Original owners

1
John,
 
Your message raises a very interesting question.  How many Syncros on our list are in the hands of the original owners?
 
Following direct correspondence recently with Hartmut Kiehn, who has a TriStar, I would like to start compiling a Syncro Profile series to go into the Files section.  I intend to start with Hartmut's TriStar and would like to do Yurik's 16" - haven't told him this yet! - and yours would have to be the next candidate.
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: John lowe
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 7:19 AM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Tanks

Theo When I purchased my Syncro new in 1989 Fred Black at Out Of Town
4x4 in Barnsley Newcastle 02 4953 3288 made me a 80lt petrol tank plus a
40lt water tank they are still there so maybe a phone call might help
Can't recall the price made in stainless so not cheap
John

2
>
> Your message raises a very interesting question. How many Syncros on
> our list are in the hands of the original owners?
>

Mine.

Phill

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~pjlander/volkswagen_syncro.htm
3
Phill,
 
Great!  Not only are you next on the list, but I will ask you to put together a profile for publication in our Files section.
 
When compiling these profiles, I would like to include the ATECO plate numbers - below the dash and near the RH door pillar.  I am still trying to get some idea of how many Syncro were sold in Australia.  ATECO does not know; I have already asked them, but we might get some idea if a sequence of numbers emerge from the plates.
 
All this is directed towards establishing a history of the Syncro in Australia.  There will never be any more of them and we are the only ones who can write their history.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners


>
> Your message raises a very interesting question. How many Syncros on
> our list are in the hands of the original owners?
>

Mine.

Phill

http://members. ozemail.com. au/~pjlander/ volkswagen_ syncro.htm

4

Hi Les,

You’re only counting the owners who ordered their syncros new? We bought our 1985 Caravelle GL 1988 out of the Wolfsburg factory. The car was used three years with a factory internal number plate for test drives, motor-press and other things. So the first “owner” was Volkswagen.

Regards

Christoph

 

Von: Les Harris [mailto:leslieharris@optushome.com.au]
Gesendet: Sonntag, 9. September 2007 00:06
An: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Betreff: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners

 

John,

 

Your message raises a very interesting question.  How many Syncros on our list are in the hands of the original owners?

 

Following direct correspondence recently with Hartmut Kiehn, who has a TriStar, I would like to start compiling a Syncro Profile series to go into the Files section.  I intend to start with Hartmut's TriStar and would like to do Yurik's 16" - haven't told him this yet! - and yours would have to be the next candidate.

 

Les

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: John lowe

Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 7:19 AM

Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Tanks

 

Theo When I purchased my Syncro new in 1989 Fred Black at Out Of Town
4x4 in Barnsley Newcastle 02 4953 3288 made me a 80lt petrol tank plus a
40lt water tank they are still there so maybe a phone call might help
Can't recall the price made in stainless so not cheap
John

5
I am still trying to get some idea of how many Syncro were sold in
Australia.

Didn't I give you some of that information?

I think that Steve Muller may have the details.

Before I bought mine I test drove many strange syncros, eg single cabs
with dual diff locks, Caravelles with many options. I wonder where they
are now.

Phill
6
Les,
Mine was post ATECO as are most of the syncros. I picked mine up direct from TKM at Wetherill Park after I waited for them to put the complience plate on. I drove it to the dealers with all of the wax on except for a circle in front of me so that I could see.

I picked it up on the Friday of the October long weekend and had to leave it at the dealers until tuesday when they had it detailed and registered. All I got to take home was the owner's manual and some photos!

