A few syncros with 16" wheels made it to Australia.I have seen a syncro
camper and a syncro double cab that used to compete in rallies and was
factory prepared-ie full skid plate protection and no wax protection so
you could weld repairs when necessary.Used to be seen in pictures on the
back of VW mags here getting air off a jump on a beach.I believe it
eventually bent a bit in the middle.
Only possible drawback with 16" wheels is,according to my owner's manual
you can't fit snow chains as there isn't enough clearance.

For your collective info...

Steve O.