T25/ T3 Transporter Reimo Bobil 'Ronnie'

It is with much heartbreak that my partner and I have decided we need to sell our beloved 'Ronnie'. Life is catching up with us and we don't need as many cars as we do.

'Ronnie' is a 1985 model VW T25 (or T3 if you're that way inclined), with a 1.9l water-cooled boxer engine. The van has been well looked after by us and all of the previous owners. The van was originally from Sweden, imported to Norway in October 2015 and we purchased it in May 2016.

It's been used on many climbing trips around Norway and has not had any issues whatsoever. However, there are a number of small jobs that are required to keep it going as well as it has. If you are hands-on and mechanically minded they are not too serious. Parts are cheap and the vehicle is easy enough to work with. Ideally this car is suited to someone happy to spend a few weekends tinkering to get it back up to scratch.

Keep reading for more info, check out the photos. Please feel free to contact us (Norwegian or English) to come and have a look, test drive and a cosy chat about VW camper life. The van is situated in Byåsen, Trondheim. Best time to call or visit is after 17:00.

Some more detailed information...

Motor etc:

• Yes! It has one, makes a nice vvrroom vvrroom when you step on the gas. Proper, good old fashioned "das auto", rear mounted and rear wheel drive, 1.9l, 4 cylinder, water cooled, boxer engine . This engine runs like a dream, starts well in warm conditions with very little start-motor turnover required. The engine has no problems running at speed and will happily mooch along at 90 kph without struggling.

• Breaks. It has some of them too! And they work very well. Break lines were replaced by the importer in 2015 along with some other wearable parts. The van is currently running on winter tires (piggfri), we prefer this as there is no ABS so it gives piece of mind when driving in the wet or early in the season. Also comes with two spare wheels, nice!

• Gearbox is sound, 5 forward 1 reverse. Clutch runs smoothly, it's not like a modern car changing gear, some skill required. Gears select fine, but can sometimes require a loving touch.

• The suspension is like a dodgy waterbed in some back-street motel in Las Vegas, soft and smooth, but if you hit a bump too fast you will probably lose your front teeth to the steering wheel. The ride is really nice, you get good height and a great view. One shock absorber is showing some rust and should probably be replaced.

Electrics:

• The headlights work, as do the rear daytime running lights, indicators, break lights and high beams are all fine. A pair of Helle lights are present (the two inner lights) however, we haven't yet figured out what magic is required to turn these on. They are likely disconnected or the bulbs have blown and need to be replaced.

• The van comes with a number of electricy things. It has a radio, we have never used this.

• Lighting, there are a lot of lights all fed from a recreational battery in the living space. There is also an external power plug and cable for use at campsites.

• The van is fitted with an electric interior heater, so it can be used in the winter months if you are that kind of heathen. It turns on and blows air, but we can't attest to its effectiveness.

Chassis & Body:

• This van is charming but is no prince and at almost 40 years old its beginning to show some wear. The paintwork is ok, but some rusting and bubbling is present.

• The chassis is in excellent condition with only minor surface rust. This is mostly due to only being driven in summer and the van stored during winter.

Camper Equipment:

• The van is designed to sleep 4, thus is ideal for two adults and two small-ish children. It is currently registered for two persons, but we have extra seat belts and when mounted the van can be registered for 4. The rear bench folds down to make a substantially sized and surprisingly comfortable bed. The roof space has room for two child sized humans, how they get up there I have no idea. This space is better used for storage.

• Other features include: 2-hob gas stove with new 25l gas tank. Rotating passenger seat. Stowable table. Sink, tap and water pump are broken, have been since the van was imported, whole system should probably be replaced if you want it working. There is a front storage locker above cabin.

• There is a rear mounted bicycle rack. We assume it works. Holds a camping table really well though.

• There is an awning. However, a freak gust of wind broke this during a trip and it is now rather limp. The awning can be used, but will require some rope feng shui.

Other:

• The 'EU control' is required in June. A number of issues need to be addressed before this, namely the extent of some rust on the rear-left shock absorber and a potentially leaking fuel inlet hose.