I've been browsing ads for westys recently and have ran across many with automatic transmissions. My only experience with a VW autotrans was a 71 type 3 which actually ran quite well (in flat areas). I live in a relatively mountainous part of the country and shiver at the thought of an underpowered vehicle making its way up a mountain with the transmission cycling back and forth from 2nd to 3rd (like the type3 did)

Eric
71 singlecab

----long gone----
71 type3 auto fastback
76 westy
68 type3 squareback
68 beetle/sandrail
77 transporter