1987 Volkswagen Vanagon - VW Westfalia Camper Bus - NO RESERVE

Description

1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia

NO RESERVE!

Selling an excellent condition VW Westfalia, in very original condition, as you will see from the pictures. Comes with the original owner’s manual, original warranty booklet, thousands and thousands of dollars in receipts, a repair log journal, tons of paperwork! Still has the original German stickers and emblems throughout the Van. Please read the ad prior to bidding or asking questions. I am an experienced seller and will do my best at giving a thorough description of the vehicle which should give you more information that you likely would ever want or need!

For those unfamiliar with Vanagons please know that 1987 is one of the best and most desired years to own. Every premier Volkswagen enthusiast will tell you that 1986-1991 are the best years. The engine is larger and more reliable with major engineering changes. The liquid cooling system was completely reworked. The exhaust, fuel injection system, ignition, and brakes were all updated. They are much more reliable and easier to maintain. The interior camper was also regarded as being much better quality. Why is 1987 the best? Well 1986 was the first year for all of these changes, so obviously there were some kinks. By 1987 they had perfected most of this stuff so they tend to be more reliable. Also, 1987 was the first year with the new interior color combination, which goes all the way through 1991, so replacement parts are easy to find. 1987 is now 30 years old, making it a true classic and antique by all accounts. Look it up, do your research, and you will find that this is often considered the best Vanagon to own.

This particular Vanagon is fantastic overall. It runs and drives great. Still has the original 2.1 liter, 2110cc engine. Has great power, sounds exactly as it should with no rattling, clunking, shaking, squeaking, etc. Purrs smooth just like it did back in 1987. Starts right up even after sitting for long periods of time. Idles perfect immediately upon starting. No dripping, very dry underneath. Has had tons of recent maintenance on it, and have the documentation to prove it. I have upwards of $5,000 in recent receipts which I will include and have pictures of. I cannot emphasize enough how well maintained and dependable it is. For those of you that are not familiar with classic vehicles please keep in mind that documentation of repairs is crucial. In addition to receipts I also have a journal that was kept by the prior owners which includes detail for the maintenance done, with dates. Most work was all done by a very reputable VW shop. This shop also did an overall inspection on the vehicle earlier this year, and issued a signed letter stating that it has a clean bill of health. You can bid with confidence knowing that this is in tip top shape and it has not been neglected. It is ready to go anywhere and everywhere.

Engine stays cool and does not overheat, cooling system works perfectly. All the electronics work, no wiring issues whatsoever. Lights all work, interior and exterior. Brakes work great and have good life left. No shaking or vibration even at high speed. Tires are in great shape and are newer with lots of tread. All of the blowers for the heat and AC work throughout the bus and blow with lots of power. Yes, this van came with a factory Air Conditioner. The AC unit is intact but unfortunately doesn’t get too cold, would likely benefit very well from an AC recharge. Although I would recommend skipping the AC and putting the windows down so you can hear people complimenting you as you drive by!

Paint is in good shape for its age. No flaking or bubbling. Bus is 99.9 percent rust free with the exception of a spot near the passenger side rear window, and the rear hatch window, both spots are smaller than a dime. The areas around the front windshield, rain gutters, front doors, rear corners, are all perfect. As you likely know the Vanagons body is made of up several individual panels, with seams between each panel. These seams often have significant rust which is a major repair job. The seams on this Van are near perfect with no abnormal gaps or separation, and no rust… this is a critical thing to look for and something to keep in mind when buying a Vanagon. Bottom of the bus is also rust and rot free, would never guess it is 30 years old as it is exceptionally clean underneath and still retains most of the factory undercoating.

Interior is PERFECT. All the seats are in great shape with no tears. Cabinets and panels are bright and have no chips, flaking etc. Stove works, sink works, fridge works. The fridge still has the 2 original ice trays. The closet still has the original mirror on the door. Bed folds out easy with no issues. The two swivel tables are in perfect shape. Both front seats spin around with ease. Dashboard has no cracks. Screens are in great shape. It has all of the original curtains, including the front windshield, and even the curtain for the vent skylight on the pop top roof. Still has the original mosquito screen for the back hatch. Original rubber floor is perfect with no tears. Front floors have rubber mats in great shape with the original carpeting underneath, also in perfect shape. Windows, doors, locks, all work as they should. Slider door still rolls smooth. Window and door seals are all in good shape with most of them upgraded. The only non original item I can think of is the stereo. It was a bluetooth equipped Kenmore unit which is a very practical upgrade for those long trips when you feel like listening to some tunes.

Transmission is the original 3 speed automatic which functions perfect. I know people often prefer a manual transmission but the automatic definitely has a ton of benefits worth considering. For starters anyone can drive it, which is pretty important when you are going on a long camping trip and want other people to drive in unexpected traffic. This particular transmission is also bulletproof. It is a very simple and robust design that was so good it remained unchanged and came in most Volkswagens and Audis for over 25 years. Also, the automatic transmission has more highway power than the manual transmission, contrary to popular belief. This is due to the fact the automatic is geared lower and has a torque converter vs a clutch, giving it more torque which is important when driving a van filled with camping gear. Lastly, any manual transmission built before 1990 is a ticking time bomb due to a major flaw… the manual shift transaxle hub has the tendency to crack and break without warning, often referred to as ‘Sudden Death Syndrome’. Imagine cruising along fine and next thing you know you are stranded. Not a good feeling! The automatic transmission has much better longevity, was built stronger, and is virtually indestructible, which is why it was unchanged for over a quarter century. Long story short, without hesitation I would suggest an automatic Vanagon over a manual, no pun intended!

Overseas buyers welcome. Car spent most of its life garaged which explains the pristine condition. I've sold cars on eBay before and have never had an issue. You will not be disappointed, I can assure you of that. This Westy gets a lot of looks and compliments, and again is in beautiful shape. Not a nicer late model Vanagon out there that is for sale under $30K. I am asking $25,000, which is very very fair based on everything I've seen sell. Don't feel like waiting a few weeks to sell which is why I have it priced aggressively. If you would like to make me an offer to buy rather than bid please message me. Bid with confidence, and check my feedback, I've sold a few cars on here before and have received a positive review on all of them.

I have this listed locally as well, so I reserve the right to end the auction early if it sells prior to the auction being complete. Van is sold as is, payment must be made in full and fully clear before car leaves my driveway. I've shipped cars before and can help coordinate on my end if necessary. Local inspection welcome. If you don't live local feel free to setup a Pre Purchase Inspection by a local company if you'd like. $1,000 deposit due immediately via PayPal, remainder due within 7 days via Wire, Bank Check, Loan Check, or Cash if you so choose. Again, checks must fully clear before car leaves my driveway.

I have tons more pictures and a handful of videos of it running and driving, send me a message if you’d like to see them or want any specific pictures and I will forward them to you right away.

Please feel free to ask ANY question you may have.

Buyers that do not have an established username will not be allowed to bid without emailing me first. The reason is because recently there have been a ton of fake usernames on EBay setup under scam accounts... not sure what the reason is but needless to say they bid, don’t pay, and ruin auctions.I’ve had to relist items because of this and don’t want it to happen again.