Fleet Transport June 2020

60 | MILESTONE
Volkswagen Crafter is celebrating
its 45 th anniversary
20cm wider than the T2 Transporter – but with a 50% increase in
cargo volume to 7.85m 3 . Inside, designers focused on ergonomics
with controls placed close to the driver and a better view through
a large windscreen.
An independent front suspension system, not standard in the segment
until many years later, provided driving comfort for the LT, while
power came from a 2.0-litre 75PS four-cylinder petrol engine which
featured on the Audi 100, or a four-cylinder 2.7-litre 65PS diesel. In
1979, Volkswagen introduced its first six-cylinder, with the 2.4-litre
engine adding 8PS and a much smoother drive.
The high roof panel van offered not only the standing height in the cargo area but also
more space for goods.
Originally called the LT, the largest light commercial
vehicle in Volkswagen’s range was basically a bigger
Transporter designed for heavy loads. Revealed
to the world in Berlin in April 1975, its remit was
to cover the 2.8 to 3.5-tonne segments. Since its launch 45 years
ago, the Crafter has gone on to achieve broad sales success and
multiple award wins across four generations.
LT, short for Lasten-Transporter which loosely translates as heavy
load Transporter, was available in two wheelbases, two roof variants,
as a panel van, station wagon, bus, platform and double cab. This
versatility has stayed with the Crafter over the past 45 years, with
more than 1.5 million models having been produced and sold across
the world. To celebrate its birthday, let’s take a trip down memory
lane, from the model’s beginnings through to the multi-awardwinning
Crafter range that is on sale today.
LT: 1975-1996
Total worldwide sales: 470,000
With a focus on load space, engineers designed the original with
a front engine between the driver and front passenger seat above
the front axle, with drive to the rear-wheels. This space-saving
design meant the LT remained compact – just 33cm longer and
In 1983, the dashboard was redesigned and new engines were
added to make the LT the most powerful van in Europe, while
even better space optimisation allowed for a third seat to be added
in the cabin. A 4.6m wheelbase was made available for platform
conversions, too.
Two years later, a 5.6-tonne variant was added along with switchable
four-wheel-drive and a new rectangular headlight design replacing
the circular lights. The original LT underwent its final facelift in
1993, with a new radiator grille and rear light design plus a revised
turbo diesel engine.
Due to its quality and reliability coupled with the large usable
area yet compact dimensions, the LT quickly became a popular
base for motorhomes. In 1988, Volkswagen revealed not only the
T3-based compact California but also a motorhome based on the
LT: the Florida, a fully-fledged motorhome for four people with a
wet room.
Production of the original LT ended in 1996 after 21 years and over
470,000 models.
LT2: 1996-2006
Total worldwide sales: 340,000
The LT2 was the first new vehicle to be launched by the newlyfounded
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand and took the
popular model into the modern age. Developed in partnership with
The completely redesigned dashboard upgraded the interior from 1983.
New engines were added as part of 1983 overhaul.
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Summer 2020