Green Monster: 1980 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter DoKa TDI Swap

The Volkswagen Type 2 was revamped in the 1980 model year and became what is known as the T3, or Vanagon for the US Market.  Today’s example started life as a European born Transporter and spent some time as an army vehicle for the German military.  Thankfully, Germany didn’t try to conquer the known world for a 3rd time in the 20th century and that means this next vehicle isn’t riddled with bullets or covered with evil insignia.  Find this 1980 Volkswagen Vanagon DoKa TDI here on eBay bidding for $8,675 with 1 day to go, located in Portland, OR.

The DoKa version (a truncation of the German word for double cab– Doppelkabine)
is a strange looking combination of crew cab pickup and folding metal sided flat-bed.  The
Doka offers ample seating for a small family of six and this German Army version has metal subframe with canvas tent structure.  You could hide another entire family in back if so inclined.

Powering this beast is a 1.9 liter turbocharged diesel engine (TDI) from an undisclosed VW/Audi car — should make something in the range of 90-100 horsepower and 150 ft-lbs of torque.  The seller reports 35-40mph mpg and a top speed of 80 mph which isn’t bad at all for an 80s era Transporter.

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