VW vans have long been something of an icon, the original Splitty and Bay window versions have become almost too expensive to use, the square rigged 1980s T25 has stepped in as a fun and useable alternative, so values of these have now risen as well but to a level which makes it economically sound to restore one but not crazy to use it as intended.
The T25 was launched in 1979, longer and wider than the Bay Window so more useful, and ran until 1991. Initially it followed the Transporter tradition of rear mounted air cooled engines, available with 50 or 70bhp 1.6 and 2 litre motors, later joined by a Golf diesel and replaced by water cooled units.
The T25, or T3, was available in a host of body styles; camper, panel van, flat bed, pick up, 4x4 and as here, a crew cab pick up.
The current owner has not had the van too long. After wanting this style of T25 crew cab for a while, he found a well looked after and very solid example but didn't like the olive drab finish a previous keeper had given it so entrusted the Volkswagen to Classic Car Restorations in Herne Bay - the company who recently saved the Minder TV show Capri - to make the van far more presentable, meanwhile the interior has been reworked in Italian leather and the engine has just been fully serviced.
There isn't much on the way of history with this VW, but looking at the MOT history online shows a long line of MOT passes, with not too many advisories.
There is a receipt for the recent mechanical service work, but not for the paint or interior, although that work was carried out in the last six months.
Open the door and the delicious aroma of soft Italian leather wafts from the van, the cabin has just been completely re-trimmed in dark tan baseball mitt coloured leather, the hide even across the dash top and piping around the carpet edges and the gear and handbrake gaiters. The door cards have been finished in the same leather with arrow straight stitching detail and the front doors have metal window winders.
The front seats are taken from a later model VW van, and have inertia reel belts and the rear bench is a three seater with lap belts.
The new carpet is hard wearing off-black with leather piped edges and the cabin is easy to move through from front to back.
Outside, the van’s paint is the work of Classic Car Restorations in Herne Bay, and it is not a long way from the bodyshop. They went over the VW, fully prepping it for the colour change to the vibrant green you now see, making it look incredibly bright and knowing their work well, it's no surprise the finish is better than factory. According to the owner, apparently no rust was found in the panels and underneath has been undersealed by a previous owner and appears solid.
As the VW has had very little use there are no stone chips or dings in that new paint, but there is a chip on the rear door sill.
The sides of the load bed drop individually or together on both sides and the back, and the floor has a solid wooden deck, varnished and decorated by the last owner, it's a tough base for protecting the metal deck and its paint.
The black tonneau cover is in excellent shape, but one of the cleats has broken, however the owner is hoping to source a new one before the sale.
The wheels have new Uniroyal tyres all round and the alloy wheels are spotless as well.
Thevan was running well when it was bought but has had a complete service from the local Bosch service centre. They also replaced the front brake callipers, door mirrors and various small items to get the van running reliably. Under the pick up the shock absorbers appear recent.
VW vans reach us on an emotional level, they signal adventures, camping and the seaside, barbecues and beaches. The crew cab is a great compromise between comfort in the front and mucky loads in the back, for a family to get out together, warm and comfortable in the cabin with bikes, surf boards or for more utilitarian uses.
This one is stunning in eye catching green and the interior is sumptuous with its new leather and carpet.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
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1986 VW T25 CREW CAB PICK UP
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