**Vendor supplied images**
Highlights
- Recently had some paintwork carried out
- Looks to be structurally sound, both topside and underneath
- Very original interior in good condition
- Just one previous owner
- Sold with 4 keys
The Appeal
Replacing the long lived Type 2, the angular Type 3, marketed as a Caravelle in Europe, proved itself to be as versatile as its predecessor as it was offered with a variety of interior options. This 1990 bus features seating for 8, with seats that can easily be removed to make a large load space.
Later examples such as this featured the Wasserboxer water cooled 2.1-litre petrol engine, giving this considerably more power than its air cooled predecessors. Having recently had some paint work tended to, this Caravelle is a very bright example that benefits from having lived in a dry climate resulting in it appearing very solid indeed.
The History and Paperwork
- The vendor acquired this vehicle from its first owner
- Permiso de circulacion in the owner's name
- We are informed that it has independent service history
- The vendor is not in possession of any paperwork pertaining to the Volkswagen’s history other than its history of ITVs (MOTs, CT, APK, Revisione, TUV)
- Some recent paint work has been carried out
The Interior
- Highly original
- Seating for eight
- Very good condition overall
- Sold with 4 sets of keys
Considering that this caravelle is now a 32 year-old vehicle, the interior is in fine condition and looks to be very original.
Despite living in sunny Spain, the dashboard is free from cracking and presents really well. The vendor points out that it is now equipped with a radio which, along with everything else in the cabin, functions exactly as it ought to.
The headlining appears to be in good order, with minimal blemishes and the bus also features a full set of curtains. The carpeting too would appear to be quite presentable and there are versatile rubber overmats. There is some localised damage evident on the boot carpet, although it is still eminently serviceable.
While there is some discolouration evident to varying extents on the seats, we imagine a good clean would work wonders and there was no significant wear or damage we could discern on any of them. Similarly, the door cards appear to have survived really well. Usefully, this example features the so-called ‘jail bars’ in the boot to prevent the rear window from being damaged by luggage. There is also a complete toolkit.
Overall, this is a really tidy interior which we think could look particularly smart with a little attention here and there.
The Exterior
- Recent paint work
- Two-tone blue
- Bright and shiny
The vendor informs us that this Volkswagen has had some recent paint work and we can see that the exterior is now finished in two-tone blue. The work would appear to have been completed to quite a high standard as the car gleams under bright sunlight and we were unable to detect any major blemishes in the paint finish. The bodywork looks to be incredibly straight down the sides, with good panel alignment. A glance at all the areas that are usually prone to corrosion indicates that this should be a really sound example, and has clearly been carefully looked after.
The hubcaps are now looking a little dull and the offside rear item would appear to have been replaced with an item from a Fiat Tipo. The vendor informs us that the tyres are in good condition, including the spare.
It also has a towbar fitted, making this a very useful van indeed.
The Mechanics
- 2.1-litre WBX engine
- No leaks
- Manual gearbox
As a later example featuring the Wasserboxer 2.1-litre engine, this van performs well with its manual gearbox.
The vendor informs us that there are no leaks of any kind from the engine or the fuel and cooling systems. It starts, runs and drives exactly as it should, with no untoward noises or eccentricities.
Summary
If a Volkswagen bus has been on your wishlist for some time, this 1990 Caravelle represents an excellent opportunity, equipped with the T3’s most powerful engine, a versatile seating / loading arrangement and being enviably solid all round.
With some fresh paintwork, it looks the part too and we’re sure the next owner shall enjoy their time with this lovely Caravelle.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
