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TriStar Syncro

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Matt Ryan Fahrvergnugen

890 posts · joined Jan 2006 ·

#723335
Had a lovely conversation this 'arvo with a nice German man named Hartmut. He is the proud owner of the only Tristar syncro brought to Australia. He's had it since new and it's been his work vehicle ever since, it's been very well maintained and is all original.

Wow, I couldn't believe it, he was visiting some friends of his that live three doors down from me.

According to the Tristar registry and various English forums, (The Brickyard, Club 80-90) Out of all the DOKA's built, only 1500 were Tristars. Of all those Tristars, only 500 were Syncro's and of those Syncro's only 19 (nineteen) were RHD!

And only one came to Australia!!!!

It looks like this one, but I think the one in pic is missing a bullbar as they came as standard equipment.I also forgot to check if his had one grille or two, (air or water cooled) will look next time although, Phil might know?



Regards,

Matt.


http://portvwforum.freeforums.org

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#723364
Cool to see this kombi as there's so few on the planet.

But, didn't the Lees brothers from Sydney import one for racing in the Wynns Safari, late 80's or early 90's??
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#723366
NICE!!
Futue te ipsum!!!

Matt Ryan Fahrvergnugen

890 posts · joined Jan 2006 ·

#723425
matberry wrote:Cool to see this kombi as there's so few on the planet.

But, didn't the Lees brothers from Sydney import one for racing in the Wynns Safari, late 80's or early 90's??

According to Phil Matthews Australian Volkswagen History (corrections after checking)

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=70689&page=2

1990:
A luxury syncro 4WD version of the Double Cab is also announced - the Tristar - but only one of these ever arrives. Instead, Graham Lees uses a base twin-cab Syncro 16" to compete in the Australian Safari, winning his class.

Phil's original entry was:

http://www.clubvw.org.au/Australian%20VW%20history%207.htm

1990:
The T3 Transporter Pickup and Double Cab Pickups are released, with the 2.1-litre engine, with manual or auto trans. A luxury syncro version of the Caravelle is available, at $39,000. A luxury syncro 4WD version of the Double Cab is also announced – the Tristar – but only a handful of these arrive. Graham Lees uses one to compete in the Australian Safari, winning his class. The T3 Syncro is named Overlander Magazine’s 4WD of the Year.


Regards,

Matt.


http://portvwforum.freeforums.org

DylanTheDubber Custom Title Time!

1,252 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#723458
Matt,
Gee that was lucky of you for them to have it a few doors down from your place. Where was Hartmut from.

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#724141
Yes Matt, I originally thought the Lees Wynns double-cab was a Tri-Star, but it wasn't. I got corrected (thanks Phill Lander.) Steve C hasn't updated the VW history on the Club VW website yet.

Watercooled only - hence two grilles at the front.

I do have an Australian Tristar brochure at home that TKM prodcued for the Australian release. Very collectable now...

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#724152
Hi

This car was at the VW Nationals one year at Hawksberry and was used for demonstration runs around a dirt track, I think I have video footage somewhere, it was in 1989 I think.

Phil, when did you send the update, for the website? I haven't seen it.

Steve

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#724155
Late last year Steve, but I need to do some more updates for 2008, and 2009, now. I will also split up the file into year blocks like you've done, so you don't have to do it!

Will send it to you when done.

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#724796
Inchcape TKM produced two different brochure/leaflets for the VW Tristar in 1989. As we know, the 2WD twin-cab Kombi, and the Syncro 4WD twin-cab Kombi, both went on sale here, but the Tristar didn't.

This is the brochure for the 2WD Twin-cab and Tristar.

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Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#724797
This is the other brochure, for the 4WD Syncro twin cab and Tristar.

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Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#724799
This is the reverse of the brochure, showing the stats of the twin-cab Kombi and the Tristar.

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