Here is a blue Vanagon I saw at my school. I used to think they were ugly, but they are growing on me the more I get into Volkswagens. Can anybody help me on the year? I don't know as much about them as the other VW's. If I remember right these were introduced in the 1980's and were water cooled (thus the grill on the front) Is that right?
Well, as you can see all the snow from that big storm that I got a little bit ago has gone. A little disappointing and it's still cold. I figure if I have to deal with cold I might as well have snow. Merry Christmas!
http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=54
ReplyDeleteVanagons were made from 1980 through 1991. 1980-1983.5 they had essentially the same exact air-cooled engine as the late bay window buses. Halfway through the 1983 model year they switched to a water-cooled version of the same. Quite a mid-year change.
Alright,
whc03grady.
Thanks, That would have been a major mid-year change. Was the engine still in the rear when they switched to water-cooled? I'm assuming it would be.
ReplyDeleteThe engine is in the rear of all Vanagons. There were a couple different types of water-cooled engines they used (including a diesel), but the standard one was just your typical flat-four air-cooled VW engine with water jackets added, the wasserboxer.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserboxer
Alright,
whc03grady.
The combination of lower grill and round headlights would place this in the range of 83.5 >85. In 86 they switched to square head/driving lights.
ReplyDeleteHaving owned several splitties & bays, I initially thought the Vanagon was ugly as well...but now I own one and love it!
Jonathan
bluehighwayvanagon.blogspot.com