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If the VW T1 was the most successful small transporter of the 1950s and 1960s in West Germany, this position was held in the GermanDemocratic Republic from 1961 by the Barkas B1000. Announced as a „Schnelltransporter“(quick transporter), the Barkas B1000 wasproduced in the period 1961–1990 in the VEB Barkas-Werke in Karl-Marx-Stadt, now Chemnitz. As a box van, it now appears to a scale of1:43 as a „Schwalbe Customer Service“vehicle with a Schwalbe KR51 as its dashing load. The 1:43 model of this flatbed truck is areplica of a customer service vehicle for the ‘Schwalbe’ moped, which was manufactured by the East German company Simson. It comeswith a Schwalbe KR51 moped and a Simson technician.
Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.
If the VW T1 was the most successful small transporter of the 1950s and 1960s in West Germany, this position was held in the German Democratic Republic from 1961 by the Barkas B1000. Announced as a „Schnelltransporter“ (quick transporter), the Barkas B1000 was produced in the period 1961–1990 in the VEB Barkas-Werke in Karl-Marx-Stadt, now Chemnitz. As an open, flat-bed truck, it now appears to a scale of 1:43 as a „Schwalbe Customer Service“ vehicle with a Schwalbe KR51 as its dashing load.
Just 35,500 examples of the Deutz D40 tractor, which was developed and manufactured in the Deutz factories in Cologne-Deutz, were produced during its entire production period between 1957 and 1963. The D40 was the first Deutz tractor with a newly developed and extremely economical three-cylinder engine. The D40, which was produced using a frameless block construction method, belonged to the Deutz D model series, and had output of 35 BHP with a capacity of 2550 ccm. Schuco presents the die-cast Deutz D40 L in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
One of the most popular producers of tractors for smaller farming businesses was Gebrüder Eicher (Eicher Brothers). In 1948, they presented the first tractor in the world to be equipped with an air-cooled diesel engine, making it very much simpler to deal with in every-day use - the Eicher ED 16. The extremely fine detail of the Schuco model depicts the Eicher ED16 II, which started production in 1953. Improvements over the ED I include higher engine power and a 5-speed gearbox. Schuco presents the die-cast Eicher ED 16 with cuttor bar in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
As early as 1930, Fendt presented its first tractor model, the Fendt Dieselross F9. The name Dieselross related to the workhorses still widely used at the time in farming but bit-by-bit being displaced by dieselpowered tractors. The Fendt Dieselross F20G on which our Schuco model is based was Fendt‘s mid-range model from 1951. Over 6,300 were built up to 1957 and had an upright, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 1.5 litres, delivering 20 hp through an 8-speed gearbox to the rear axle. This permitted speeds from 0.8 to 20 km/h (0.5 - 12.5 mph). Schuco presents the die-cast Fendt F20G Dieselross with cuttor bar in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The first Fendt tool carrier was unveiled in 1953 and entered production in 1957. All tool carrier models were not initially equipped with a fixed driver’s cab, a fact that soon failed to meet user requirements. This model series was therefore systematically further developed and still exists to this day in a much altered form. The Schuco model in 1:43 scale, transporting a load of split logs, represents an early version of this model series without a driver’s cab. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail. Schuco presents the die-cast Fendt GT with wood load in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Because of the considerable demand for small transporters and the major success of the Volkswagen T1 transporter, in-house development of a range of Ford small transporters also started at the Ford factories in Cologne-Niehl. The Ford FK 1000, which was later known as the Ford Taunus Transit, was introduced in 1953 and was manufactured until 1966. With a top speed of 95 km/h, the FK1000 was considerably faster than its competitors the VW T1 (75 km/h) and the Tempo Matador (80 km/h), which led to its nickname of “Racing Transporter” at the time. Schuco presents the die-cast Ford FK 1000 with NSU Max in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The first completely newly developed commercial vehicle from Hanomag after the Second World War appeared in 1950 - the Hanomag L28. In accordance with the design trend in truck construction at the time, the Hanomag L28 was designed as a so-called “Long bonnet” vehicle, and was therefore several years ahead of its subsequent competitor vehicles the Opel Blitz and the Borgwand B 1500 with regard to the design. The L28 was produced from 1950 to 1960. The most common superstructure variant was the pick-up and the closed box-type van. Schuco presents the die-cast Hanomag L28 box van with Horex Regina in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The first completely newly developed commercial vehicle from Hanomag after the Second World War appeared in 1950 - the Hanomag L28. In accordance with the design trend in truck construction at the time, the Hanomag L28 was designed as a so-called “Long bonnet” vehicle, and was therefore several years ahead of its subsequent competitor vehicles the Opel Blitz and the Borgwand B 1500 with regard to the design. The L28 was produced from 1950 to 1960. The most common superstructure variant was the pick-up and the closed box-type van. Schuco presents the die-cast Hanomag L28 box van with Kreidler Florett in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The first completely newly developed commercial vehicle from Hanomag after the Second World War appeared in 1950 - the Hanomag L28. In accordance with the design trend in truck construction at the time, the Hanomag L28 was designed as a so-called “Long bonnet” vehicle, and was therefore several years ahead of its subsequent competitor vehicles the Opel Blitz and the Borgwand B 1500 with regard to the design. The L28 was produced from 1950 to 1960. The most common superstructure variant was the pick-up and the closed box-type van. Schuco presents the die-cast Hanomag L28 pick up with Goggomobil in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The Hanomag Robust 900 tractor was the largest and most powerful Hanomag tractor ever made and was produced from 1967 to 1970. The basic difference between the Robust 900 and the Brillant 701 was its larger and more powerful engine, which was capable of 85 bhp. Schuco presents this typical Sixties tractor as a high-quality metal miniature with functioning front loader in the popular 1:32 scale. The Schuco Edition 1:32 is highly impressive due to its very detailed and precise finish. The tractor has functioning steering and is without doubt a must-have in every tractor collection.
Founded in the 19th century, Heinrich Lanz AG in Mannheim very quickly developed into one of Germany‘s leading agricultural machinery manufacturers. The Mannheim company started to manufacture farm tractors in the 1920s, and therefore played an important part in the motorisation of German agriculture. Farm tractors with a single-cylinder glow-plug engine were produced with great success under the name of Lanz Bulldog. These tractors made such an impression that the name Bulldog became widely used in Germany as a colloquial expression for farm tractors in general. The Lanz Bulldog was also produced in several different countries under license. It was produced as the Ursus in Poland, the Le Percheron in France, the Pampa T01 in Argentina and as the KL Bulldog by Kelly & Lewis Ltd. in Australia. Schuco presents the die-cast K.L. Bulldog in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The L 1000 Express delivery vehicle was introduced to the public in 1929 on the basis of the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz „StuttgartType“ passenger vehicle. A 50 BHP sixcylinder engine gave the L 1000 a top speed of 65 km/h. Because of its extraordinary reliabilityand its robustness, large quantities of the vehicle were also purchased by the German Reichspost. With a payload of 1000 kilograms and the advertising area associated with the large-area box-type superstructure, the Mercedes-Benz L 1000 was used by many companies as a transport vehicle and advertisement on wheels in the 1930s and 1940s.
