1985 Volkswagen Doka Pickup

1985 Volkswagen DOKA Pickup

Cousin to the beloved Vanagon and its Westfalia camping version, the Volkswagen Transporter (as the rest of the world knows the vehicle) came in several pickup flavors elsewhere-single cab, double cab, and so forth. Less bullet-like and more akin to a brick is VW's T3 Transporter and a variation of that family hauler that is more commercial than basic cable is the Doppelkabine or Doka. ("Doka" is short for DoppelKabine-double cab).

As a familiar German visage greets the casual onlooker. "Ah yes, this is a Vanagon," the American viewer thinks to himself. But once the eyes have scanned beyond the upright frontage and to the side of this white rectangle, a problem comes to light. Those eyes dart to and fro in disbelief. What should be there - the rest of the Vanagon - isn't. That's because this is a Doka, and it's the verboten van-truck of your dreams, and it's all up for consignment. Our consignor was inspired by a similar DOKA owned by Ferdinand Porsche that was used as a farm truck at the Porsche Design Studio in Austria. It has the Porsche Design studios logos on the front doors. So, chalk up another rare and interesting vehicle to be attracting attention in our hallowed halls!

ExteriorIt's hard to imagine a vehicle that combines more practicality and charm in an usual and striking body style. The cab-forward design and drop-side bed are just plain cool, both features common on utility vehicles elsewhere but not generally found on U.S.-market trucks. This is a 3-door crew cab if you will, and really does fool you when you look at it from the front, you'd swear it's a van, but when you walk around the side, everyone has the same astonished reaction! A white repaint covers all rust-free metal surfaces, and on the bottom end there are silver accents with a black stripe. This line is as wide and follows to the bumpers where it lines up and completes the lap around the entire truck. On back the fold down metal sides magically turn this truck into a flatbed, rendering it very versatile. Optional Carat accents such as bumpers, wheel surrounds and mirrors are on this unusual vehicle. On either side is a small door under the bed that gives access to a hidden storage area (known as a pass-through tool chest area) under the bed. It presents in excellent white painted condition. The bed and pass-through tool chest were coated with a clear bedliner. The engine compartment access lid was modified to a recessed Vanagon style. OEM VW wheels with new tires are on all 4 corners.

InteriorA swing of the doors and we now see 2 front buckets in brown checked broadcloth with solid light brown bolsters in place of the original bench seat. These are nice Vanagon high back buckets complete with armrests that fold down and open headrests. In back behind the metal 1/2 wall in back of the front buckets is a long 3-seater bench in the same pattern broadcloth as the front buckets. Nice clean brown carpeting floods the floors. Brown vinyl covers the door panels, and the original dash is iconic VW square and rectangle design in various pieces of molded black plastic, and very clean. Has a clean and original headliner. Aftermarket JVC Sound System with a single disc CD player. It is a very nice interior.

DrivetrainUnder the rear bed is a trap door that gives you access to the engine bay, which is unrestored and contains a 1.9 liter gas fired "WaterBoxster" water cooled engine. This is backed up by a 4-speed manual gearbox.

UndercarriageSlight surface rust on the axles and exhaust system, a little corrosion on the aluminum bottom end of the engine, but otherwise rust free structurally sound black painted metal and suspension. Floorpans and rockers are solid and we can note all wheel independent coil spring suspension. Also, disc brakes are upfront and drums are reserved for the back

Drive-AbilityThis truck started with ease, and on the test track shifted smoothly, and handled nicely with a smooth highway cruise. It drives like the Vanagon and is mechanically top notch!

Something a little different not often seen in the US of A. Comes with the jack, tools and original owners' books. Recent tune up, service, safety inspection, new battery and new wipers. This DOKA is a very versatile classic with plenty of power, and rust free steel exterior. Look, it's a flatbed...no WAIT! it's a pickup...It's definitely a VW.

VIN DECODEWV2VB024XFH030988W-West GermanyV-Volkswagen2-Multi Purpose VehicleV-1980 Thru 1990 Double Cab PickupB-1.9L 4 Cylinder Water Cooled0-Manual Belts24-TransporterX-Check DigitF-1985H-Hannover, GE Assy Plant030988-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.