Phill



> Les Harris <leslieharris@optushome.com.au> wrote:
>
> Phill,
>
> Great! Not only are you next on the list, but I will ask you to put
> together a profile for publication in our Files section.
>
> When compiling these profiles, I would like to include the ATECO plate
> numbers - below the dash and near the RH door pillar. I am still trying
> to get some idea of how many Syncro were sold in Australia. ATECO does
> not know; I have already asked them, but we might get some idea if a
> sequence of numbers emerge from the plates.
>
> All this is directed towards establishing a history of the Syncro in
> Australia. There will never be any more of them and we are the only
> ones who can write their history.
>
> Les
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: plander@optusnet.com.au
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Cc: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 9:00 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners
>
>
>
> >
> > Your message raises a very interesting question. How many Syncros on
>
> > our list are in the hands of the original owners?
> >
>
> Mine.
>
> Phill
>
> http://members.ozemail.com.au/~pjlander/volkswagen_syncro.htm
>
>
>
7
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 10:51 AM
Subject: Re: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners

Les,
Mine was post ATECO as are most of the syncros. I picked mine up direct from TKM at Wetherill Park after I waited for them to put the complience plate on. I drove it to the dealers with all of the wax on except for a circle in front of me so that I could see.

I picked it up on the Friday of the October long weekend and had to leave it at the dealers until tuesday when they had it detailed and registered. All I got to take home was the owner's manual and some photos!

Phill

> Les Harris <leslieharris@ optushome. com.au> wrote:
>
> Phill,
>
> Great! Not only are you next on the list, but I will ask you to put
> together a profile for publication in our Files section.
>
> When compiling these profiles, I would like to include the ATECO plate
> numbers - below the dash and near the RH door pillar. I am still trying
> to get some idea of how many Syncro were sold in Australia. ATECO does
> not know; I have already asked them, but we might get some idea if a
> sequence of numbers emerge from the plates.
>
> All this is directed towards establishing a history of the Syncro in
> Australia. There will never be any more of them and we are the only
> ones who can write their history.
>
> Les
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: plander@optusnet. com.au
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Cc: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 9:00 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Original owners
>
>
>
> >
> > Your message raises a very interesting question. How many Syncros on
>
> > our list are in the hands of the original owners?
> >
>
> Mine.
>
> Phill
>
> http://members. ozemail.com. au/~pjlander/ volkswagen_ syncro.htm
>
>
>

8
Phill,
 
I did get info from Steve but it conflicted with other information received earlier.  Steve should have a better idea than anyone and I should stir myself to call him and go through it all again.
 
Les
----- Original Message -----
From: Phill
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:00 AM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners

I am still trying to get some idea of how many Syncro were sold in
Australia.

Didn't I give you some of that information?

I think that Steve Muller may have the details.

Before I bought mine I test drove many strange syncros, eg single cabs
with dual diff locks, Caravelles with many options. I wonder where they
are now.

Phill

9
Phill,
 
I live and learn.  I wasn't aware that TKM had taken over the distribution.. Have you any idea what year that was?
 
I first looked at the Syncro in late 88, when it was still Ateco.  I still have the price lists from that time.  I simply could not afford one then and the wish had to be put aside until much later..
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 10:51 AM
Subject: Re: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners

Les,
Mine was post ATECO as are most of the syncros. I picked mine up direct from TKM at Wetherill Park after I waited for them to put the complience plate on. I drove it to the dealers with all of the wax on except for a circle in front of me so that I could see.

I picked it up on the Friday of the October long weekend and had to leave it at the dealers until tuesday when they had it detailed and registered. All I got to take home was the owner's manual and some photos!

Phill

> Les Harris <leslieharris@ optushome. com.au> wrote:
>
> Phill,
>
> Great! Not only are you next on the list, but I will ask you to put
> together a profile for publication in our Files section.
>
> When compiling these profiles, I would like to include the ATECO plate
> numbers - below the dash and near the RH door pillar. I am still trying
> to get some idea of how many Syncro were sold in Australia. ATECO does
> not know; I have already asked them, but we might get some idea if a
> sequence of numbers emerge from the plates.
>
> All this is directed towards establishing a history of the Syncro in
> Australia. There will never be any more of them and we are the only
> ones who can write their history.
>
> Les
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: plander@optusnet. com.au
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Cc: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 9:00 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Original owners
>
>
>
> >
> > Your message raises a very interesting question. How many Syncros on
>
> > our list are in the hands of the original owners?
> >
>
> Mine.
>
> Phill
>
> http://members. ozemail.com. au/~pjlander/ volkswagen_ syncro.htm
>
>
>

10
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 8:48 AM
Subject: AW: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners

Hi Les,

You’re only counting the owners who ordered their syncros new? We bought our 1985 Caravelle GL 1988 out of the Wolfsburg factory. The car was used three years with a factory internal number plate for test drives, motor-press and other things. So the first “owner” was Volkswagen.

