Hanover, Germany – 30 January 2025 – The Bremen Classic Motorshow is set to ignite the 2025 classic vehicle season as it opens its doors on 31 January. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer will be making a spectacular entrance, showcasing two exceptionally rare all-wheel-drive models: a freshly restored T3 syncro 16” flatbed truck—one of only 60 ever produced—and the legendary T4 Multivan syncro that holds a Guinness World Record.
This exhibition is part of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ celebration of ‘40 years of all-wheel drive,’ a milestone that underscores the brand’s pivotal role in shaping off-road capability for vans. With the motto “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” the showcase will not only honor the legacy of the syncro models but also highlight the future of Volkswagen’s all-wheel-drive lineup, including the latest Multivan, California, Transporter, Caravelle, and ID. Buzz.
A Journey Through Time: The Evolution of Volkswagen’s All-Wheel Drive Vans
The All-Wheel Drive Dream Begins: The T2 Prototype
The roots of Volkswagen’s 4×4 vans trace back to the 1970s when Gustav Mayer, head of Transporter development, found himself repeatedly stuck in the Sahara while exploring in a T2. Frustrated by the limitations of rear-wheel drive, Mayer and his team developed a prototype T2 with selectable front-wheel drive, tested extensively in the dunes of North Africa. Although the T2 was nearing the end of its production cycle, this early experiment laid the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive series.
1985: The T3 Syncro Revolution
With lessons learned from the T2 prototype, Volkswagen launched the T3 syncro in 1985—the first series-production all-wheel-drive Transporter. Built in collaboration with Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the T3 syncro was engineered for durability and off-road capability. Unlike the T2 test vehicles, the T3 syncro featured a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a viscous clutch, which intelligently distributed power between the front and rear axles. Additional modifications, including raised suspension and reinforced components, made the T3 syncro a formidable off-road companion.
From 1987, a 16-inch variant was introduced, featuring larger brakes, a rear axle lock as standard, and an increased ground clearance of 246 mm. This heavy-duty model was built for extreme off-road use, with only 2,138 produced—of which a mere 60 were flatbed trucks. One of these ultra-rare flatbed T3 syncro models will be on display at the Bremen Classic Motorshow, offering visitors a chance to witness a true automotive unicorn.
1993: The Arrival of the T4 Syncro
By the early 1990s, Volkswagen had completely redesigned its Transporter, introducing the T4 in 1990 with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. In 1993, the syncro variant was introduced, featuring a viscous clutch system that transmitted power to the rear wheels when needed. The result was a more refined all-wheel-drive system that enhanced stability and control while maintaining the van’s practicality.
A Record-Breaking Drive: The T4 Multivan Syncro’s Pan-American Adventure
One of the highlights at the Bremen Classic Motorshow will be a legendary T4 Multivan syncro that holds a world record. In 1999, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles put its all-wheel-drive credentials to the ultimate test by attempting a record-breaking drive along the Pan-American Highway, stretching from Alaska to Argentina. Two teams set off from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, on 25 September 1999, tackling treacherous terrain, extreme weather conditions, and political unrest in South America.
Despite these challenges, the first T4 Multivan syncro, piloted by professional adventurers Andreas Renz and Matthias Göttenauer, completed the grueling 22,880-kilometer journey in just 15 days, 14 hours, and 6 minutes—securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Visitors to Bremen will have the rare opportunity to see this historic vehicle up close, alongside the T3 syncro 16” flatbed truck.
Looking Ahead: Volkswagen’s Modern All-Wheel Drive Lineup
While the Bremen Classic Motorshow pays homage to Volkswagen’s rich heritage in all-wheel-drive vans, the event also looks toward the future. The legacy of the syncro models continues in Volkswagen’s current all-wheel-drive range, which includes the Multivan, California, Transporter, Caravelle, and ID. Buzz. These modern vehicles carry forward the spirit of adventure and versatility that has defined Volkswagen’s vans for decades.
As enthusiasts gather to celebrate classic motoring, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer’s exhibit at Bremen will serve as a reminder of how the brand’s pioneering spirit has transformed all-wheel-drive capability in the van segment—setting the stage for future generations of off-road-ready Volkswagens.
