There is one vehicle I’ve been on the lookout for ever since I started writing for GCFSB. The Porsche B32. Not familiar with this Porsche? Well, that’s because it really isn’t a Porsche. Rather, it’s a Volkswagen T3 Transporter, or Vanagon, as we knew them in the US market, with a Porsche heart. Motivated by a 3.2 liter flat-6 out of a 911 Carrera, this was one quick people mover. Only a handful of these über Vanagons were devised as a chase vehicle for the Porsche Group B 959s competing in the Paris Dakar Rally. The chances of getting your hands on a B32 are highly unlikely, but a few have attempted the Porsche flat-6 conversion themselves. If speed isn’t your concern but you like the aggressive B32 look, this 1990 Vanagon Carat may be the ticket.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Carat on eBay
Year: 1990
Model: Vanagon Carat
Engine: 2.1 liter flat-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 174,000 mi
Price: $22,500 Buy It Now
Show quality TORANDO RED 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon “CARAT” with Porsche Cup Rims. Great cruising bus with style and comfort.
Please contact Alexander at 714-319-2800 or visit motormediatrends.com for further information
Engine Specs:
2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine
Digifant fuel injection
95HP @ 4800RPM, 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM
5 – Speed Manual Transmission
Rear wheel drive
Electronic ignition
Dynamic oil pressure system
Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fanOptions and Features:
Porsche Cup Rims / Stock Rims Included
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Power Mirrors
Folding Side Table
Surround Sound
Padded instrument panel
Speedometer with trip odometer
Analog clock
Fuel level gauge
Coolant temperature gauge
Illuminated lockable glove box
Front bucket seats
One passenger rear facing seat behind driver’s seat
Three passenger rear bench seat (folds into bed, cushion over engine)
Tweed cloth upholstery
Full Carpeting
Cloth Inlays in door panels
3 Cup Holders
Privacy curtains
The minute I laid eyes on this Vanagon, I was captivated by it. Not a whole lot has been done in terms of modification to this Vanagon, but the combination of Tornado Red with the Porsche Cup wheels is such a sharp look. We saw a 1990 Vanagon Carat with 142,000 miles sell for $10,500 back in June 2013. Two years on, prices haven’t shot up too aggressively for late model Vanagons, so this one might be a bit of a tough sell at the current ask. If you’ve ever dreaded the thought of buying a van due to family or business needs, take one look at this Vanagon and you might change your mind. At the very least, you would be a hit with the kids on the school run.
-Paul
Funny…you made the same mistake Bring A Trailer did in their post about this van. It’s a 4 speed – not 5.
Thanks, markiteight. I knew these were 4-speeds originally but thought for the sake of argument I’d go with the reader’s copy. There is nothing to suggest this had a transmission swap, so I’ll stand corrected and edit accordingly.