Regards

Christoph

Von: Les Harris [mailto:leslieharri s@optushome. com.au]
Gesendet: Sonntag, 9. September 2007 00:06
An: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Betreff: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Original owners

John,

Your message raises a very interesting question.  How many Syncros on our list are in the hands of the original owners?

Following direct correspondence recently with Hartmut Kiehn, who has a TriStar, I would like to start compiling a Syncro Profile series to go into the Files section.  I intend to start with Hartmut's TriStar and would like to do Yurik's 16" - haven't told him this yet! - and yours would have to be the next candidate.

Les

----- Original Message -----

From: John lowe

Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 7:19 AM

Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Tanks

Theo When I purchased my Syncro new in 1989 Fred Black at Out Of Town
4x4 in Barnsley Newcastle 02 4953 3288 made me a 80lt petrol tank plus a
40lt water tank they are still there so maybe a phone call might help
Can't recall the price made in stainless so not cheap
John

11
Christoph,
 
Since the Syncro was fully imported and since they were sold as new vehicles, this would not happen in Australia.  The only variation  for our (Australian) list members is that Telecom (then the Australian government telecommunications supplier) bought a flock of them.  At the end of their service life, they were auctioned off to the public.  A number of our members had or have them.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 8:48 AM
Subject: AW: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Original owners

Hi Les,

You’re only counting the owners who ordered their syncros new? We bought our 1985 Caravelle GL 1988 out of the Wolfsburg factory. The car was used three years with a factory internal number plate for test drives, motor-press and other things. So the first “owner” was Volkswagen.

Regards

Christoph

Von: Les Harris [mailto:leslieharri s@optushome. com.au]
Gesendet: Sonntag, 9. September 2007 00:06
An: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Betreff: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Original owners

John,

Your message raises a very interesting question.  How many Syncros on our list are in the hands of the original owners?

Following direct correspondence recently with Hartmut Kiehn, who has a TriStar, I would like to start compiling a Syncro Profile series to go into the Files section.  I intend to start with Hartmut's TriStar and would like to do Yurik's 16" - haven't told him this yet! - and yours would have to be the next candidate.

Les

----- Original Message -----

From: John lowe

Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 7:19 AM

Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Tanks

Theo When I purchased my Syncro new in 1989 Fred Black at Out Of Town
4x4 in Barnsley Newcastle 02 4953 3288 made me a 80lt petrol tank plus a
40lt water tank they are still there so maybe a phone call might help
Can't recall the price made in stainless so not cheap
John

12
>
> I live and learn. I wasn't aware that TKM had taken over the
> distribution.. Have you any idea what year that was?
>

It was January 1990. Have a look at some of the brochures. TKM really started the marketing and dropped the prices to a reasonable amount.

Ateco only imported VWs from June 1987 until December 1989.

Have you contacted Rod or Lloyd Davies?

Phill
13
Les,

How about you keep a database with actual VINs and M codes? Forget
about year models as a lot of people read them off the stupid compliance
plates. We can work out build dates from the VIN.

Do you know the story about Hartmut Kiehn's TriStar?

Phill
14
Phil,
 
You are right.  When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of information.  Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.
 
Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly.  It contains his own description but all additional facts will be welcome.  I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his TriStar.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Phill
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 1:01 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners



Les,

How about you keep a database with actual VINs and M codes? Forget
about year models as a lot of people read them off the stupid compliance
plates. We can work out build dates from the VIN.

Do you know the story about Hartmut Kiehn's TriStar?

