The United Nations JT3000 Caravelle

[ash1965]

Just picked up an '89 JT3000 Caravelle. It was originally a South African United Nations vehicle (still has big numbers on the roof). The engine upgrade (3 Ford litre V6) was done at JT Motor Engineering, a division of F_ord SA, and looks to have been done very well.

Has anyone ever heard of such a beast?

Some interesting extras include:
- Toughened glass all round
- A safe under the back seat
- A pair of belly mounted long range fuel tanks
- Bracket on the rear window surround to mount a steel bullet proof slatted panel

[Titus A Duxass]

I know nothing about them but want to say "nice beast"

[72BUG]

I want one!!!!

[ash1965]

Here are a few more pics...





Cheers

Ash

[Russel]

JT was a company on their own not afiliated with VW or for_.
They were based in Johanisburgh and did thousands of conversions through the 80's and 90's.
Unfortunately when VW intorduced its 2.5 2.6 and 2.3 microbusses their business suffered and they have'nt been trading for many years now.
The 3L v6 was a very common upgrade in SA and was done by many companies JT being the most well known(as well as the first to cast their own bellhousings)
There is unfortunatly no info on them on the net as they existed before the net.
Russel

[ash1965]

Thanks very much Russel. I also found there was nothing on the net regarding them. The reason why we assumed some sort of formal relationship with F_ord, is that the F_ord logo is alongside the JT logo on one of the original compliance plates as seen here.

I saw a reference to a Synchro for sale in SA that mentioned it had the JT3000 conversion. There must be a few still getting around somewhere. Someone over here, who worked in SA, said that he had heard that a F_ord V6 conversion could be ordered off the showroom floor there. I must say, I have heard that rumour/myth as well...

[armyphil]

i need a tissue!! looks great

[VWlewis]

Looks a nice one and I bet the 3 litre engine gives a good acceleration (once the roo bars and toughened glass are removed! )
I notice that although it was used in SA, the panels show it is a Euro vehicle - not a SA one - the side windows are smaller in the Euro T25.

[Russel]

SA vans only had the bigger windows from late 91 on and as this is an 89 modle it still has the standard size windows but the SA windows are black framed(for RHD)
and SA speck.
Russel

[ricicles]

looks blimmin luvverly

[Kenny]

Nice van, very interested in this conversion myself.

I seem to remember rumours about the vans being available like this from new. But expect it was something more like dissapointed owners taking there nearly new vans, which were still under VW warranty, to JT who could offer the engine upgrade with a brand new 'powerful' F*** V6.

Again rumours say F*** would offer warranty on the new engines, hence the plate, but VW would void theirs!!

[ash1965]

I'm picking it up on Friday evening so I'll be able to post a few more pics of the conversion up on the weekend. The one thing I'm totally in the dark on is fuel economy. I'm thinking it will be on the thirsty side. Its about a 2 1/2 hour drive coming back so I'll have a good idea soon enough...

[Kenny]

Would be great to see some more photos of the conversion. Good luck with the drive back, I wouldnt expect too much regarding MPG, but it depends what you are used to. Esp if you get carried away with all that power!!??

[R0B]

that would explain the "long range" fuel tanks...

I'm thinking it will be on the thirsty side

[Russel]

On the open road expect 8 to 9km to 1l and in town 7 to 8km to 1l driving withought a lead foot but if you use the power it will cost you. but feel great.
Russel