1885 VW Single Cab Syncro Transporter

Location: South Berwick, Maine

Why It's Curated: This 1985 VW Single Cab Syncro Transporter is for sale in South Berwick, Me. This rare Syncro represents one of Volkswagen's most capable and sought-after utility vehicles, featuring the coveted 4x4 drivetrain with center locking differential that made these trucks legendary for their off-road prowess. What sets this example apart is its comprehensive 2015 ground-up rebuild, where every system was revisited and reworked from top to bottom. The drivetrain received particular attention with a custom FAS factory crate engine rebuild and transmission re-gearing to optimize performance. Enhanced with a big brake kit up front, 16" wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandars, and thoughtful interior upgrades including new seats and modern amenities, this Syncro balances authentic character with improved functionality. The honest assessment of needed cosmetic attention reflects the transparency that serious enthusiasts appreciate when evaluating these increasingly collectible German workhorses.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The Volkswagen T3 Syncro, produced from 1985 to 1992, represented Volkswagen's ambitious entry into the four-wheel-drive utility market during an era when such capability was still relatively uncommon in European commercial vehicles. Developed in partnership with Austrian specialist Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the Syncro system featured a viscous coupling center differential and rear differential lock, transforming the rear-engine Transporter into a surprisingly capable off-road machine. The single-cab variant offered the perfect balance of passenger space and cargo utility, making it particularly desirable for both commercial and recreational use. With only a fraction of T3 production receiving the Syncro treatment, these four-wheel-drive variants were expensive when new and remained relatively rare throughout their production run. What distinguished the Syncro from contemporary competitors like the Toyota HiAce 4WD or Mitsubishi Delica was its unique rear-engine layout combined with sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology that provided exceptional traction without compromising the T3's characteristic handling balance. The 2.1-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, while modest in power, delivered the reliability and serviceability that made these vehicles legendary among overlanders and commercial users alike. Today, the T3 Syncro has achieved cult status among collectors and enthusiasts, particularly the single-cab variants, which are increasingly recognized as the most versatile and capable iteration of Volkswagen's final air-cooled Transporter generation. Their combination of practical utility, mechanical simplicity, and genuine off-road capability has made them highly sought-after classics in the growing adventure vehicle market.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1885
Make: VW
Model: Single cab syncro transporter
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 80,000
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: inline 4 VW 2.0
Exterior Color: Green
Interior Color: Tan
State of Registration: ME
Vehicle Location: South Berwick
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
FAS custom Factory crate
Rebuilt and regeared to match engine

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Locking Differentials: Center Locking Differential
Wheel Size and Offset: 16"
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: Yokohama, GeoLanders
Type of Brakes: Stock rear, big brake kit in the front

Exterior & Interior:
Repainted in 2015. Body repairs as needed.

Cloth interior
New seats, USB outlets, in dash sound system
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No

Other Notable Features or Functions:
Rebuilt in 2015. Top to bottom all parts andy systems revisited and reworked
If I was keeping the truck I'd like to have to the body rust addressed and a respray. No body work or repair is needed. The speedometer cable should be repaired so the speedometer odometer and cruise control work. She has been a good daily driver and could still be as is, but this work does need to be addressed at some point.

Recent Maintenance:
Brake and cooling system inspected. Maine state inspection for 2026

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
Headlights need to be reworked, perhaps replaced since the parts for the South African headlights are hard to find. Speedometer cable fitting where it connects to the front differential needs to be repaired. Body and seam rests on hinges and other parts. Some surface rust on undercarriage but framing components are solid.