Phill

15


 You are right. When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of information. Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.

I doubt it!

I thought the TriStar was an '89? It may be an early '90. We need his VIN.

 


>
> Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly. It contains his own description but all additional facts will be welcome. I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his TriStar.
>
> Les

The TriStar was an evaluation vehicle for Ateco/TKM. It was brought in, but they thought that the cost was too great and that it would not sell. Geoff Ford, a panel beater from Brookevale saw it and ordered a white TriStar from TKM at a cost of around $55,000 and waited but it didn't come, so TKM made one from a normal Dual Cab.

Some German factory engineers visited the VW Nationals at easter 1990 and drove the red TriStar around the test track causing a fair bit of body damage after hitting an emabankment! They were driving when the famous photo was taken with the front wheels in the air!

Phill

TriStar 

I wonder what happened to the winch?

 

16
Phill,
 
This is wonderful stuff and this is the real history of at least one of the Australian Syncros.
 
The question is: does Hartmut know this?
 
Hartmut?
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Phill
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:40 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners


 You are right. When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of information. Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.

I doubt it!

I thought the TriStar was an '89? It may be an early '90. We need his VIN.

 


>
> Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly. It contains his own description but all additional facts will be welcome. I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his TriStar.
>
> Les

The TriStar was an evaluation vehicle for Ateco/TKM. It was brought in, but they thought that the cost was too great and that it would not sell. Geoff Ford, a panel beater from Brookevale saw it and ordered a white TriStar from TKM at a cost of around $55,000 and waited but it didn't come, so TKM made one from a normal Dual Cab.

Some German factory engineers visited the VW Nationals at easter 1990 and drove the red TriStar around the test track causing a fair bit of body damage after hitting an emabankment! They were driving when the famous photo was taken with the front wheels in the air!

Phill

TriStar 

I wonder what happened to the winch?

 

17
Message
that's all very true Phill - I always wondered why the under car protection panels and beams as well as the prop shaft had the spare parts stickers on them. I could never work that out. If you know of any outside damage to my car, please let me know - I never found anything. Thanks for the info as I never knew about those facts.
 
The winch is in my garage. I took it off when it pulled the whole bullbar away from the body as I tried to retrieve a tree from the bush.
Hartmut
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Phill
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:41 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners


 You are right. When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of information. Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.

I doubt it!

I thought the TriStar was an '89? It may be an early '90. We need his VIN.

 


>
> Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly. It contains his own description but all additional facts will be welcome. I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his TriStar.
>
> Les

The TriStar was an evaluation vehicle for Ateco/TKM. It was brought in, but they thought that the cost was too great and that it would not sell. Geoff Ford, a panel beater from Brookevale saw it and ordered a white TriStar from TKM at a cost of around $55,000 and waited but it didn't come, so TKM made one from a normal Dual Cab.

Some German factory engineers visited the VW Nationals at easter 1990 and drove the red TriStar around the test track causing a fair bit of body damage after hitting an emabankment! They were driving when the famous photo was taken with the front wheels in the air!

Phill

TriStar 

I wonder what happened to the winch?

 

