VW LT turns 50: Why the Bulli's big brother is underestimated

For 50 years, the Volkswagen LT, the big brother of the Bulli, has complemented the Hanover-based van family. From its premiere in 1975 in Berlin to the Paris-Dakar Rally, it has developed into a successful commercial vehicle legacy – up to today's Crafter.

In 1975, Volkswagen expanded its van range with the LT, introducing a forerunner to today's highly popular 3.5-tonners. The "cargo transporter" – or LT for short – was launched in several body styles. Two wheelbases, two roof heights, and panel van, station wagon, pickup truck, or chassis cab versions made it versatile. Gross vehicle weights were 2.8, 3.1, or 3.5 tons, corresponding to the model designations LT 28, LT 31, and LT 35. The LT is not only a forerunner of the modern "Sprinter" but was also closely related to the Mercedes van of the same name for a generation.

But first, let's look at the angular and compact original LT: Volkswagen opted for a space-saving cab-over-engine design with a front engine and rear-wheel drive. The engine was positioned between the driver and passenger seats, maximizing the loading area and making it particularly attractive for camper conversions. However, the engine is clearly audible in this position and warms the cabin.

The cargo volume was up to 7.85 cubic meters—more than 50 percent larger than that of the T2. Despite its increased capacity, the LT remained relatively compact: only 34 centimeters longer and 30 centimeters wider than the T2, the LT is ideal as a maneuverable urban transporter. A special feature from today's perspective is the forward-control seating position above the front axle—like in a VW Bus, the driver has to think carefully when turning.

The ergonomic design of the driver's cab was unusual for the time. In collaboration with ergonomics experts, Volkswagen optimized the layout of the controls. A large windshield and larger-than-average exterior mirrors improved visibility and safety. Independent front suspension provided greater ride comfort – not yet a standard feature in the segment at the time.

At launch, the LT offered two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine from the Audi 100 with 55 kW (75 hp) and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder diesel engine from the British manufacturer Perkins with 48 kW (65 hp). In 1979, Volkswagen's first own six-cylinder diesel engine followed, displacing 2.4 liters. It produced 73 hp and impressed with its smooth running characteristics – so much so that even Volvo adopted it for passenger cars.

In 1983, a turbodiesel with 75 kW (102 hp) and a six-cylinder gasoline engine with 66 kW (90 hp) were added. From 1985, the LT was available with a gross vehicle weight of up to 5.6 tons (LT 55) and optional all-wheel drive. The 2.8-liter TDI, introduced in 2002 with 116 kW (158 hp) and 331 Nm of torque in the LT2, set new performance standards in the segment.

• Six-cylinder turbodiesel with 102 hp
• Six-cylinder petrol engine with 90 hp
• Optimized engine installation position with space for a third seat in the cab
• redesigned dashboard.
• third wheelbase for flatbeds up to 4.6 meters long

1985

• LT 55 with 5.6 tonnes total weight
• LT 35 optionally with single tires on the rear axle
• switchable all-wheel drive 4x4
• Rectangular instead of circular headlights

1993

• New grille and plastic elements around the taillights
• Revised turbodiesel with intercooler and 95 hp

In addition to its role as a commercial vehicle, the LT also served as the basis for motorhomes. As early as the 1980s, the model enjoyed great popularity among conversion and conversion enthusiasts. In 1988, Volkswagen finally presented the "Florida" – a fully-fledged motorhome based on the LT for four people, including a bathroom. Decades later, the Crafter-based sequel to the concept followed with the Grand California.

In 1996, the generational change to the LT2 followed. For the first time, the new LT was developed under the umbrella of the newly founded Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) brand in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. The engines were relocated under a short hood, and access to the cargo area was made more convenient. With TDI engines and a wider range of variants, the LT2 set new standards. Production ended in 2006 after approximately 340,000 units.

In 2006, VW Commercial Vehicles presented a completely new vehicle, the Crafter. Ten years after the second generation, and this time developed entirely in-house. A new plant was built in Września, Poland, and the Crafter was now also available with front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. Its safety and assistance systems set new standards in the segment. Depending on the model, the permissible gross vehicle weight is up to 5.5 tons, and the cargo volume reaches up to 18.4 cubic meters.

The latest Crafter received various digital features as standard in 2024, including a cockpit display, a central touchscreen, and voice control with ChatGPT. An electronic parking brake and new assistance systems such as collision and lane departure warning, as well as adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, raise comfort and safety to the level of modern passenger cars.