A Silken Thread?
The Volkswagen Passat B3 has largely disappeared from Dutch roads, and we certainly haven’t seen the Variant in a long time. This from version seems to be hanging by a silken thread.
It should come as no surprise that the Volkswagen Passat B3 has largely disappeared from the streets. Such ordinary and down-to-earth mid-range cars are unceremoniously sent to the scrapyard or abroad when they are (almost) finished. Enthusiasts are few and far between, although this Passat might still get some hands clapping if it’s a G60, for example, or from people who have special memories of it. It was *in itself* a special thing to see in its time, with its closed nose. That earned it the friendly nickname ‘nose bear’.
This nose bear is tired, very tired. At least, that’s how it looks. This van version, spotted by AutoWeek forum member Afentoe, is covered in rust spots all around, and there are various scratches and scrapes visible. You can imagine that such a workhorse has had a tough life. All the more special that it is still here. Still, but if the exterior condition is a harbinger of how things are underneath, then it is questionable whether there is much life left in it.
Silver gray with brown edges.
Perhaps we are being too negative, because no points for attention have been noted in the last two inspections. Now, an MOT doesn’t necessarily say a lot about the further expected lifespan of a car, but it can at least stay on the road until July 2027. The current owner has been on the road with the Passat for almost eight years now, and possibly there is also some affection involved. The Passat is lowered and put on other wheels, and you don’t do that so quickly if you see the car purely as a means of transport. The wheel choice is quite remarkable: these copies belong under a first generation Renault Espace. In terms of style, it is a funny choice.