1971 VOLKSWAGEN T2A DOKA

Restored double cabin transporter in neptune blue with blue and white interior. Air cooled 1.6L gasoline motor mated to a 4 speed manual transmission. Seating for five. Factory upgrades.

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VEHICLE History

Originally sold on the Canary Islands and registered first in 1971. The original owner of 46 years used the Doka for his carpentry business. Sold to the second owner in 2016, who commissioned a cosmetic restoration to repair rust, repaint and reupholster. Photos of the restoration can be viewed in the gallery.

Repainted in its original neptune blue paint, the interior was reupholster in blue and white vinyl. The rear truck bed was was repaired for rust and wear, as well as, repainted in white. The three rear gates were sourced from a donor vehicle prior to restoration.

The flat four air-cooled 1.6L gasoline motor is mated to a 4 speed manual transaxle powering the rear wheels. Many factory upgrades like chrome wheels caps and window trim enhance the beauty of this classic. Original features like the car jack and bed canopy frame and wood have been preserved.

exterior

The body was repaired by a local VW specialty shop on Tenerife. All rust was excised and welded new, the work is quality. See restoration pictures in the gallery. The truck bed was another area repaired and repainted in white. All fixed-window seals were replaced.

The canopy frame and wood are original from the factory. The exterior is accented with factory upgrades like chrome side view mirrors and window trim. Access to the rear cabin is provided with a passenger side door. The rear bed has three fold down sides to make a flat bed, which were sourced from a donor vehicle prior to restoration. The white bumpers have rubber step covers.

The wheels with chrome caps wear 185 R14 tires that have more than 50% tread remaining. All the rubber window and door seals are in good condition.

motor and transmission

The naturally aspirated flat four cylinder 1.6L air-cooled gasoline motor is said to be original and produces 50 horsepower. It is a dual admission intake that can be equipped with dual carburettors, curently only a single carburettor. The 4 speed manual transmission has gearing for mountainous regions (92). The cabin is tilted for a twin cab pickup (207). The front and rear have heavy duty shock absorbers (103).

The motor sounds good and gears shift smoothly. The engine area is clean without signs of oil leaking. Underneath the chassis is undamaged.

interior

The original beige interior (51) was reupholstered in blue and white vinyl. There is seating for five passenger. The front seats do not have belts but the rear seats have two lap belts. The front windows roll down with quarter window vent wings (507). The original steering wheel and dash were repainted in white.

A new stereo unit and speakers were installed under the current ownership with added aftermarket speakers in the rear. The heater is present and operational. Locking glove box and dashboard clock. All electronics work properly. Overall, in good condition.

test drive

The T2 is a good driver having recently passed the Spanish road safety and emission test. Cruising speed is around 80 kph but it can reach speeds close to 100kph. The gears shift smoothly and the truck handles well. There is no power steering but the vehicle is agile. The lowered mountain gear ratios make for comfortable city driving when taking off from a light, for instance but diminish the overall top speed.

The Doka was tested in town and on the highway and performed well. Recent maintainence includes servicing the carberettor, replacing rear dust boots and air intake hoses. This Doka is ready for work or the next surf adventure.

Positives

Cosmetically restored, rusted metal excised and repaired.

Repainted and reupholstered less than three years ago.

Original canopy frame, wood, and car jack included.

Recently inspected and passed road safety and emission test (ITV).

negatives

Minor oxidation on the driver side roof rain gutter.

Small crack on the steering wheel, very minor.

Evidence of rust on the truck bed that has since been reinforced and repaired.

Minor oxidation on rear gate hinges.

Conclusions

The Doka was an integral part to the development of the Canary Islands being fully capable of hauling a one ton load or a team of workers and equipment. The next owner will be lucky to own a piece of history that is seeing a resurgence of popularity these days. Dokas from the Canary Islands are sought after around the world because they tend to keep well in the mild climate. Compare the pre-restoration pictures with a Doka from Germany or Canada and you may agree.

All the work has been done and this beauty is ready for another 50 years.

Left Hand Drive

This Volkswagen T2A Doka like all Canary Island Rover vehicles features the steering wheel on the left side like in North America and Mainland Europe.