(Continued)  History of the Vanagon
Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos
1985, the T3 "Syncro" vanagon is introduced.
The all wheel drive model is built by Steyr/Daimler/Puch in Austria.

VW Syncro 
The TriStar was a 
4 door limited edition,  
double-cab pickup
4 wheel drive.

In following years, VW offered a series of special edition models,
with many accessory packages.
Europe: multi-van Magnum, White Star, Blue Star, Last Ltd Ed.
European Westfalia camper, “Joker", renamed "California". 
A rare limited edition of the Westfalia camper named "Atlantic".

U.S.: Wolfsburg Edition, Carat, Multi-van, weekender and
full Westfalia camper models called Vanagon GL camper.

vw_van_westy.jpg (33279 bytes) U.S. version 
Vanagon GL
Westfalia 
camper
(1990 
model)

Although sporting less exotic names, a large number of the later
vanagon models sold in the U.S. have similar option packages
as the most upscale European models.
Many of the later U.S. Vanagon GLs came with much coveted
option packages; for example, electric operated mirrors,
electric door locks, power windows, cruise control, tachometer,
air conditioning, alloy wheels, fiberglass side molding, etc.
Late 1990, the last rear engine VW bus rolls off  the assembly
line at the VW factory in Hannover.
VW buried the popular rear engine bus, which had become so
popular with millions of people all across the world.
Its fan club was in mourning.

The rear engine bus is replaced by the front engine
and front wheel drive model called Eurovan in the U.S.

 vw_eurovan.jpg (15335 bytes) Type 2 T4 
VW Bus called
Eurovan in the U.S.
(1990 through today)

 

The Syncro was still being built for a couple more years.
1992, the last syncro leaves the Steyr-Puch factory in Austria. 
In addition, numerous 2 wheel drive models were built in Austria,
mostly on special order from various government agencies. 
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the vanagon is still being built today,
with the steering on the right, and different Audi engines available.

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'Vanagon' and the VW logo are trademarks of Volkswagen