1986 | Volkswagen T3 Kastenwagen 1.6 D

Highlights:

• Original Coca-Cola sales van
• Rare high-roof panel van with high sliding door
• Largely preserved in original condition

Brand & Model History:
In 1979, Volkswagen introduced the third generation of its bus models: the T3. This marked the end of an era, as it was the last VW bus with rear-wheel drive and an air-cooled engine. As early as 1982, the air-cooled units were replaced by water-cooled engines. Like its predecessors, the T3 offered a wide range of body variants, including the bus (Type 255), flatbed truck (245), double cab (247), Kombi (253), and panel van (251). The engine range spanned from a 1.6-liter gasoline or diesel engine with 50 hp to a 2.1-liter gasoline engine with 112 hp. In South Africa, where the T3 continued to be produced until 2002, there was even a version with a 136-hp five-cylinder engine. From 1984, the "Syncro" all-wheel drive was introduced, making the T3 a sought-after off-road variant.

History & Condition:
Without all-wheel drive and with a modest 70 hp diesel engine, this VW panel van had to make do, but its strengths lie elsewhere. It is an extremely rare high-roof panel van with a high sliding door (Type 515), which was delivered in November 1986 by the VW Retzer dealership in Wels to the company Fako in Linz. Fako, known for taking over the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Austria in 1953, used the bus as an official Coca-Cola sales van. A large, fold-out flap on the driver's side gave it its special functionality. Its use ended in the summer of 2002, but it still proudly bears its original 1986 company livery. The interior is currently empty, offering the future owner many possibilities for customization – a rare chance to acquire a unique piece of automotive history.

Market Positioning and Prices:
The VW T3 high-roof panel van with a high sliding door (Type 515) is a very rare model today, especially in well-preserved original condition. These special variants were produced in relatively small numbers and are therefore particularly sought after by collectors and classic commercial vehicle enthusiasts. Historical vehicles that were used commercially, like this former Coca-Cola sales van, also have a special appeal due to their authentic history.
On the market for classic Volkswagen T3 models, high-roof panel vans command higher prices than the usual bus or Kombi variants, especially when in good condition and with original features. While well-preserved standard T3 models are traded between 15,000 and 30,000 euros depending on condition and engine, rare special editions like the Type 515 can cost significantly more depending on condition, history, and originality.
For a vehicle like this former Coca-Cola sales van, largely in original condition and with an interesting history, the price could range between 30,000 and 50,000 euros depending on condition and market interest. Restored or particularly well-preserved examples with complete documentation could fetch even higher prices.

Summary:
The VW T3 high-roof panel van with a high sliding door (Type 515) is a very rare and sought-after model today, especially in well-preserved original condition. Due to the low production numbers, these variants are in high demand among collectors and classic commercial vehicle enthusiasts. Vehicles with a commercial past, like this former Coca-Cola sales van, gain additional value through their history. High-roof panel vans fetch higher prices compared to standard T3 models. Standard T3s in good condition are traded between 15,000 and 30,000 euros, while rare special editions like the Type 515 are more expensive. For a largely original sales van like this one, prices range from 30,000 to 50,000 euros depending on condition and history. Restored or particularly well-preserved examples with full documentation can command even higher prices.