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VW bus with 568,000 km: Why this driver can't let go!
Gerhard Föhr from Ringschnait drives 568,000 km in his VW T4 Multivan and plans to register it as a classic car.
VW bus with 568,000 km: Why this driver can't let go!
When you talk about a loyal companion, then Gerhard Föhr's VW Bus Type T4 Multivan Turbodiesel is exactly what you have in mind. The 57-year-old machine fitter from Ringschnait loves his techno blue-metallic piece of jewelry, which he has had for almost 15 years. “I just couldn’t let go,” he reports. The bus, which he bought used in 2010, has since accompanied him on countless adventures and has even traveled more than 568,000 kilometers - that's more than 14 times around the world!
"Before the T4, I had a VW Caddy, which I used to tow my caravan. But the Caddy was simply too light. The T4 has a lot of power with its 151 hp and pulls the caravan without any problems on every mountain journey, even over the Großglockner," says Föhr. Although the caravan is no longer there today, the T4 is a “second living room” for him, which he uses for his daily commute and his leisure activities, especially in nature and bird protection.
Care and planning
The interior of his bus is functional and offers everything you need: a fold-out table, a large lying area and the most important technical amenities such as an auxiliary heater, power steering and even a CD changer - without any modern parking aids or assistance systems. Gerhard had the engine and gearbox overhauled and always tackled minor repairs himself. "I also thought about buying a T5, but in the end my T4 is what keeps me going. It's just a part of me," explains Föhr.
But he is worried about the rust spots on the vehicle. Therefore, he plans to put the T4 in the garage in the coming months to protect it from road salt and other weather influences. The twelfth TÜV appointment is coming up next year. Then he hopes to finally receive the H license plate, which is available for classic cars like his T4 from the age of 30.
Meeting and enthusiasm
Gerhard recently took part in a VW bus meeting in Kirchzarten, where his vehicle with over 500,000 kilometers on the clock was admired. “People are always amazed at what you can get out of these old machines,” he says with a broad grin. “The T4 is not just a car, it is a piece of life history and reminds me of many beautiful moments with the family.”
The passion for such vehicles can be found among many VW fans. The various VW engines are particularly popular, including the air-cooled flat-four engines, which are known not only for their distinctive sound, but also for their longevity and reliability. These special features make vehicles like the T4 a true classic on the road. You can read more about this and the different models at VWForum, where you can find a comprehensive list of these engines here.
The T4 remains not only a means of transport for Gerhard Föhr, but above all a loyal friend that will accompany him for many years to come. “I hope that I can collect many more kilometers of asphalt with him,” he concludes optimistically.