I’ve owned and lived in a 1986 Vanagon Syncro for over a decade and remain totally besotted. I love that its footprint is no bigger than a Land Cruiser, yet thanks to its boxy dimensions, it provides generous interior living space for one to two people. The Syncro variant takes the iconic Vanagon (or T3) and uprates it with a heavy-duty 4WD system engineered by Steyr-Puch in Austria. The result is a highly capable overland vehicle with increased ground clearance (more than a Land Defender), dedicated “Gelande” crawling gear, armor, and the possibility of front and rear locking differentials. It’s for these reasons and more that it’s often the vehicle of choice for international travelers such as Charlottamiles, Venja Travel, and Guanabana Overland. It’s no surprise that this 4WD icon is a favorite on the forum, with recent examples such as this 1986, 1987, and 1991. If you’d like a better understanding of how the Syncro can be uprated for backcountry travel, check out these droolworthy builds from Crepeattack, Syncro Travels, and the Log Father.
From the Seller:
“Currently, it has nearly 234,000 miles on the body, 128,000 miles on the engine, and 13,000 miles on a new transmission. This van has been a reliable companion, delivering many wonderful experiences and memories. It’s ready for your next adventure—whether it’s a road trip, camping, or off-roading.”
1989 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia
The stock WBX is underpowered, so today’s Syncro has been uprated with a 2.5-liter engine from a Subaru Legacy (a common conversion) that produces 165 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. A desirable motor is matched with excellent capability thanks to 4WD, a rear locker, decoupler, “Gelande” crawling gear, underside protection, and more. From the factory, the Syncro is decidedly utilitarian but does include the following driver comforts:
- Air-conditioning (needs fixing)
- Power steering
- Captain’s chairs
- Aftermarket stereo
- Center console with cupholders
Distinguishing Features
- Old Man Emu shocks with Go Westy springs
- Big Shot shifter
- Go Westy alloy wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 tires
- Truckfridge
- Propex heater
- Shady Boy awning
- House batteries with 140 watts of solar
This 1989 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia is listed for $34,999 and is currently located in Denver, Colorado. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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