The Vanagon has become a vanlife icon, and the 4WD Syncro model is considered the most desirable model. The Vanagon (or T3) carries forward much of the charm of the T2 (or Bus) but introduces superior reliability and refinement. Sure, it’s still a thirty-plus-year-old van with plenty of quirks, but compared to its predecessor, it’s a lot more dependable. I have recently finished up a 3,500-mile trip from the UK to Slovenia (hitting all the biggest mountain passes) and then drove to the top of Norway during wintertime with the stock 2.1 WBX motor. It’s also worth noting that classic Volkswagens enjoy huge aftermarket support, which means you can transform your Syncro for the road less traveled with parts, accessories, and services available from the likes of GoWesty, Burley Motorsports, Van Café, and more. In addition, the Volkswagen community is huge, and I can honestly say that the help and support of others, whether that’s online or in person, has been fundamental in keeping my rig rolling. Subsequently, it’s a popular vehicle on our forum with recent overland-ready examples, including this 1985 Doka, a 1986 Westfalia, and a rare 16-inch Double-Cab Doka. Today’s 1991 example benefits from Subaru EJ251 conversion and premium parts and is priced at a competitive $22,000.
From the Seller:
“Are you ready for an affordable, comfortable, and fully-capable basecamp on wheels? Do you want to feel the cross-breeze through panoramic windows protected by no-see-um screens? Do you want a warm cabin, a warm meal, and a cold beverage in your personal ski-out, ski-in chalet? Do you care about getting there, anywhere, and getting home more than you care about having a single color of paint on your rig? If you exclaimed an emphatic yes to all of the above, this Syncro is for you.
The ‘Tin Star’ is expedition-ready, fully rebuilt, and upgraded by yours truly. I didn’t waste a moment on cosmetics and instead poured all my effort into making a reliable, rugged, capable 4-season overlander. I have buried this thing up to the frame in mud and punched out easy as you please, snagging the riverside campsites no one else would attempt. I have driven it around the entire country once in a 3-month National Parks tour, to Colorado and back, and to scores of remote trout rivers around New England. Every mechanical system on the van has been serviced, and nearly all moving parts have been replaced, 95% of the work was done by me personally. During every installation, all torque specs were meticulously honored, and only top-quality components were installed.”
1991 Vanagon Syncro
Today’s Vanagon has been fitted with a Subaru EJ251 motor that, in basic form, produces 155 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque (although there are various outputs available from the factory up to 341 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque). In addition to a desirable engine conversion, the Syncro also provides excellent all-terrain capability courtesy of a 4WD system created by Austrian company, Steyr-Daimler-Puch, front and rear lockers, Gelande crawling gear, and more. Inside driver comforts include:
- CB radio
- Premium audio upgrade
- Cupholders
- Power steering
Distinguishing Features
- Schwenk springs with 2-inch lift and Bilstein B6 shock absorbers
- Auxiliary LED lighting
- Roof rack with Thule XXL cargo box
- Diesel heater
- Custom underslung cargo box in original spare wheel location
- General Grabber AT2 tires
This 1991 Vanagon Syncro is listed for $22,000 and is currently located in Maine. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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