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Photo of a Volkswagen LT

Volkswagen LT

The original LT: just 34 cm longer than the T2, with over 50% more cargo volume.1

Researched November 1, 2026 from 25 sources

Also called

  • The original brickUsed in a series-history title for the first-generation, 1975–1995 LT.2
  • ErgonomiewunderThis 50th-anniversary label celebrates ergonomic design, including controls positioned close to the driver.13

At a glance

0100200
64–156 hpPower
0200400
132–331 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.7

Engine
LT1: gas/diesel I4/I6; LT2: 2.3 L gas I4, 2.5 L diesel I5, 2.8 L diesel I47
Layout
Front-engine, rear-drive; LT1 also with factory 4x47
Gearbox
LT1: 4/5-speed manual; LT2: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto for 2.3 gas79
Built at
Volkswagenwerk Hanover, Germany; LT2: Hanover-Stöcken17
Units built
First generation: 471,221; second generation: about 340,00014

The story

Built for loads beyond the Transporter's reach, the first LT put its engine between the seats. Ergonomists shaped its cab; Gustav Mayer's team allowed crosswise camper beds and a passage from cab to rear.145

1973: Mercedes-Benz partnership breaks down19731975: Berlin debuts the Lasten-Transporter19751983: A turbo six tops Europe's van power19831985: LT 55 arrives; LT 40/45 get factory 4x419851993: An intercooler updates the original six19931996: LT2 shares the Sprinter's shell19962002: 156 hp and 331 Nm set segment records20022006: Stöcken signs off; Crafter takes over2006 Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) (T2): Introduced 1967T2Volkswagen LT I (Typ 28 / Typ 21): 1975–1996Typ 28 / Typ 21Volkswagen LT II (Typ 2D): 1996–2006Typ 2DVolkswagen Crafter (first generation): 2006–2016 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1357917
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
Introduced 1967Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) (T2)
1975–1996Volkswagen LT I (Typ 28 / Typ 21)
1996–2006Volkswagen LT II (Typ 2D)
2006–2016Volkswagen Crafter (first generation)
1973Mercedes-Benz partnership breaks down
1975Berlin debuts the Lasten-Transporter
1983A turbo six tops Europe's van power
1985LT 55 arrives; LT 40/45 get factory 4x4
1993An intercooler updates the original six
1996LT2 shares the Sprinter's shell
2002156 hp and 331 Nm set segment records
2006Stöcken signs off; Crafter takes over
  1. 1973

    Mercedes-Benz partnership breaks down

    The joint LT project splits over layout: Volkswagen wants the engine between the seats; Daimler-Benz prefers it ahead of the cab.46

  2. 1975

    Berlin debuts the Lasten-Transporter

    April's debut offers two wheelbases, two roofs and a 74 hp Audi-derived 2.0-liter CH four; LT 28/31/35 denote 2,800/3,100/3,500 kg gross.137

  3. 1983

    A turbo six tops Europe's van power

    The 101 hp DV turbodiesel tops Europe's vans; an 89 hp DL gas six joins, and repositioned engines make room for a third cab seat.17

  4. 1985

    LT 55 arrives; LT 40/45 get factory 4x4

    Volkswagen begins building LT 40/45 4x4s; about 1,250 follow. The LT 55 lifts maximum gross weight to 5,600 kg.17

  5. 1993

    An intercooler updates the original six

    A revised grille and grey plastic trim accompany the first LT's intercooled ACL 2.4-liter turbodiesel six, rated at 94 hp.17

  6. 1996

    LT2 shares the Sprinter's shell

    After 471,221 LT1s, the new LT shares the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter shell and adopts a short hood; its 2.5 TDI launches with 101 hp.47

  7. 2002

    156 hp and 331 Nm set segment records

    Common-rail injection and a variable-geometry turbo give the LT2's 2.8-liter four 156 hp and 331 Nm, record figures for the segment.18

  8. 2006

    Stöcken signs off; Crafter takes over

    LT2 production ends at Stöcken after nearly 340,000 examples; the Crafter succeeds the LT family.19

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Type 2 (T2)
    T2Introduced 1967
  • Volkswagen LT I
    Typ 28 / Typ 211975–1996
  • Volkswagen LT II
    Typ 2D1996–2006
  • Volkswagen Crafter (first generation)
    Volkswagen Crafter (first generation)2006–2016

Power over the years

From 64 hp to 156 hp in 26 years.

