VW TYPE 2 T3

VW Through the Years 1

The new T3 generation was introduced from 1979 onwards. The focus of Volkswagen at this time was to produce vehicles which they could market well and that brought a change for the Type 2, it was now being marketed for the family. All vehicles manufactured at this time had proper names, unlike the previous type 1 and type 2 buses. The T3 microbus was still available in various models - as a passenger van and as different types of camper vans. Westfalia and other manufacturing companies were still converting the microbuses. We knew it as the T25 or Caravelle, other names were used in different countries around the world. From 1980 onwards the Caravelle had been widened and with other changes it made it have a much more square and blockier shape to it, the main reasons with this were to comply with new automobile standards. This new model of the microbus was defiantly aimed at a completely different market,
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VW TYPE 2 T3 HISTORY
it wasnt so big on the aesthetics and boasted more improvements to the mechanics of the van and the security and safety along with improvements with the interior; the van was taken into a new modern look and was now seen for the modern family. This was a big step for Volkswagen in the automotive world as the microbus had created some great new technologies and improvements throughout its time in production. As for enthusiasts and collectors of the VW campervans this would seem like the end of an era. This generation was a sight into the future of Volkswagen, but it didnt look like a good one. The Type 2 range had lost everything about it; the soul, the freedom, the intentions of the

vehicles had all changed and for collectors not for the best. The world was changing and things were becoming more modern, with this brought new rules and regulations meaning that Volkswagen couldnt produce the Type 2 like they used to. The T3 production was stopped in 1989 as the new T4 was due to be

released in 1990, which everyone was hoping for a radical change and more of the old Type 2 to come back. The T3 is now a very scarce model and not one that you often see around because it is known as the ugly one.

VW Through the Years

VW TYP E 2 ANEL VAN T3 P

The T3 Panel Van was launched in 1979 after much testing and developing the model came with a brand new aerodynamic shape. This generation was alot more of a block shape, which didnt boad well for the aesthetics.The new panel van had a much larger loading area, with a huge tailgate and larger sliding door. These improvements were good for this model as it suited the customers which it was aimed at and did actually gain more sales with these changes. The Panel Van was still known for its reliability and robust, but now it didnt look as good on the eyes,

VW Through the Years

VW TY PE 2 T3 PI CK UP
This was the third generation of the pick up and it was still going strong, like the rest of the vehicles in this new range, the shape was changed and now was alot more square, but this was due to automotive regulations. With this in mind the pick up was still in demand and customers came to buy the pick up because they knew from the previous models how good a vehicle is was and for that time it was just right for the working men and trades.

VW Through the Years

VW Through the Years

VW TYPE 2 T3 MICROBUS
The Microbus was still the best vehicle for transporation, but with the new model Volkswagen had aimed it at a different market; the family. Throughout the development of this model alot of changes were made because of new regulations, the main being the shape of the vehicle, but others include improvements to the mechanics and safety within the van. The interior of the microbus had also had a major face lift to bring it up to date and more comfortable to be in. The new T3 was marketed for the modern family, which was the change for the future for the Type 2s.
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VW TYP E 2 T3 CA M PE RV AN

Westfalia was still the main conversion company and was still producing the campervans for Volkswagen. Like normal they would use the Microbus to convert to the campervan. This generation wasnt as popular as the rest for the campervan conversions, but really it was the best because of the changes to the vehicle itself, it was larger and would therefore have more space inside. But that wasnt what the public wanted, they liked the shape and looks of the older models, this didnt cut it and lost out.
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