VW vans are not usually known for their speed, with a few amazing skunkworks exceptions. There’s a reason my continent-traveling friend’s blog is titled 63mph – that’s about the best his Weekender can do on the highway. While those in search of more power usually go OEM+ or Subaru routes, this owner clearly does things his own way. He bought a 2.0l Ford Zetec crate engine pushing 130hp, as well as fabricating some fun bits himself like the bumpers and some funky wood interior panels. I happen to like the Mad Max-styling, especially the steel wheels. The Zetec is a completely new direction; can you handle a little American in your German?
Click for more details: 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon on eBay
Year: 1984
Model: Vanagon
Engine: 2.0 liter Ford Zetec inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 242k on chassis, 600 miles on engine
Price: Reserve auction, $17,800 Buy It Now
You are bidding on a 1984 Vw Vanagon it life has been the southwest and not a drop of rust.The title has rebuilt on it becouse it sat for years without a title.It has never been wrecked. I have been building it for 3 years. I only put 600 miles on the new engine i have $10,000 just in to the engine and trans and the rear end. This van has been completely modified if you want a stock van this one is not for you. If you want a VW you can drive across country at 80 mph this one is for you. I ripped out the old Vw engine and went with a Zetec 2.0 Bostig conversion for reliabily.The engine is new factory from Ford not a rebuild. The transmission has been rebuilt plus new axles and all new bearings.I put a 1.5 lift on it for better clearance. I have a suburban A/C unit for it that needs to be install half of it is already done. An A/ C shop can finish it in 2 hours.I have 2 westy top if you want to convert to a camper.The paint is a little sun faded and the clear coat on the roof is pealing but not to bad.I didnt worry about the paint becouse its not bad and a pretty car is not good if it runs like crap and a small dent on the pass door The only resone I’m sell it is because I love to build cars and this is the 3rd Vanagon I’ve done so on to the next.This VW runs and drives better then new and i have all the reciptes Buyer pays for shipping Happy bidding
List of new stuff
new Ford crete Zetec 2.0 and rebuilt manual trans / new axles and wheel bearing / new BF Goodwrench AT tires and SA rims / new brakes all the way around / new radiator / new driver and pass window rubber and rebuilt window regulators / Euro van driver and pass seats and fold down to bed rear seat / new stereo / new CB / to much new stuff to list.
List of custom fabricated things
Bumpers front and and rear / front skid plate / side rock sliders / roof rack / front sun visor / rear swing out gas can and spare tire carrier / inside cabinet / front brush guard and to much to list.
I love the look and DIY-nature of this van, and I’m sure it’s drives super well; I would just require a boxer sound if I had a van. Some people don’t care about that though, making this a great option. It’s in-line with decent Van prices, so you’ll have to judge how much you like the self-fabricated parts. With one of the owner’s Westy tops on it (with the rack on that!), it would be even more awesome and could sell for more.
-NR
I’ve performed a fair few engine conversions on Vanagons for customers, including Tiico and Bostig inline 4 cylinder kits. Both provide better drivability than the ever-popular Subaru conversion but they have one fatal flaw. Flat 4 engines are inherently balanced and have very little vibration. Inline 4 engines…aren’t. Unless VERY careful attention is applied to the motor mounts these conversions will shake your back teeth out, and anything longer that 15 minutes at freeway speeds will drive you certifiably insane. The lift, knobby tires, and gargantuan roof rack on this van won’t help either.
If there’s one thing I learned from selling my Multivan, trying to sell a vintage vehicle for a premium price attracts a very specific kind of buyer. They’re fickle, picky, and only tolerate deviations from originality if the modifications improve the functionality of the vehicle without imparting any downsides. The seller’s asking price is well into quality Westfalia territory and buyers willing to spend this kind of money for a 2wd tintop just aren’t interested in hand fabricated wood door panels and cabinetry, no matter how good the craftsmanship may be. While the listing price isn’t quite into the crack smoking territory of so many Vanagons (especially Syncros!), 18 grand is a bit optimistic for a RWD non-Westy with the wrong engine and unfortunate interior.
But still, I can’t deny the fact that it’s a damn cool looking van!