Since the time I was a child, I can remember hating the ugly VW bus.  I was
a chevy van man, always dreamed of having a chevy van all decked out - fat
tires, interior conversion etc...  anyway while shopping for my first van I
somehow ended up checking out a Westy Vanagon and fell in love with the
interior and overall well design, it was an 82 diesel westy, good fuel
mileage, no power-didn't care, conversion already done, thought the diesel
would last forever-it didn't-rebuilt twice.  The ride wasn't the best I ever
had for sure, but once you got to your destination the van transformed into
an awesome party-hang out place.  I spent many great nights in the westy and
many long slow traveling days.  The diesel is no longer around, it "popped"
out of gear and rolled away to it's death about three years ago
(lesson-don't park on a real steep hill).  I wouldn't trade those Vanagon
summer days and nights for anything.  I will never buy a chevy or any other
non VW van for that matter.  I now have an 87 syncro and love her.  The 2.1
has amazing power compared to the diesel, I don't know why people complain
about lack of power on the 2.1-they should try a diesel.  Now I even collect
the once deemed ugly (in my young, naive mind) vans in diecast and models.
I have become quite obsessed with Vanagons and can't get them off my mind.
My dream Vanagon would be a Syncro Westy Weekender with the TDI diesel,
laptop computer, gps, and internet access.  I still can't stomach the looks
of the eurovan though, maybe this will pass........then again maybe not.

Peace
Out,
Don G.L.

----- Original Message -----
From: "CHRIS STANN" <cstann3@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2001 5:23 PM
Subject: Why do you like your Vanagon?

> Why do you like your Vanagon?  What made you consider one?  What was you
> first experience of one?
>
> I like mine because it oozes coolness from every panel seam.  My first
> experience was in Austria in '81.  The owner reached a speed of 145 KM/h
> with six adults, five children and their luggage crammed inside -- Yup,
> that's an air-cooled Vanagon.  Now that's what I call adventure!  When it
> came time to buy a versatile vehicle, the '85 Westfalia I now have was a
> natural choice.
>
> Chris.
> '85 Westy.
>