1987 Volkswagen Vanagon 4WD SYNCHRO WESTFALIA WEEKENDER CAMPER BUS

Description

For Sale ::: 1987 VW Vanagon Syncro :::1987 VW Vanagon Syncro with the rare Weekender package and really low miles at 122,787. Truly a rare "barn find".
Van has been in storage for the last 9 years in Malibu, California. Smoke free, pet free vehicle. Van has been an urban camper its whole life and seen very little dirt or snow. From what I understand there were only about 1500 of these imported from Germany during it’s limited manufacture dates and of those, the Weekender package was even more rare. This vehicle is an unmolested original model and ready for your custom rebuild. Swap the engine out for a more powerful VW turbo-diesel or a Subaru Outback powerplant. To find an unmodified all stock example is actually extraordinarily rare. Unfortunately I am forced to sell instead of building up my dream rig.
Before it was parked the transmission and clutch were rebuilt as well as all CV boots. A new alternator was also installed at this time.

VW Syncro General Info

Produced in Germany and sold in the U.S. from 1986 to 1991, the Syncro Vanagon is a four-wheel-drive version of the standard 1980's Vanagon and was exceedingly rare even at the time. The even more rare pop-top version made by Westfalia in Germany came in full camper or the lighter and versatile Weekender Package. The Syncro has a military-inspired undercarriage and a jacked-up drive train with a special gear for climbing hills. The Syncro's popularity is due to an independently suspended four-wheel-drive system which gives it excellent ground clearance and keeps all four wheels moving. A viscous coupler, now a common device, automatically engages the four-wheel-drive in response to any slippage in the rear wheels.

We purchased this model in 2/23/06 from 3rd owner with the hopes of doing a full rebuild/restore but life got in the way and now we are sad to see her go. California car since 2003 and garage kept in Maryland and Massachusetts before that. Beautiful condition inside and out. Currently registered in California after 8 years of "non-op" status. Was intending on a full GoWesty restore but unfortunately have had some issues come up and will need to find her a new home. Clean Carfax - No Accidents or issues. Complete periodic service performed on this van with service records dating back to time of purchase from previous owners. This California working van is famous and has appeared in 2 surf films since coming out to the beach…!!! “Change the Subject” and “Postcard Thoroughfare”.

Interior
All interior seats have been covered with waterproof seat covers since new. Original grey VW upholstery is in remarkable shape for the age of the van. Original carpet kit on the van is in decent shape. The weekender package includes the jump seat, table and bed in the rear. The jump seat folds up and can be used for storage. Rear bench seat folds out into a very comfortable bed and original cushions are in great shape. a few stains here and there but foam and upholstery is in excellent condition. Extra storage space under the bench seat is great for storing camping equipment, sleeping bags, etc.
No power options to worry about… Hand crank windows, mirrors and manual door locks. (more rugged and less to go wrong) No AC but has extra storage compartment in its place. All cup holders, ashtrays and interior accessories work and are not cracked. All cabinets, pop up table and storage areas are in excellent shape and were rarely used. All plastic paneling in the back area is in great shape and the plastic flooring is great for sweeping or washing excess dirt away while camping or loading. Space for an Auxiliary battery under the passenger seat and the auxiliary system has been upgraded to a 3 socket adapter. Adapter is setup to run 12v power to aftermarket coolers and warmers while traveling. Rattler alarm system installed with two remote controls. There is a small solar battery charger above the dashboard for trickle charging the system and for running the stereo while camping. 2 of the back seat belts are missing under the bench seat but one of them is still there. Pop top and luggage rack are in excellent condition but tent will need to be replaced. pop top has a skylight installed for ventilation. a tree branch put a small hole in the front fiberglass luggage rack so I found a new one in great condition to replace it.
Body & Paint
A few bumps and bruises on front right fender from when my Dad knocked into a windy mountain guardrail but otherwise very clean and straight body with very, very little signs of rust or damage normally associated with a 30 year old vehicle. No damage to body or frame and only minor surface rust repairs over the years. Minor bodywork done at 58,000 miles. Slight seam rust removed in the rear body panels along with an small area under left rear window. White paint resprayed in those areas to match at the time of bodywork. Otherwise original paint looks great. Small scratch near gas refill nozzle. Areas under windshield wipers and other window seals looks good.
4wd Drive
All wheel drive with a locking rear differential. Stock 2.1 liter engine with a stock manual Syncro transmission with additional extra low gear. Locking rear differential is engaged with a knob underneath the stereo (see pictures) Tires are decent but have been sitting.
MufflerMuffler replaced before van went into storage. No holes or leaks in exhaust piping at that time. Valves were adjusted before storage and van passed all smog tests before being parked.
ExtrasHave 2 original VW keys, service records and some factory brochures/manuals. I’ll also look for the original curtain kit which still looks brand new.
Known Issues

