VW Type 2 T3 Campervan: 2022 Hagerty Bull Market List Part 10 | Carfection 4K 

Great cars! Was lucky enough to camp in one as a child when my father retired from the Navy. He bought it in Hawaii, and we camped from San Fransisco, where he had it shipped, in a zig zag pattern across the USA that would make travel journalists look like slackers. Saw the USA's greatest hits. Years later in Pensacola, where we ended up after that journey, a friend's older brother came into some money, and instead of getting a sports car like we all thought he would, he bought a Type 2 Camper Van aka Vanegon with with 4WD. He put over 400K miles on it surfing the USA, and Central America. Amazing car! And I know a woman who roled hers down a hill, and it still ran for years after that incedent. Really like the Eurovan version as well.

The first time I drove to Caffeine and Machine, I was behind a slightly ratty looking Type 2 which floored it like nobody's business when we reached a higher speed limit. It caught me totally off-guard and looked absolutely hilarious going that fast! I managed to find the owner and they'd swapped an Impreza engine in. Personally I think these are prime candidates for - whisper it - an EV swap...

This is probably the vehicle I love more than any other. Memories indeed. No other can create these emotions, the smells, the noises, the beautiful lines, the utterly correct boxer in the back.

Been waiting for this one.

I think everyone should rent or own a camper at least once. Doesn’t matter which brand, VW, Ford, Renault etc.. just try it, and smile 😎 Nobody I know who owns one regrets buying one.

We are lucky enough to have a 1988 VW T25 Holdsworth Villa 3. It's been well looked after its whole life and is on its second respray (Originally white, then marsala red for 7 years, now tungsten silver) and has had plenty of welding done, when it's been necessary (no filler!). One thing I would say though is if they're maintained and you know how to adjust the gear linkage, the shifting in a well maintained one is decently notchy. And there are some wicked milled billet aluminium upgrades for those who already have a well maintained gearbox. If you don't, there are specialists who'll do a gear box rebuild (Aidan Talbot in the UK) and there is enough of a market and pool of enthusiasts that keeping them original is still possible. We recently decided we'd renovate ours and whilst it wasn't a nut and bolt restoration, we added electric speed sensitive power steering, second hand leather Porsche seats, Brickwerks performance suspension upgrade springs and dampers, new petrol tank, full underbody clean up and Raptored, new stainless exhaust, and some Noico sound insulation up front. We've owned ours for almost 6 years and it starts every time, it has never broken down (change oils and CRUCIALLY coolant religiously every year!) and whilst it is not a fast vehicle, it can sit at 70 on the motorway if you're pressed for time. It is very happy at 60 and it will drive all day quite happily. We've travelled all over France and as far as Southern Norway and never been stuck at the side of the road. Rust is the biggest issue with most of those that have sat outside. Ours is in incredible condition now and we won't be selling it. I also won't change it to a Subaru. The 1.9 DG engine in ours is reliable and I don't think it will increase its value putting a 12k conversion in it...I prefer to wait for a properly dialled in and reasonably priced (reversible) electric conversion, which I guess is probably five to ten years away. Hope these comments are helpful to some and interesting to others..

Ive had a vanagon synchro westfalia for 22 years and it has 380,000 miles on it now, its seen a lot of rough trails ,surf spots, AND SMILES!

The split-window followed by the bay window and then finally the Vanagon are some of the most amazing vehicles ever made. And as you mentioned they are Adventure wagons. It's about getting out there and enjoying life

I’ve got a t25 auto sleeper trident Someone offered me £20,000 and a Mercedes slk for it and I turned them down I’m so glad I did because they are one of the most charismatic vehicles in the world and offer you unlimited freedom. I’d love to see a more in depth review if you can 👍🏻

Great buses! We have a T25 Viking - not seen many others like ours! So many happy times, camping trips, and memories with our two sons! Priceless! I’ll never sell it, just keep using it - makes me smile every time I drive it!

I had one. Did quite a lot of adventuring in it. Had to fix it on the road multiple times... it was a long trip. Totally worth it. I would love another, but would add the caveat that I would definitely repower it. Maybe not for the feint of heart or light of wallet, but for those willing to jump in, guaranteed the memories will last a lifetime. One note: that shifter likely needs servicing, it shouldn't be that bad.

6:27 Thanks for clarifying that someone thought you looked like Shaggy out of Scooby Doo, and not Shaggy the 90's Pop Rap Icon - a common mistake.

I own two of these, a 1991 “tintop” with a Subaru 2.2 swap, and an 85’ Westfalia full camper (that I’ve had for almost 20 years), and I can confirm that they do become a member of the family. I could never see myself selling either of them, and they serve as a platform to endlessly customize and make more useful in their multi-roles. Glad to see they’re finally getting some love, but sad that they’ll most likely end up shooting up in price and I won’t be able to “collect” many more. I only wish I had more space and the funds to have bought a few more over the years. I need a Syncro version in my life...

