CVV's Daily Dose of Dub - TRUCK WEEK

"crown victor victoria" (cvv) 08/06/2013 at 15:19 • Filed to: DDOD

2

3

Today's truck is the VW LT

The LT bears the distinction of being the largest light-commercial vehicle that VW had produced from 1975 to 2006. The Crafter would follow the LT's act for 2007, but the LT is a bit of a beast even by today's standards.

GOT DAM

The LT was introduced to address some of the shortcomings of the T2 platform as far as commercial use was concerned. The T2 was limited to lighter load capacities, but in many markets the load sizes were increasing, and the rear-engine layout of the T2 was also not especially beneficial in this regard. So VW created the LT, which features the much-loved by Jalops COE RWD layout. They were also available in two wheelbases, two roof options, and as a panel van, chassis cab and other bodystyles. There were a diverse range of gas and diesel engines available, the first being a version of the Audi 100's 2.0L 4, which made 74 hp. There was also a 2.7L Perkins diesel, which in 1978 gave way to a six-cylinder variant of the Golf's diesel 4. That car's 1.6L oil burner became the D24 2.4L six, which some may recognize from a wide variety of Volvos. The 2nd Gen version was built in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz and is less interesting to me, but they're still ok I guess. Anyway, the LT made for a decent commercial vehicle, and were set up for all kinds of things from double-cab fire trucks to whatever else you could need.

My favorite aspect of the LT, though, was the VW-endorsed Westfalia and other camper conversions. Especially in the facelifted 1st Gen models where the square headlights are added and the selectable 4WD system came into play. These end up looking like a T3 Camper that would walk over and slap you in the mouth for looking at it funny. They were wide enough inside to accept transverse bed arrangements, so the interior could be set up in a variety of different ways. I think the campers look especially good in the more drab colors. Helps when you have knobbies on, too

This image was lost some time after publication.

Oh and here's a Rally Tunisia prepped version

Enterprising Americans can even try to locate one stateside, as there were Peterbuilt/Kenworth versions called the Midranger. You'd have a bit of conversion work to do, but think of the possibilities!

And the 1st Gen ran through 1991, so must of those could be imported if you were so inclined. That would even include 3 of the facelifted years, as that happened in '86. I've seen a few 1st Gens with US plates in my internet travels so I know it's been done.

HammerheadFistpunch > crown victor victoria 08/06/2013 at 15:34

1

Those look Amazing but 101 hp and 141 ft-lbs was the most powerful engine would could ever get in the type 1....engine swap or forget it.

lonestranger > crown victor victoria 08/06/2013 at 16:14

1

Yay, I learned so much here!

I had first heard of the LT a few years ago, and have seen a few in online photos, but none that quite showed the scale of these beasts. They're freakin' huge! Then, when I got to the but about the Pete/KW, I had an "A-ha!" moment. Of course I've seen these around. I even think there's a Pete on the road in my town. If I can only remember who operates it...*

That reminds me, the Kenworth K270/K370 & Peterbilt 210/220 are rebadged DAF LFs, made in the UK. So, if anyone was wondering after watching the last Top Gear what trucks they were referring to, there ya go. Nevermind that DAF is a Dutch brand,they bought UK's Leyland Trucks, and DAF is owned by Paccar, who also owns KW & Pete.

* Found it! But I doubt that it's road-registered, it's a shunt tractor at a company 's fleet shop . Shitty grab from Google Street View:

crown victor victoria > HammerheadFistpunch 08/06/2013 at 16:56

0

Yeah it's a foregone conclusion. This thing needs a 4BT for sure.