The Van has been sitting for almost 10 years but was running well when stored. Normal issues with it sitting for this long will need to be assessed and dealt with. (New battery, possible gas tank rust, hoses and seals will all need work) In addition, It looks like a rodent has been chewing on some engine wires. The original engine is all there but doesn’t start at this point. I assume the new owner will most likely be doing a complete GoWesty rebuild or a Subaru/TDI engine swap so instead I leave the van a blank canvas for whatever they choose.

Some small body damage. Front bumper and turn signal repairs or replacement. Gas nozzle area scratch

Roof storage compartment needs to be reinstalled.

The roof skylight vent plastic is also cracked but I have a replacement somewhere.

Pop top tent has tears and needs replacing.

Passenger window roll up handle is there but snapped off.

Dents in both stock bumpers.

Van is currently parked in Malibu California and can be shown by appointment for inspection. The purchaser will need to bring a trailer or arrange transport for the vehicle at time of purchase. Please email for additional photos or any specific questions not answered in the above. Please see the terms for the sale below and happy bidding...!!!
TERMS OF SALE: YOU BID TO OWN: Any out of the state and international buyers will upon completion of the sale be sent by FEDEX the title and bill of sale for the vehicle and will be personally responsible for any sales tax and licensing and registration fees in their home state or province. All bids are legal and binding contracts to purchase the vehicle and by bidding you are hereby entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle and agreeing to accept and abide by these terms of sale: Mechanical inspections welcomed; if you wish to inspect the vehicle you must do so before bidding. Once the reserve price is met this vehicle is to be considered sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition to the highest bidder with no guaranties or warranties implied or given. Please have all funds available before bidding as a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required from the winning bidder within 48 hours (2 business days) of auction end; an immediate $500 non-refundable deposit is required through Ebay’s Paypal service to end the auction early if the "Buy it now" option is exercised and the balance in full is due within ten days of auction end in any case. In the case these terms of sale are not met seller reserves the right to either re-list the vehicle or offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder. Seller reserves the right to end the auction at any time before the reserve price is met. Payment by bank wire transfer, cash in person or cashiers check only. All inspections must be done prior to bidding. The non-refundable deposit in the amount of $1,000 is due within 48 hours of the auction end via bank wire transfer or cashier's check via overnight mail. The full payment must be completed within 10 days regardless of a pick up date. In the event the deposit is not posted within the required period of time, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the next subsequent high bidder or relisted for sale. This is to be considered an absolute sale and the buyer is required to comply with all of my conditions in these terms of sale. By placing a bid and winning the auction you hereby agree to abide completely with these terms of sale and the terms of sale are to be considered a legal and binding purchase agreement. Once again, please note that there are no inspections to be made after the auction ends - please be sure to complete any inspection before bidding. The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid at any time and to end the auction early for any reason. The seller makes every effort to describe in detail any known flaws in the vehicle and includes many detailed and recent photos of the vehicle. Please note that all used vehicles, especially classic and older vehicles, are by definition unique and complex and their condition, for better or worse, must always be considered a subjective opinion to each individual. Therefore the seller shall not be responsible for the absolute correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no guaranties or warranty in connection therewith. This vehicles is sold with two master keys. Buyer hereby acknowledges that any definition or terms relating to a "matching numbers" description of any car has been met and the buyer has inspected the car and is satisfied with the description prior to bidding or purchase. No allowance will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value of the vehicle before bidding and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs whatsoever regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle. Good luck and thanks for your interest!