No mention of the super capable Syncro 4x4. Seen them sell for around £40k in mint condition. Brilliant machines, and yes, one of the family

I’ve T3 DOKA 1986 model . I’m the second owner since 2002. Swopped in a VW factory 2.5 litre 5cyl K-Jet motor (with gas flowed head and Bosal-Brospeed manifold) installation was a bolt in job, no cutting. What so ever. Loooove it! A real sleeper with its black steel rims and chrome hubcaps.

Literally just saw a light brown one of these the other day. I was thinking. That’s probably worth some money now. It was in great condition

Great vid, really entertaining and interesting although tbf, Mr Catchpole can make a test of anything entertaining and interesting! 👍🏼 “If it hadn’t have been for them meddling kids, I’dve gotten away with it!”

Owned two of them, great things. I'd love to have a go in one with an Oettinger flat 6 or the South African models with a Audi 5 cylinder engine

I had 1971 Transporter. I thought it was the ideal model, last year to share the 1600cc engine with the beetle and the first Volkswagen ever with front disc brakes. Incredibly slow but still fun to drive!

Just picked up my 84 Wolfsberg Westfalia last September, had to pay the sunny Southern California markup, but loving every minute of it (when it is running). I think a 1.8T swap is in the future once the rest of the van is sorted.

The shaggy bit. Perfect 😂

We own a 1990 Westfalia Syncro with a Subaru engine conversion. Terrific rig. In the US you will spend over $50,000 US for a good one. If you omit the Synco option, prices are about half. We also have a 1972 Baywindow Westfalia worth about $20,000 US. Both are indeed members of the family and used to take our dogs everywhere we go. The market for these has been hot for years and only getting hotter. None of it is actually due to the Pandemic. If you want a Splitty (split window) Westy in fair condition it will cost you at leasr $45,000 US. Top condition will cost you $60,000 plus, which is part of the reason the Baywindows and are gaining value. I recommend them all, especially if you have dogs.

I drove a pickup variant of these once, it had a swapped in VW Jetta diesel in it, that thing shifted real smooth! xD

Need one of these for a nice road trip. Would be lovely to tour the country in one of these.

As ever, a wonderful review. However, as a North American, I can assure you, Henry, that Van-A-gon is pronounced VAN-a-gon. Cheers!

Thank you for the entertaining and informative series!

That analogy of finding second gear and the pen lid.... spot on.

Nicee :). A vehicle used for relaxing holiday road trips and uses by peace loving people 😃✌☮. I'm pretty hyped for the ID Buzz :D

It looks feckin’ fun

I've got a VW T3 maltevan blue star classic transporter it's original blue star 🌟 I love it bought it in Germany Dortmund 12 years ago a great van to drive

I was waiting for this one, great vans! I own two of these things, a 1981 2L aircooled Vanagon Westfalia and a 1985 Doka double cab pickup with the same two tone blue/white paint as the van in this video, both of which I bought 5+ years ago before the values sky rocketed. I love them both dearly, though they are exceptionally slow and break down for fun, however its usually something pretty easy that you can fix on the side of the road. The gear shift is not exactly inspiring at the best of times but it shouldn't be that difficult to get into second, I suspect the van in this video needs some shift linkage adjustments. I once snapped the driver side rear suspension trailing arm clean in half on my Westfalia rallying a dirt road that connects Pemberton with the Chilcotins mountain range. I was coming back from a mountain bike/camping trip and was about 1.5 hours into the 2 hour dirt road back to Pemberton when it happened. The entire back corner collapsed in on itself with the tyre resting on the coil. Jacked the van up, hammered the trailing arm below the original mounting point and stuffed the removable end of a jack/axle stand, an adjustable wrench and some 10mm allen keys in the hollow end then lowered the weight of the van back down onto it! We then limped back to the safety of Pemberton at 10kph. My greatest emergency bodge so far! I bet every Vanagon owner has a similar story, great cars! I'll never sell mine.

I have one of these beasties, its the diesel version, originally it was a 1.6 jx turbo now it has the 1.9 TDI. It's a high top which for me is the best, it has more real world storage. The 1.9TDI is the game changer for this camper much more pleasant to drive and more economical to boot. My mate has the 1.9 petrol it's a slug in comparison only 20s to the gallon instead of my high 30s. I have put corsa c electric power steering with a smaller steering wheel so improved for it. The addition of central locking is also such an improvement its only on 3 doors but they are the ones mostly used. Rust is an issue but panels are available so why bodge them? I have been offered double what mine has cost me, I was tempted but what would I replace Flur with? So I will stick with my future classic and enjoy the holidays in the future

I have one of the Westfalia and while a cool camper it is a very expensive car to maintain and every season something goes wrong but wouldn't give it up for the world.

The tin top without all the camper stuff is way cheaper, lighter, has more interior space without all that sink and stuff, has. nice little table that opens up, and it still has the back seat fold into a very comfortable bed.

The last evolution of the classic rear engined flat 4 Volkswagen. The wasserboxer motor is actually a great lump, even though 90 hp can be a bit underpowered. But then again it is a VW van, so be thankful it's no longer a 53 hp 1600, and don't except to set any Nurburgring lap time records.

Shaggy just about sums this one up!

I had 2 of them in the 80's

I like the 80's Toyota Van that looks sorta like this. There's one for sale near me too but I already have too many old cars and no use for a van.