Founded in 1856, in 1902 the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company merged with the International Harvester company, along with the McCormick brand. The McCormick then continued to be used as a brand for agricultural vehicles. In 1962, the medium-heavy McCormick D-326 tractor appeared as a constituent of the so-called McCormick D series. During its entire construction period, 15,472 of the 24.5 BHP and 20 km/h tractor were produced. Schuco presents the die-cast Mc Cormick D 326 in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Introduced in 1955 at the IAA in Frankfurt as a so-called “fast heavy goods vehicle” by Daimler-Benz AG, 140,000 of the Mercedes-Benz L319 model series were manufactured until production ceased in 1967. As well as the box-type van, the pick-up and the deep pick-up, the O319 small bus was also available. Equipped with roof edge glazing and 10 to 18 seats, the Mercedes-Benz O319 quickly became a serious competitor for the Volkswagen T1 Bus and the T1 Samba because of the significantly greater amount of room that it provided. Schuco presents the die-cast Mercedes-Benz O319 in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The L 1000 Express delivery vehicle was introduced to the public in 1929 on the basis of the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz „Stuttgart Type“ passenger vehicle. A 50 BHP six-cylinder engine gave the L 1000 a top speed of 65 km/h. Because of its extraordinary reliability and its robustness, large quantities of the vehicle were also purchased by the German Reichspost. With a payload of 1000 kilograms and the advertising area associated with the large-area box-type superstructure, the Mercedes-Benz L 1000 was used by many companies as a transport vehicle and advertisement on wheels in the 1930s and 1940s.Schuco presents the die-cast Mercedes-Benz L1000 Expressin 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Once Daimler-Benz had re-established itself in the booming medium and heavy truck market that followed the War, Daimler considered becoming active in the fast-growing transporter segment. The result of their efforts was the Mercedes-Benz L319, presented in 1955 at the IAA. Up to 1967, about 120,000 L319s were produced in a wide variety of variants. These included promotion vehicles, the load surface of which could be used as a mobile display window. The Schuco L319 promotion truck "Schuco Micro Racer", to a scale of 1:43, represents one of these vehicles.
Once Daimler-Benz had re-established itself in the booming medium and heavy truck market that followed the War, Daimler considered becoming active in the fast-growing transporter segment. The result of their efforts was the Mercedes-Benz L319, presented in 1955 at the IAA. Up to 1967, about 120,000 L319s were produced in a wide variety of variants. These included promotion vehicles, the load surface of which could be used as a mobile display window. The Schuco L319 promotion truck „NSU Max“ , to a scale of 1:43, represents one of these vehicles.
In the 1930s, the Mercedes-Benz Lo2750 was the medium-weight series in the Mercedes-Benz truck range. After Mercedes-Benz started, in 1934, to compete in grand-prix racing with its newly designed Silver Arrows, transport vehicles and workshop trucks were needed to make it relatively easy to reach the European race circuits like Monza, Donington Park, Monaco or the Nürburgring. Painted in the typical blue of the Mercedes-Benz Racing Department, the factory operated a whole fleet of lorries that toured from race to race. As well as flat-bed trucks transporting the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows types W25, W125, W154 and W165, well hidden under their pale coloured tarpaulins, the Racing Department had two workshop trucks in which any repairs and technical work required at the track could be carried out. The various racing transporters of the Mercedes-Benz Racing Department have now become an abiding part of motor racing history and Schuco dedicates high-quality and painstakingly detailed models to a scale of 1:43 to the two representatives of the 1930s.
The annual Schuco Christmas model to a scale of 1:43 has now been a fixed part of the Schuco Autumn-Winter introductions. This year, Santa has loaded his massive Mercedes-Benz Lo 2750 platform truck with a true-to-life replica of a Schuco Tricky Bear and many colourful presents. The model is limited to a run of 750 and is sure to find its place in many collectors‘ displays.
Four years after the end of the war, in 1949 Daimler-Benz presented the first new post-war bus construction in the form of the Mercedes-Benz O3500. It was a typical conventional bus, which customers could purchase as an urban, overland or travel bus. The increasing demand for more passenger capacity was then fulfilled from 1950 onwards in Stuttgart with the long bonnet model type O 6600. Like the O 3500, the O 6600 shares a large proportion of the technology and the basic construction with the comparatively large commercial vehicle model series, which was the L 6600 in the case of Daimler-Benz. Manufactured from 1950 to 1955, the O 6600 was an integral element on the roads in the Germany of the economic miracle period, and made it possible for many Germans to make the long and much longed-for trip to the sunny south. Schuco presents the die-cast Mercedes-Benz O6600 in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Rotkäppchen Sekt is Germany’s most popular brand of Sekt (sparkling wine). Founded in 1894, it has become one of Germany’s mostwell-known brands. In the 1930s the Sekt producer manufactory Kloss & Foerster owned an extensive fleet of delivery vehicles. Onetypical vehicle from this era was the Phänomen Granit 25, which is now available as part of the Schuco 1:43 range. This 1.5 tonnevehicle featured the typical Phänomen air-cooled engine and was used extensively by the Reichspost. The model has numerous elaboratedetails and is available in a limited edition of 500 copies.