18
I think it was underneath damage only.

Phill



> Elke Kiehn <kiehns@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
>
> that's all very true Phill - I always wondered why the under car
> protection panels and beams as well as the prop shaft had the spare
> parts stickers on them. I could never work that out. If you know of any
> outside damage to my car, please let me know - I never found anything.
> Thanks for the info as I never knew about those facts.
>
> The winch is in my garage. I took it off when it pulled the whole
> bullbar away from the body as I tried to retrieve a tree from the bush.
> Hartmut
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Phill
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:41 PM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners
>
>
>
>
>
> You are right. When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of
> information. Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.
>
> I doubt it!
>
> I thought the TriStar was an '89? It may be an early '90. We need his
> VIN.
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly.
> It contains his own description but all additional facts will be
> welcome. I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his
> TriStar.
> >
> > Les
>
>
> The TriStar was an evaluation vehicle for Ateco/TKM. It was brought in,
> but they thought that the cost was too great and that it would not sell.
> Geoff Ford, a panel beater from Brookevale saw it and ordered a white
> TriStar from TKM at a cost of around $55,000 and waited but it didn't
> come, so TKM made one from a normal Dual Cab.
>
> Some German factory engineers visited the VW Nationals at easter 1990
> and drove the red TriStar around the test track causing a fair bit of
> body damage after hitting an emabankment! They were driving when the
> famous photo was taken with the front wheels in the air!
>
> Phill
>
> TriStar <http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/pjlander/Tristar.jpg>
>
> I wonder what happened to the winch?
>
>
>
>
>
>
19
Message
Oh now I remember even more - I was offered the 16" Syncro to buy after the ralley and I had it for a weekend on our farm. It had 8 shocks it was terribly hard to drive and also still sported the safety cage inside. So it was very very uncomfortable and as I looked closer, I saw that above the driver's door the roof had cracked, I made the decision that this was not for me. What I did inherit though were 4 shocks from that car.
 
I only took those shocks out of my car recently and they are now working in a Syncro in Melbourne. Anotehr bit of history for your files Les.
 
Hartmut
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Les Harris
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:50 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners

Phill,
 
This is wonderful stuff and this is the real history of at least one of the Australian Syncros.
 
The question is: does Hartmut know this?
 
Hartmut?
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Phill
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:40 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Re: Original owners


 You are right. When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of information. Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.

I doubt it!

I thought the TriStar was an '89? It may be an early '90. We need his VIN.

 


>
> Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly. It contains his own description but all additional facts will be welcome. I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his TriStar.
>
> Les

The TriStar was an evaluation vehicle for Ateco/TKM. It was brought in, but they thought that the cost was too great and that it would not sell. Geoff Ford, a panel beater from Brookevale saw it and ordered a white TriStar from TKM at a cost of around $55,000 and waited but it didn't come, so TKM made one from a normal Dual Cab.

Some German factory engineers visited the VW Nationals at easter 1990 and drove the red TriStar around the test track causing a fair bit of body damage after hitting an emabankment! They were driving when the famous photo was taken with the front wheels in the air!

Phill

TriStar 

I wonder what happened to the winch?

 

20
I think it was underneath damage only.

Phill



> Elke Kiehn <kiehns@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
>
> that's all very true Phill - I always wondered why the under car
> protection panels and beams as well as the prop shaft had the spare
> parts stickers on them. I could never work that out. If you know of any
> outside damage to my car, please let me know - I never found anything.
> Thanks for the info as I never knew about those facts.
>
> The winch is in my garage. I took it off when it pulled the whole
> bullbar away from the body as I tried to retrieve a tree from the bush.
> Hartmut
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Phill
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 4:41 PM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Original owners
>
>
>
>
>
> You are right. When it comes down to it, the VIN is the core piece of
> information. Who knows, even VAG might have some record of those.
>
> I doubt it!
>
> I thought the TriStar was an '89? It may be an early '90. We need his
> VIN.
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Re Hartmut's great red beast, I will be uploading the profile shortly.
> It contains his own description but all additional facts will be
> welcome. I changed the group's home page picture this morning to his
> TriStar.
> >
> > Les
>
>
> The TriStar was an evaluation vehicle for Ateco/TKM. It was brought in,
> but they thought that the cost was too great and that it would not sell.
> Geoff Ford, a panel beater from Brookevale saw it and ordered a white
> TriStar from TKM at a cost of around $55,000 and waited but it didn't
> come, so TKM made one from a normal Dual Cab.
>
> Some German factory engineers visited the VW Nationals at easter 1990
> and drove the red TriStar around the test track causing a fair bit of
> body damage after hitting an emabankment! They were driving when the
> famous photo was taken with the front wheels in the air!
>
> Phill
>
> TriStar <http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/pjlander/Tristar.jpg>
>
> I wonder what happened to the winch?
>
>
>
>
>
>