>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

Hi Eric,

     I had a '78 with auto trans for about 8 years on Vancouver Island --- which
can also be described as relatively mountainous. I loved it and am
semi-seriously looking for a Westy with auto trans to replace the 84 with stick
that I currently have. The auto trans are reputedly more reliable too --- not
prone to the classic 3-4 gear failure of the manual vanagon trannies.

Cheers,

Doug Alcock
'84 Westy "BlueBelle"
Toronto, Canada
http://www.torontovanagon.com