To mark „40 Years of VW T3“, Schuco presents a set in its Edition 1:43 limited to just 500 copies worldwide. The VW T3 bus, the pick-up with tarpaulin and the box van are dispatched together in a high-quality display case. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Hans Glas started production of the Goggo motor scooter in 1951, and it was Germany’s best selling scooter for quite some time. Encouraged by this financial success, the Goggomobil T250 followed in 1955, and therefore the lucrative entry into the small vehicle market, which was growing rapidly at the time. When the Deutsch Bundespost (German Post Office) was looking for a low-cost small delivery vehicle as a useful addition to the VW Transporter in the early 50’s, the Glas factory in Dingolfing developed the TL 250, a small and extremely agile small transporter. Today, both the Goggo Limousine and the small transporter are sought-after collector’s items and an integral part of the old-timer scene. Schuco presents the die-cast Goggo Limousine and the Goggo small van in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Since there was a sharp rise in the demand for flexible, multi-use transport vehicles in the early stages of the German economic miracle, Volkswagen started production of the VW Type 2 in 1950. This all-rounder, which was affectionately known as the „VW Bulli“ by its many fans, developed into the outstanding workhorse of the economic upturn in the Germany of the 1950s. The Samba, the flat bed truck, the box-type van and the double cab were probably the most popular superstructure variants of the T1, and are limited to 750 sets of 4 “VW T1b” packed in a high-quality display case. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Named after the highest mountain range of former Czechoslovakia, the High Tatra, cars have been produced in Koprivnice since 1920 under the „TATRA“ brand name. Ever one of the most technically creative producers of private cars and utility vehicles, TATRA was nationalised after the Second World War and concentrated more and more on building lorries. From 1961, production included the Tatra 138. This 10-tonne truck, with its characteristically rounded bonnet, had an 11,762 cc, air-cooled diesel engine with a power output of 180 hp. Typical of the so-called „Tatra Concept“ were also its tubular backbone frame and the all-wheel drive. Up to 1972, over 48,000 Tatra 138s were produced and exported to over 40 countries. Schuco presents the die-cast Tatra T138 in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Named after the highest mountain range of former Czechoslovakia, the High Tatra, cars have been produced in Koprivnice since 1920 under the „TATRA“ brand name. Ever one of the most technically creative producers of private cars and utility vehicles, TATRA was nationalised after the Second World War and concentrated more and more on building lorries. From 1961, production included the Tatra 138. This 10-tonne truck, with its characteristically rounded bonnet, had an 11,762 cc, air-cooled diesel engine with a power output of 180 hp. Typical of the so-called „Tatra Concept“ were also its tubular backbone frame and the all-wheel drive. Up to 1972, over 48,000 Tatra 138s were produced and exported to over 40 countries. Schuco presents the die-cast Tatra T138 pick-up with tarpaulin in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
First produced in 1968, the Tatra 148 only really took over from its predecessor, the Tatra 138, in 1972, when its production was stopped. The only externally evident difference was the slightly squarer design of the Tatra 148‘s typical rounded bonnet. Technically, the new model was fitted with a more powerful, 210-hp engine and the load capacity could be increased from 12 tonnes for the Tatra 138 to 15 tonnes for the Tatra 148. Like its predecessor, the Tatra 148 was delivered almost exclusively as a three-axle truck with all-wheel drive. Until production was stopped in 1982, a total of 113,647 Tatra 148s in all versions were built, which clearly demonstrates the technical quality and success of this Tatra model. Schuco presents the die-cast Tatra T148 "Feuerwehr" crane vehicle in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