Owned mine for 10years, it also now has a more modern engine although the engine is just a 1997 1.9d. but yes it's part of the family andy daily.

Sooo.. where can we sign up for a camper trip with Henry? Asking for a friend 😄

VanAggins is a Dutch supermarket chain. I think you meant "VAN-a-gun".

Greennone and a dog then I would agree.. Pace camera car struggled to keep up too.. Epic topics..

Didn't mention the Syncro or the 16" version.....best van ever made..;-)

Well, the gearbox is... a maze

In the States we have 30 foot long RVs from the 90's which have Ford V10 engines that get 5mpg and cost $3-7 K while people with VW Campers from the 90's with the VR6 engine sell them for $20-30K...I suppose that means great wine comes in small bottles!

Followed the RAC rally in one. A great laugh even if the gearbox was more like a lucky dip.

Highly recommend the RCR video on these for anyone that hasn’t seen it.

You need to the research on these VW T3’s. The are a lot of lemons in the market and they are notorious for rust!

Vehicle prices should also be based on their state of disrepair so people don't get ripped-off. Nice VW, by the way.

We call it a Kombi in South Africa

Shaggy Catchpole! 😆

One of my mates just put a modern 2.0l Passat engine in one of these. Quite an easy mod by all accounts. can’t hear him sneaking up behind you anymore, and it goes like shit off a shovel.

Got a Holdsworth t25 Carvel had it 16 years Audi flat 4 engine up 4 Sale

Vans are cool

In the USA we call it the Van-a-gone!

Would love one of these with a 911 engine in it , I came close to buying one with the flat four in it Sounded good but was incredibly slow , once I had a really good look o er it the rust put me off . Still think they look cool though 👍🏻

My wife would really like one just like this, what year is the one in the video? I missed it if he mentioned it.

Почему они не показали машину, а только ездили по кругу?

In the US, GoWesty renovates Vanagons.

Surely it's the Renault 4 that goes with the camping holiday. A vintage MG is much more bed & breakfast.

He does look like Shaggy!

The T3 was a beetle base estate car the Volkswagen varient. The T25 was the T2 updated (2.5) T25... Why do people find this so confusing 😳.. Since when did Volkswagen call the T25 a T3? Here is the real Type 3 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ks4awZ5U8xw.html

I think my tata camper is copy or similar to this. Watch the video and let me know.

More crap talked about these than almost any other vehicle. No matter, I've enjoyed mine for 16 years with total disregard for all that. They are, however, already overpriced so I can't see them making much more progress financially than they do in a headwind.

I feels wrong to drive this on race track:)

Van - o - gen

Supercar and hotel, you said it Henry. Any car and a hotel over that steel box of misery ;)

“Va-nagens”! Haha. Not quite.

T3. It’s a T25, a type 3 is the fast back, notchback and coupe thing. Just because it preceded the T4 doesn’t mean it’s a t3

This is not a Type 2 or a Type 3, it is a Type 25. A Volkswagen Type 3 is a completely different vehicle, look it up.

#shaggy 😂

Looks like you picked a bad one. Gear selection shouldn't be that bad.

I don't have any doubt about this getting even more expensive but I just can't understand why. My dad used to own a late westfalia, a really good example with A/C and the 2 litre fuel injected engine, imported from California with blue plates and all and that thing (cause I just can't bring myself to call that a vehicle) made our lives miserable. It was slow, awful to drive, an embarrassment to be seen in it, A/C was a joke, it overheated and was totally unreliable. Not a single trip in that could be finished successfully, it always packed up and more often than not we ended arriving home in back of a tow truck. My mother hated it and looking back I don't have fond memories of it either. Worse of all, at the time it wasn't valuable, it was just an old weird camper that was associated with hippies and poor people with lots of kids, so it was totally uncool. So, I just can't understand why would anyone consider this attractive, let alone worth paying so much for it. I guess there's more money than common sense and taste.

Not cost effective if you’re not going to maintain it yourself. I’ve had x3. You’ve been warned. Easy to work on but they need constant maintenance. You can’t just jump in them & go on holiday. Get a full width bed, you don’t need the kitchen. Just unnecessary weight and for what, brushing your teeth and filling the kettle twice a year. Get a Caravelle and make it into a day van. You get all the factory insulation then and factory windows. This one in the clip is a van with windows cut in it and they look naff, as most of them are. 4x4 Syncro’s are bottomless money pits. Hope this helps. I drive a T3 Singlecab now.

Yeah, that’s cool, but will it do a burnout?

Don’t buy one Henry…they have an appreciation driven by affection rather than reality. Now before the hate mail starts, I was being driven around in Volkswagens since I three years old…that was a 1949 Sedan and a few years later my Dad bought a 1942 version imported by the Army in 1947…so I speak with long experience! These have charm….but are not for you!! 🤭😃😃😃😃

How in the hell can you mispronounce Vanagon? Jesus F. Christ, you'd think with ears that big you would have heard it correctly.

Underpowered soaked in condensation shoebox. Even with a Subaru boxer it's another rubbish "investment opportunity".