Volkswagen T3 Ambulance COBI 24636 – Action Town 1:35

VOLKSWAGEN T3 AMBULANCE MODEL | COBI 24636 

A model kit of the Volkswagen T3 in ambulance configuration, used in Germany during the 1980s. The model is finished in beige with an orange stripe running around the entire vehicle. It features the red cross on a white circular background, a blue beacon combined with a ventilation unit on the roof of the vehicle, and windshield wipers. Inside you will find two front seats and a steering wheel. The kit is officially licensed by the Volkswagen Group.

Did you know:

The Volkswagen T3 was produced from 1979 to 1990 in Germany. Due to its simple maintenance, it was widely used as a delivery van, camper, and also as an emergency services vehicle.

T3 ambulances differed from the standard transporter in several ways. They often featured a raised roof for comfortable standing during patient care. The interior included stretcher mounts, rotating or folding seats, reinforced electrical systems, auxiliary heating, and an integrated oxygen system. They were built with both petrol and diesel engines, although diesel versions were relatively slow, which was not ideal for emergency use. In mountainous regions, 4x4 Syncro versions were also used, capable of handling rough terrain. The vehicles were often built by specialist companies such as Binz, Miesen, or Ambulanz Mobile.

In the early 1990s, the T3 was gradually replaced by newer vehicles, mainly the T4. However, in some regions they remained in service for up to 20 more years, mainly due to their low maintenance costs. Their use was then mostly limited to non-emergency patient transport between hospitals rather than rapid response missions.

The Volkswagen T3 ambulance was used not only in Germany but also in neighboring countries such as Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and France.

Technical specifications:

• vehicle length – 4570 mm
• vehicle width – 1840 mm
• engine displacement – 1913 cm³, water-cooled boxer engine
• top speed – 118 km/h
• 4- or 5-speed manual transmission
• fuel tank capacity – 60 l, petrol
• fuel consumption – 10–15 l/100 km
• weight – 1600–2100 kg
• payload – up to 1000 kg

What rescuers said about the T3:

“The Bulli rarely arrived first, but almost always made it back safely. It wasn’t a fast vehicle, but an honest workhorse that did its job in all weather conditions. In the mountains, in winter, and on rough roads you knew it wouldn’t let you down – just not a race, but reliability.”

About the COBI set:

• COBI set 24636 consists of 141 high-quality ABS parts
• Action Town collection 1:35
• pad printed – no stickers
• faithful design
• made in the EU
• compatible with other building block brands