Adventuremobile Spotting: VW LT40 Sülzer 4x4
What a rarity seeing one of these in the US. This one was spotted in Reno, NV. We’re seeing more and more of these cool vans with Alaska plates. Volkswagen make the LT van platform. Looks as though it was originally restored by these folks in Spain: www.cactusontheroad.com - a couple Jose & Christina from Barcelona. But with the Alaska plates and some internet sluthing we found it was sold in 2018 to someone stateside. Their blog seems to have stopped a few years ago on this van. Their Facebook shows they are a shop focused on these vans. Cactus Garage
The name given to Volkswagen's large transporter was as functional as the entire vehicle: it was just called LT, which is simply the abbreviation of Lasten-Transporter(that basically means heavy load transporter or cargo transporter). This series was made from 1975-1991. It is a 1987 Volkswagen LT 40, 4 × 4 van.
Not sure, but as it’s a 4x4 it is likely a LT 40D Sülzer 4x4. If it indeed is a Sülzer it’s pretty rare. Sülzer developed a 4x4 version of the VW LT and based them on the long wheel base models (like this one). These were based on the LT40, LT45 or LT47. Sulzer did the conversion with a transferase with a new front axle and also replaced the rear axle to match.
The transfer case was a New Process 208 chain driven transferase. The same one you can find in the early 80’s Jeep Cherokees. Also, supposedly the first 6 of the Sülzer vehicles are supposed to have had Dana axles. How very American for Germans. But alas, they later moved to use the Italian build Clark-Hurth axles likely due to shipping, import and general Euro based serviceability. Rear differential-lock was standard and a front diff-lock was option.
The side flares look custom for a bed so one can sleep sideways.
📷 Hank Ni
