one because of this

[@graemew7001]

My dad had an air cooled bay minibus and tbh the heater was useless, in winter it was thermal undies and keep the ice scraper handy for the inside of the windscreen!! That being said it was a 1.6 and would sit at 55-60mph nicely and like the T25 was great to travel in.

[@davidrumming4734]

I call it the transitional model, referring to the various air and water cooled engine options. The previous model to this, the Bay window air cooled also had a 1.6 air cooled petrol (4 spd manual) option….and I can testify the performance was…..not great. It could, in theory keep up with traffic - but it meant really working the engine….making lots of noise. So, upstairs on one side there’s only a piece of plastic(?) between you and the outdoors.

[@johnd8892]

The earlier ones beloved by surfers in Australia. Living in them.

[@steved3702]

Saw a T3 Synchro (AWD) around the corner from where I work today. It had a camper conversion (not sure whom's) and a pair of recovery tracks bolted to a side panel where a window would otherwise be. And now I find this report! Got to drive a brand new Synchro for work once.

[@suznet]

a fair way from home today Steph, definitely need a decent heater this time of year.

[@idriveaclassic]

Agreed!

[@richlee509]

Vw don't normally have decent heaters in the old ones

[@suznet]

@@richlee509 well I drove an old VW pick up Water cooled in the late 70s & the heater was fantastic, it would make the moisture steam on the outside of the Windscreen.

[@rrshadow2]

Nice ones of these are worth crazy money in the States. Nice ones are worth more money today than they cost new

[@MyWifeHatesThisCar]

Who knew there was so many words for "Hearing Aid Beige"?

[@grandgrog249]

Seen one of these today. Must have...

[@alansimpson835]

A very happy looking machine. I always wrongly assumed that the upper sleeping quarters were a child only space so good to see adults can also play at being kings of the castle. Hope your teeth are feeling better

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m still in agony 😭😭😭

[@alansimpson835]

@@idriveaclassic aww Steph. What a shame. Hope it stops soon and you're able to drink medicinal gin in the meantime

[@terrificspokesman7416]

You could fit an aftermarket diesel heater if you have a diesel van you could connect the heater to the diesel tank

[@marklittler784]

Yes Adrian Flux seems like a good broker been going for years.

[@nigelh4617]

Roof up, it passes the 'beehive test' with flying colours

[@fruitychink]

Superb video Steph . Have you ever approached mainstream media about doing something ? I believe you would be great .

[@sim6699]

Nice van

[@MrTarrasque]

I hate it when people put the front licence plate on the one spot that shows a T3 is aircooled. :) Other then that, super cool van, I love the color

[@philiplynch89]

Great video...the heater control is not adjusted to send heat to your feet. I drive my 1980 in below freezing.....perfectly warm