VW by no means formally bought the T3 Doka within the U.S., however like so many different cool vehicles, as we speak’s Good Worth or No Cube contender proved fascinating sufficient for the aftermarket to do the mandatory work. Will this truck’s current worth show equally fascinating?
Lotus lately launched the Eletre, the corporate’s first electrical SUV and, in actual fact, its first automobile with greater than two doorways in * checks notes * effectively, ever. It’s a totally realized five-door hatch looking for a few of that candy gross sales success that the Tesla Mannequin Y has for years been having fun with.
That makes it a far cry from the kit-car kookiness of early Lotus fashions, and, being turn-key, even farther from the yet-to-be-reassembled restoration venture 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 we checked out yesterday. Most of you have been none too eager on the prospect of taking up another person’s unfinished restoration venture. Fewer nonetheless expressed willingness to take action on the automobile’s $75,000 asking worth. That resulted in a large 93 p.c No Cube loss regardless of the attraction of what the completed venture may provide.
Let’s transfer on from half-baked tasks to some previously forbidden fruit. At this time’s 1989 Volkswagen T3 Doka Transporter TriStar gives 4 doorways, four-wheel drive, three foldable bedsides, and one under-bed pass-through storage compartment for storing baguettes and skinny youngsters. I’d say that’s loads. And, whereas these cult-classic vans have been by no means formally provided on the market right here within the States, this one is claimed to not solely be Federally compliant but in addition to satisfy California’s strict emissions requirements.
The engine making that so is a 2.1-liter water-cooled flat 4 good for 112 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. In line with the advert, the then-new engine was put in in Santa Barbara, California in 2010 and now has simply 8,873 miles beneath its belt. Mated to that could be a five-speed guide and Steyr Daimler Puch-developed 4WD system. The gearbox is definitely a four-speed with an ultra-low first, nevertheless it’s simpler simply to name it a five-cogger. The truck acquired a brand new clutch and flywheel similtaneously the engine set up since that’s sort of a no brainer when doing such work.
Since then, this Doka has apparently not seen a lot use. The advert notes that it has been in climate-controlled storage for the previous seven years and is now being Rip Van Winkled as a result of passing of its proprietor. From the looks, tright here doesn’t appear to be a lot loss as a result of idle time. In line with the advert it has been exercised every so often to make sure nothing dries up an excessive amount of or settles too far.
The engine may be virtually new, however the whole lot else concerning the truck is seemingly all authentic. That features the Tornado Purple over black paint and grey fabric upholstered inside. The truck even nonetheless has its Puch badges and their associated factory-build stickers.
Fortunately not so authentic are the fats Pirelli Scorpion ATX tires that are mounted to aftermarket (and the vendor says uncommon) AT Italia 16-inch alloys. These mimic an Audi Avus fashion and look fairly good on the Doka. There’s some proof of rust effervescent up on the bodywork, however nothing that has popped by means of or any main areas to notice. That’s fairly frequent on these.
The inside presents in glorious form and roomy sufficient for 5 in consolation. The ahead management structure ensures that the room doesn’t detract from the mattress house within the again and, in actual fact, the T3 Doka gives a few of the greatest packaging of any automobile on the market. That’s a part of the explanation they’ve such a cult following. The opposite purpose being that they only look so dang cool.
This one has a clear title and a $40,000 asking worth. Now, earlier than you get your panties in a twist over that seemingly excessive worth, think about that this isn’t only a Doka however the high-end TriStar which gives 4 doorways as an alternative of simply three plus some upgraded accouterments, in addition to a reasonably contemporary engine. These elements add up. Do they add all the best way to $40K? That’s so that you can decide.
What do you say, is that this Doka a deal at that $40,000 asking worth? Or, does that price ticket imply the Doka cult can rely you out?
You determine!
Fb Market out of Monterey, California, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to JimmyZZZZZZZ for the hookup!
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