Volkswagen Camat 182
ENGINE 1584cc/flat-4/OHV POWER 44bhp@3800rpm TORQUE 72lb ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 68mph 0-60MPH 18sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-33mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT January 2019 ODOMETER 24,986 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Driven with the roof down and removable doors in place, this Indonesian-market 182 gives the usual bouncy and jolting ride that suggests it could go anywhere. It’s easy to mistake first gear for third, but all gears select without problems, and the correct AF code engine propels the Camat down the road with confidence. Steering feels tight and light even at parking speeds. The brakes are adequate and stop the car with no imbalance.
BODYWORK CHECK
This satin beige/green body is rot-free with straight panels and seams. The headlight units are the wrong size, though this could easily be remedied by fitting Golf MkII units. The hood frame is in very good condition, with no rust, not even on the header bow – a rare thing on a 182 frame. The hood is in generally good condition, but the plastic rear window is cracked, some of the clip fasteners are missing and the recently renovated side screens are missing pegs for installing into the holes on the door tops. The windscreen glass has a horizontal scratch, though it could be replaced with basic laminated commercial vehicle cab glass. The underside and all running gear are clean and free from extraneous grease and oil. The Indonesian 14-inch wheels – similar to 1970s Wolfrace Turbovecs – are fitted with good condition Corsa tyres.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The spacious interior is a revelation compared with its Beetle sibling. There’s plenty of room for passengers, but non-enthusiasts might not see the appeal of the exposed metal surfaces. That said, the body-coloured floor and interior are clean and tidy. The single gauge and wiper motor are still operational. There’s no heater fitted on this particular 182 (it would originally have had heating ducts like a Beetle). The recorded mileage may not be a reliable and true reading. The sun visors are missing and there’s no fitted radio, but there is a period-style side-mounted aerial. Unusual for a VW 182, the correct type accessory glovebox door can protect your surf board wax from the sun. The black vinyl seats are in very good condition.
UNDER THE BONNET
Recent work has included an overhaul of the drum brakes and suspension dampers. The aftermarket exhaust system gives a nice burble, but would originally have exited through holes in the bumper. The engine bay is tidy, with an aftermarket air filter and colourful HT leads. Much of the documentation was surrendered to the authorities upon import from its former life as as an Indonesian tourist vehicle.
THE CCW VIEW
This is one of the rarer versions of VW’s classic off-roader and comes with a matching East German Stema trailer. Good value, too.
EXTERIOR Unusual colour Straight, rust-free INTERIOR Spacious and utilitarian Exposed metal MECHANICALS Gear linkage needs checking, but in good order
PROS Rare, different, generally good condition CONS No heater or radio, hood needs work