050100150200 197519801985199019952000 hp 1976 · 64 hp · LT1 CG 2.7 Perkins diesel1978 · 74 hp · LT1 CP D24 2.4 diesel1982 · 101 hp · LT1 DV D24T 2.4 turbodiesel1993 · 94 hp · LT1 ACL D24TIC 2.4, 1993 update1996 · 74 hp · LT2 AGX 2.5 SDI1996 · 141 hp · LT2 AGL 2.3 gas1997 · 123 hp · LT2 AGK 2.8 TDI1999 · 107 hp · LT2 ANJ/AVR 2.5 TDI1999 · 129 hp · LT2 ATA 2.8 TDI2001 · 82 hp · LT2 BBE 2.5 TDI2001 · 94 hp · LT2 BBF 2.5 TDI2002 · 156 hp · LT2 AUH/BCQ 2.8 TDI common rail 156 hp LT2 AUH/BCQ 2.8 TDI common rail 64 hp LT1 CG 2.7 Perkins diesel
179
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197664LT1 CG 2.7 Perkins diesel
197874LT1 CP D24 2.4 diesel
1982101LT1 DV D24T 2.4 turbodiesel
199394LT1 ACL D24TIC 2.4, 1993 update
199674LT2 AGX 2.5 SDI
1996141LT2 AGL 2.3 gas
1997123LT2 AGK 2.8 TDI
1999107LT2 ANJ/AVR 2.5 TDI
1999129LT2 ATA 2.8 TDI
200182LT2 BBE 2.5 TDI
200194LT2 BBF 2.5 TDI
2002156LT2 AUH/BCQ 2.8 TDI common rail

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    LT Kombi / Bus (first generation)

    1975–1996

  • Standard

    LT 35 Bus Hannover

  • Special

    Westfalia Captain

  • Westfalia Sven Hedin

    Special

    Westfalia Sven Hedin

    1978–1989

  • Special

    Westfalia Florida

    1989–1993

  • Special

    Westfalia Florida TD (facelift)

    1993–1996

    94 hp

  • Special

    Karmann Distance Wide

  • Special

    LT 40 / LT 45 4×4 (factory)

    1985–1995

  • Sülzer LT 4×4

    Special

    Sülzer LT 4×4

    156 built

  • Special

    De Vries LT 4×4

    3 built

  • Steyr-Puch Noriker

    Special

    Steyr-Puch Noriker

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: boxy cab-over shape, with the driver perched above the front axle.16
  • First-generation headlights are round on early vans and rectangular on later ones.5
  • Late first-generation vans have gray plastic around the grille and rear lights.7
  • Second generation: a short hood projects ahead of the cab.7
  • Second generation: yellow side marker lights identify the longest wheelbase.9

Year by year

  1. Mid-1980s

    First-generation round headlights give way to rectangular units.5

  2. Spring 1993

    First-generation vans gain gray plastic grille trim and new plastic pieces around the rear lights.7

  3. 1993–1996 Florida

    Grey White replaces Pastel White; the exterior logos change too. Both versions retain a white roof.1213

  4. 1993–1996 Florida

    Inside, gray upholstery with multicolored stripes gives way to light-gray velour with multicolored dots.1213

  5. 1996

    The second generation replaces the cab-over silhouette with a sloping front and a short hood.47

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volkswagen LT
    LT
    Photo of a MAN-VW G90
    MAN-VW G90

    MAN-VW G90

    Uses an LT-derived cab; look for both MAN and VW logos, with bumper-mounted headlights after the 1987 update.9

