Michel Verhaag's Volkswagen Transporter T3 was driven by the undersigned for various purposes. For example, the VW served as a parts carrier on the way to classic car events. And if your own transport was not sufficient to transport large items, there was no obstacle to getting the Bus on loan. It is high time for an impression of the bus, which simply always manages to charm.
In 2011, Michel Verhaag became the owner of the 3 Volkswagen Transporter T1983 with the water-cooled and 78 HP generating 1.9 WBX (Wassergekühlter Boxer Motor) engine. The traditionally soberly equipped bus received an upgrade on the inside, because Michel installed, among other things, the seven-seat furniture from a Caravelle in the VW. Furthermore, for example, the wishbones were renewed and the brakes were refreshed. Since then, the Volkswagen has been regularly used on family holidays, has served as an ideal means of transport for children's parties and has served as a carrier of larger quantities of cargo. The Volkswagen Transporter T3, painted in the Damuso white/Marsala red combination, proved the necessary multifunctionality and usefulness in that capacity.
Comfortable, multifunctional
Multiple deployability is – and needless to say – an important feature of this copy. The pleasant and relaxed driving characteristics also contribute emphatically to the overall pleasure that this Volkswagen offers. The 78 HP engine has enough reserves to cover the daily kilometers in an adult way. In fact, it ensures that the VW can easily keep up with today's traffic. The rides are accompanied by rest on board, because the boxer sounds from the rear are excellently muffled.
Fine chassis
That comfortable aspect is enhanced by the fine interplay between the front and rear suspension. At the front, the combination of double wishbones, suspension and stabilizer ensures smooth damping. The sloping wishbones at the rear also make an important contribution to the excellent road holding, which can generally be regarded as stable. The whole comes across in a balanced way and invites you to add a few relaxed kilometers to every ride.
Overview
With the T3 generation, Volkswagen succeeded in offering the driver (and passengers) an excellent overview. The high seat naturally contributes to this. The dashboard is also well-arranged, in which the essential is mounted, and which mainly distracts the driver from what is required of him or her: operating the Volkswagen Transporter T3.
Pleasant ergonomics and space in the Volkswagen Transporter T3
Talk about service. The braking system and clutch work solidly and communicate excellently with the driver. You feel what you are doing. The self-correcting steering, aided by a large and flat steering wheel, does not miss a beat and is confidence-inspiring. That impression can be combined well with the clever placement of the comfortable four-speed gearbox. It is one of the references to the excellent ergonomics within the functionally furnished interior. All important controls are within comfortable hand and foot reach. The cargo space is of course thick for each other, and easily accessible from more places. In addition, the inner compartment can be divided multiple times.
Everyday with classic traits
The T3 concept is also harmonious in this configuration and at home with markets. The engine is large enough to use this patina-equipped bus every day. The construction is solid, and with proper cosmetic and technical maintenance, it will remain with us for many years to come. Of course every T3 - also in combination with the water-cooled engine - has points for attention. Water jackets (with water-cooled engines) and rust formation in certain places (note various seams, transitions, longitudinal arms and entry steps) are important to monitor. But if you're looking for everyday multifunctionality with classic traits, then you've come to the right place with a Volkswagen T3. Michel Verhaag's bus, which offers secret pleasure, is one of many examples of this.
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As a bricklayer, my father drove various types of VW buses, from T1 (split bus) to T4.
He also had the T3 as a passenger version and as a contractor version with a double cabin, both I believe with a turbo diesel block. These had a gearbox pattern that differs from our Opel Ascona C18E, when he tried to drive the Ascona backwards from the yard. it was always the first one squatted because he thought he could put the car in reverse like in the T3. Always had a lot of space in these buses, once bought a sheep from an uncle, stored it between the front seats and the sofa and took it to drove home, the animal was looking great outside 😀
Wonderful driving bus! It's great that there are still enthusiasts like Michel Verhaag!
A lot of km's in passenger buses made in the 80s. With wet weather a cunning steering character.
During my career as a car driver at the Belgian Post I drove a T3 company car. What struck me was the soft and comfortable suspension and suspension. In a diesel version, however, it was impossible to get ahead with any sticks. But otherwise a super nice bus.
During my career as a car driver at the Belgian Post I drove a T1989 company car in 3. What struck me was the soft and comfortable suspension. In diesel version, however, it was impossible to get ahead with, but otherwise a fine bus.