First produced in 1968, the Tatra 148 only really took over from its predecessor, the Tatra 138, in 1972, when its production was stopped. The only externally evident difference was the slightly squarer design of the Tatra 148‘s typical rounded bonnet. Technically, the new model was fitted with a more powerful, 210-hp engine and the load capacity could be increased from 12 tonnes for the Tatra 138 to 15 tonnes for the Tatra 148. Like its predecessor, the Tatra 148 was delivered almost exclusively as a three-axle truck with all-wheel drive. Until production was stopped in 1982, a total of 113,647 Tatra 148s in all versions were built, which clearly demonstrates the technical quality and success of this Tatra model. Schuco presents the die-cast Tatra T148 "Feuerwehr" in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
First produced in 1968, the Tatra 148 only really took over from its predecessor, the Tatra 138, in 1972, when its production wasstopped. The only externally evident difference was the slightly squarer design of the Tatra 148‘s typical rounded bonnet.Technically, the new model was fitted with a more powerful, 210-hp engine and the load capacity could be increased from 12 tonnes forthe Tatra 138 to 15 tonnes for the Tatra 148. Like its predecessor, the Tatra 148 was delivered almost exclusively as a three-axletruck with all-wheel drive. Until production was stopped in 1982, a total of 113,647 Tatra 148s in all versions were built, whichclearly demonstrates the technical quality and success of this Tatra model.
Produced since 1948, there is no doubt that the Mercedes-Benz Unimog is one of the iconic vehicles of the 20th century. Since then, the „Universal-Motor-Gerät“, shortened to UNIMOG, has been produced in umpteen variants as a universal workhorse. The Schuco model of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog 401 represents a very early example of the Unimog range and has many authentic details.
Founded in the 19th century, Heinrich Lanz AG in Mannheim very quickly developed into one of Germany‘s leading agricultural machinery manufacturers. The Mannheim company started to manufacture farm tractors in the 1920s, and therefore played an important part in the motorisation of German agriculture. Farm tractors with a single-cylinder glow-plug engine were produced with great success under the name of Lanz Bulldog. These tractors made such an impression that the name Bulldog became widely used in Germany as a colloquial expression for farm tractors in general. The Lanz Bulldog was also produced in several different countries under license. It was produced as the Ursus in Poland, the Le Percheron in France, the Pampa T01 in Argentina and as the KL Bulldog by Kelly & Lewis Ltd. in Australia. Schuco presents the die-cast Ursus C45 in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
The VW Beetle, the all-rounder from Wolfsburg, modelled here in fine detail as a fire service command vehicle in metal to a scale of 1:43. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Already, in the early stages of the German economic miracle, there was a sharp rise in the demand for flexible, multi-use transporters. This led Volkswagen, in 1950, to start production of the VW Type 2. This jack-of-all-trades won many fans in its camper van version and developed into an outstanding workhorse of the economic upswing of the 1950s. It now appears in an attractive die-cast fir-fighting version as part of the Schuco collection. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Since there was a sharp rise in the demand for flexible, multi-use transport vehicles in the early stages of the German economic miracle, Volkswagen started production of the VW Type 2 in 1950. This all-rounder, which was affectionately known as the „VW Bulli“ by its many fans, developed into the outstanding workhorse of the economic upturn in the Germany of the 1950s. Schuco presents the die-cast VW T1b Samba in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
A great set that brings colour into every model collection - the VW T1b flat-bed truck with double cab, car trailer and, as load, an Ovali Beetle in typical rally livery with the already legendary start number „53“. Both models have the typical red, white and blue racing stripes of American race teams and are dispatched in a high-quality, transparent display box.
