The Story

Travel anywhere in my mechanically excellent 1986 VW Vanagon Westfalia. Powered by the rock solid 2.3-liter GoWesty engine with 38,000 miles on it, and new 3-speed transmission with less than 1,000 miles on it. 

Pack it up, jump in and go. You need to do nothing else to this ‘86. Anyone in the family can drive this van.

As the former editor of automotive magazines like RV and Sport Compact Car (and contributor to a dozen more), I’ve test driven cars, trucks and vans from nearly every manufacturer in my career. I have completely lost count. But I’ve driven plenty in 35 years of writing about new and pre-owned vehicles. Yet, my heart has always been with Volkswagen. 

That’s why when I needed a van back in 2016 to camp and to continue my journalism work I bought a Vanagon. 

Nobody designs a better vehicle than the Germans. From their craftsmanship to their engineering. The Vanagon here is 40 years old. But it’s a classic—born from the 1950s Split Window design that morphed into the hippie culture.  Vanagon is a lot of things to different people, but to me it’s been an amazing way to see the country. 

Upgrades

There’s been many performance and practical upgrades on this ‘86. The most notable is the 2.3 liter GoWesty engine with stainless steel exhaust. Swapping out the original 2.1-liter for a 2.3-liter made a noticeable difference in overall performance around town and on trips. The GW 2.3 was installed at 166,000 miles by Mike’s Foreign Car in Anaheim, California. The chassis has approximately 204,000 miles on it.

The 2.3 produces more torque and horsepower than the stock 2.1, and that makes a positive difference on hills. The oil and Mann filter has been changed every 4,000 miles. Coolant has always been changed when needed. All mechanical work was performed by Vanagon specialists.

Superior stopping performance thanks to GW Big Brakes up front. The T3 25mm front anti-roll bar and end links solved the common handling issues over stock, especially in windy conditions. 

The 3-speed transmission is nearly new and has less than 1,000 miles on it. It was installed by Maxed Performance in Huntington Beach, California. Super easy to drive with the three-speed automatic and power steering. 

Typically, it sees 18 to 21 miles-per-gallon on the highway, depending on how it's loaded. It’s said that the Vanagon automatic is the most dependable and longest lasting transmission available for the platform. Always passes California’s tough smog certification. It’s a California Vanagon, too.

No fluid, coolant, or oil leaks anywhere. 

Exterior

The body is straight. No accidents as mentioned. The overall exterior body and paint is good. Normal wear, clear coat and color shiny. A few color matched paint repairs in small areas during the past few years. Minor dings and surface rust spots at rear window. There is no seam rust, or rust on the undercarriage. 

Eight-foot ARB awning for extra room with matching wrap-around privacy cover. Custom-made waterproof snap-on cover for pop top if it rains.

Storage and More

On the exterior there is a GW swing-away spare tire carrier and lockable aluminum black Sarge gear box makes travel easier. The Sarge box is water tight and lightweight. It can be removed and stored. 

There’s a lockable roof mounted Pelican storage case that’s waterproof too. It stores tools and miscellaneous gear like the factory jack and is easily accessible at any time.

Factory Camping Equipment

Inside, the factory two-burner stove works perfectly, interior lighting is at the ready, shore power connection too, USB outlets front and rear, and a galley sink with 14 gallons of fresh water on tap. I typically didn’t cook inside my Vanagon, but when it rained it really was nice to know you can still cook without getting wet. 

The factory refrigerator was removed to add storage space. I still have it and it worked before removing it. Can be reinstalled, or upgraded. Custom front drink holder in center console with place for maps, etc. surrounds the shifter for convenience.

Sleep two or more easily. Just pop-up the three-panel tent at your camp site and watch the stars. The upper bunk is super clean and has a GoWesty ladder for easy access. 

Comes with GW memory foam mattress pads and covers for added comfort when sleeping in either bunk. Features a rare extra swivel  jump seat for rear passengers. Installs in OEM tracks. New floor mats up front, and GW rubber floor mat covered by automotive black carpeting out back. OE carpeting in front is in fair condition. 

Here’s Some More

I did some research online and using CarFax, and I discovered it was originally purchased from Stan Antonio Volkswagen in Sunnyvale, California in 1986, and according to the CarFax report it stayed in the San Francisco Bay area most of the time. The previous owner lived in Bodega Bay, California.

One of the benefits of the Westfalia is that many insurance companies consider it a motorhome. It drastically reduces insurance cost, opposed to the commercial vans.

The factory installed A/C was recently repaired and now has a brand-new fan assembly.

I am including all receipts for all work and service dating back to 2012; including the factory owner’s manual from VW and a Bentley manual.