  • VW Crafter

    The successor has a much bulkier grille than the second-generation LT.9

Prices

Value today $3.2K–$9.2K20

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 19801990200020102020 Value today: $3,200–$9,200 1979 · $23,695 · DE Sven Hedin; approx. DM1.83/$11981 · $10,850 · DE LT28 high-top 2.0; ~DM2.26/$11988 · $79,545 · DE Clou LT50 TD tested; ~DM1.76/$11989 · $32,527 · DE LT28 Florida petrol; ~DM1.88/$11993 · $42,651 · DE LT28 D Florida; ~DM1.65/$11993 · $45,390 · DE LT28 TD Florida; ~DM1.65/$11999 · $26,511 · DE LT28 SDI Kombi 1999-01; ~€1=$1.072001 · $24,314 · DE LT28 TDI Kombi 2001-06; ~€1=$0.902002 · $50,626 · DE LT35 Bus Hannover 2.8; ~€1=$0.952004 · $37,304 · DE LT28 Kombi 2.8 2004-06; ~€1=$1.24 1979 · 43.361 Mark · Germany, 1979 Sven Hedin; approx. DM1.83/$1 2020 · $3,198 · 1990 LT-35 Luton; approx. £1=$1.30, Brightwells2022 · $32,000 · 1991 LT28 Westfalia Florida, 318k km, BaT2025 · $5,934 · 2005 LT35 158 TDi, 143k mi; hammer £1~$1.29, Spicers Auctioneers2026 · $7,475 · 1993 LT35 Van; approx. £1=$1.30, Manor Park $32.0K BaT, 2022
61011121320222425
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1979Launch price$23,695Germany, 1979 Sven Hedin; approx. DM1.83/$1
1979Price when new$23,695DE Sven Hedin; approx. DM1.83/$1
1981Price when new$10,850DE LT28 high-top 2.0; ~DM2.26/$1
1988Price when new$79,545DE Clou LT50 TD tested; ~DM1.76/$1
1989Price when new$32,527DE LT28 Florida petrol; ~DM1.88/$1
1993Price when new$42,651DE LT28 D Florida; ~DM1.65/$1
1993Price when new$45,390DE LT28 TD Florida; ~DM1.65/$1
1999Price when new$26,511DE LT28 SDI Kombi 1999-01; ~€1=$1.07
2001Price when new$24,314DE LT28 TDI Kombi 2001-06; ~€1=$0.90
2002Price when new$50,626DE LT35 Bus Hannover 2.8; ~€1=$0.95
2004Price when new$37,304DE LT28 Kombi 2.8 2004-06; ~€1=$1.24
2020Auction sale$3,1981990 LT-35 Luton; approx. £1=$1.30, Brightwells
2022Auction sale$32,0001991 LT28 Westfalia Florida, 318k km, BaT
2025Auction sale$5,9342005 LT35 158 TDi, 143k mi; hammer £1~$1.29, Spicers Auctioneers
2026Auction sale$7,4751993 LT35 Van; approx. £1=$1.30, Manor Park
2026Value today$3,200–$9,200

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Europe's most powerful van in 1983”
    • “156 hp and 331 Nm set a segment record”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 25 sources
  1. 50 Jahre Volkswagen LT – Das Ergonomiewunder feiert Geburtstag - Porsche Holding newsroom porscheholding-newsroom.at
  2. VW LT Series 1 Buyers Guide (1975 – 1996) - VWLT.co.uk vwlt.co.uk
  3. 50 ans du Volkswagen LT : un champion d’ergonomie fête son anniversaire - Volkswagen | Espace Média Volkswagen France media.volkswagen.fr
  4. Trzy dekady produkcji, dwie generacje i bardzo udana koncepcja: w 2025 roku Volkswagen LT, poprzednik Craftera, obchodzi 50. urodziny - informacje prasowe | Volkswagen vw-press.pl
  5. Volkswagen LT: the work van that became a home on wheels | Mecatechnic mecatechnic.com
  6. VW LT Westfalia Sven Hedin: Dieser Bus machte Camper cool autozeitung.de
  7. Volkswagen LT - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Un nouveau venu parmi l'élite - L'argus largus.fr
  9. VW LT – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  10. VW Nutzfahrzeuge LT II: Technische Daten, Preise | ADAC adac.de
  11. 1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper westfalialt.info
  12. 1989 VW Westfalia LT Florida Camper westfalialt.info
  13. 1993 VW Westfalia LT Florida Camper westfalialt.info
  14. Alkoven-Oldtimer Karmann Distance Wide (1992) promobil.de
  15. Alpine Fire Brigade: Volkswagen LT 4X4 - Old Motors oldmotors.net
  16. VW LT wird 50: Was den Oldtimer zum Raumwunder macht auto-motor-und-sport.de
  17. 1975-1996: Volkswagen LT I (Typ 28/Typ 21) - Cars w Encyklopedia motoryzacji | MotoBase.Pl - English version motobase.pl
  18. ??? TIEKSTRA / Frits KIGGEN / ??? MAAS - VOLKSWAGEN LT 40 n�364 - Paris Dakar 1983 dakardantan.com
  19. Seikel Jubiläum - Seikel seikel.de
  20. Volkswagen LT 35 For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  21. VW LT Westfalia Florida Buyers Guide - VWLT.co.uk vwlt.co.uk
  22. VW LT: Wohnmobil-Test - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  23. Volkswagen LT druhé generace jako ojetina - Vanscentre vanscentre.com
  24. 1991 Volkswagen Transporter LT 28 Westfalia Florida 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $32,000 on October 3, 2022 (Lot #86,220) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. 2005 VW LT35 158 TDi LWB camper van. Registration number BD55 CXP. VIN number WV1ZZZ2DZ6H007316. Eng spicersauctioneers.com
  • porscheholding-newsroom.at
  • vwlt.co.uk
  • media.volkswagen.fr
  • vw-press.pl
  • mecatechnic.com
  • autozeitung.de
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • largus.fr
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • adac.de
  • westfalialt.info
  • promobil.de
  • oldmotors.net
  • auto-motor-und-sport.de

Photo credits

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