Since there was a sharp rise in the demand for flexible, multi-use transport vehicles in the early stages of the German economic miracle, Volkswagen started production of the VW Type 2 in 1950. This all-rounder, which was affectionately known as the „VW Bulli“ by its many fans, developed into the outstanding workhorse of the economic upturn in the Germany of the 1950s. Schuco presents the die-cast VW T1c box van in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Since there was a sharp rise in the demand for flexible, multi-use transport vehicles in the early stages of the German economic miracle, Volkswagen started production of the VW Type 2 in 1950. This all-rounder, which was affectionately known as the „VW Bulli“ by its many fans, developed into the outstanding workhorse of the economic upturn in the Germany of the 1950s. Schuco presents the die-cast VW T1c pick-up with trailer and tractor in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Since the VW T1 Transporter was getting rather long in the tooth after 17 years in production, and increasing numbers of competitors were trying to secure a place in the lucrative small transporter market, in August 1967 Volkswagen introduced the second generation of the VW Transporter, the T2. Compared to its predecessor the T1, the T2 was a complete and consistent new development. With the newly developed 1.6 litre engine with a powerful 47 BHP, revised independent wheel suspension and a complicated semi-trailing arm double steering axle, the T2 had extraordinarily good handling, which was able to match the handling of contemporary cars without problems. With its „new face“ with a continuous windscreen, the Volkswagen T2 was able to seamlessly continue the VW Transporter success story that began in 1950. The “L” in the version’s moniker stands for luxury and it definitely stands out from the crowd thanks to a number of small yet crucial details. Schuco presents the die-cast VW T2a bus L in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Since the VW T1 Transporter was getting rather long in the tooth after 17 years in production, and increasing numbers of competitorswere trying to secure a place in the lucrative small transporter market, in August 1967 Volkswagen introduced the second generation of the VW Transporter, the T2. Compared to its predecessor the T1, the T2 was a complete and consistent new development. With the newlydeveloped 1.6 litre engine with a powerful 47 BHP, revised independent wheel suspension and a complicated semi-trailing arm doublesteering axle, the T2 had extraordinarily good handling, which was able to match the handling of contemporary cars without problems.With its „new face“ with a continuous windscreen, the Volkswagen T2 was able to seamlessly continue the VW Transporter success storythat began in 1950.
The Volkswagen T3 Transporter, which was unveiled in 1979, set new standards for recreational and family activities. In contrast to the first two generations of the VW Transporter, the very squarish and matterof-fact shape of the T3 was far from charming for many customers. Nonetheless, its powerful boxer engine, greater comfort and the large amount of available space ensured the Volkswagen T3 soon became a firm favourite with customers. Manufactured between 1979 and 1992 as a bus, box van and flat-bed truck, it offered lots of opportunities to stamp your personal mark on the vehicle. Due to the great success of the VW T2 Westfalia camper van, the T3 was also designed as a Westfalia.
During its production period, there were a number of camping variants such as the ‘Joker’ basic model and the slightly more elaborately equipped ‘Club Joker’. In later years, the ‘Joker’ model was also marketed under the name ‘California’. Volkswagen subsequently launched the ‘Atlantic’, which was a more luxurious mobile home. Today, the original T3 ‘Joker’, ‘Club Joker’, ‘California’ and ‘Atlantic’ versions are an integral part of the Vdub scene and fetch high prices among collectors and fans. Schuco presents the die-cast VW T3a “Joker” in 1:43 scale. As is expected of Schuco models, a number of key features have been reproduced exactly with the greatest attention to detail.
Volkswagen’s efforts to develop a successor to the extremely successful VW T2 Transporter series began in 1975, culminating in thelaunch of the VW T3 series in May 1979. Originally, the T3 specifications included a front engine with a front-wheel drive. However,due to the tight financial circumstances of the VW Group, the development of an all-new engine generation was abandoned and the T3 was equipped with an air-cooled rear engine like both of its predecessors.
