Description
They just don’t make them like they used to, there’s no better example of this statement than the South African only built 2. 6i T3 big window Caravelle which earned itself Iconic statues in the hearts of many with its great build quality. Indulge yourself in the atmosphere only found in a pristinely kept T3 big window bus, if you’ve ever had a story about travelling cross country with friends & family in a T3 bus you’ll understand the statement, if you haven’t then this would be your opportunity to experience the unmatched interior space with panoramic views for days, enjoy the unmistakable purr of the 5cyl Audi power plant singing from the rear which made it not just a mode of transport but made every drive an occasion. The T3 Caravelle was the undisputed champion of people carrying luxury it’s competitors just couldn’t match. Featuring luxurious valour seats, foldable arm rest right through, electric front windows, air conditioning, power steering & a reclining rear seat (converting into a full sized bed). With this pedigree and the fact that they have become quite desirable abroad it has made them good collectible modern classic investments which are only increasing in value.
What makes the big window bus so special is that it is a Vw South Africa only built vehicle after the 2. 1 seized production globally. It featured extensive body changes like bigger windows behind the B pillar, slicker roof gutters, newly designed front door skins, right side sliding door indentation delete, wider lower front grill & the intro of 15” starburst wheels replacing the 14” from before. The interior was also different with an updated padded dash, new steering wheel & the fold & tilt jump seat infront of the sliding door. Engines were replaced with 5 cyl Audi units, first were 2. 5i with kjetronic fuel injection but later engines of the 2. 3 & 2. 6 had a digijet fuel injection making it lighter on fuel & had better power delivery with much better reliability.
This Caravelle is bone stock original (except for the upgraded sound system, the original Grundig radio will be part of the sale) & has been incredibly well looked after over the years boasting a low 152k km with service history & recent invoices (last service being 146k km), the immaculate interior with zero tears are a testament to how well it’s been kept. It’s been garage kept & only used for long distance holiday & camping trips. Being a ‘94 it makes it part of the very first 2. 6i’s built & has done an ave. mileage of only 4. 5k km per year.
Mechanically it runs incredibly well which is expected at that mileage. The renowned 2. 6 5cylinder motor purrs smoothly while gear changes are still firm & direct without the T3 sickness of having to guess which gear you shifting into. There are no knocking noises from the suspension & it is very sure footed through the windy open roads. It has recently been fitted with new rear shocks, cambelt kit, gearbox oil change, aircon regas with complete leak detection & preventative maintenance done on the cooling system making certain that it doesn’t suffer from any overheating issues.
As stated previously the seats & carpets are without tears & has removable mats for added protection. Both front electric windows work as they should. All swivel vents on the A/ C tunnel are in perfect condition. All armrests are present & the front ones functional perfectly without damaged mechanisms. The foldable jump seat works perfectly which most by now have either a broken or missing backrest latch, the seats plastic covers are all present & are unbroken too. Central locking & alarm work & it has a gear lock & anti-hijack system. Even the front passenger vanity mirror still has a working illuminated surround.
The exterior still boasts an original windscreen. Headlights, spotlights & tail lights are all original Hella. It has had cosmetic paint touch ups in places over the years to rectify superficial scratches. All the factory decals are still in place ( blackout strip under the windscreen, black caravelle logo front left & both rear quarter arch clear stone guards). Wheels are in great condition with no curb rash & tyres have around 80% life.
Vehicle Faults:
- The LCD digital clock in the cluster works, however the ink has bled in the display.
- The battery maintains charge for about 5 days if left on, the vehicle has a power quick cut off switch for you to effortlessly turn the battery off for long stays.
International buyers may have the vehicle inspected & effortlessly transported as well as all paperwork & police clearance completed through "Classic Cars Online" based in Johannesburg South Africa.
