Upright air-cooled refers to the older doghouse-shroud style motor, like
what was used in Beetles, etc.  Because the intake manifold/carb/doghouse
shroud were vertical, the engine used more of the interior space in the van.
The pancake engine, by comparison, had the cooling fan/shroud down lower, so
it didn't need such a large engine compartment.

As you correctly stated, though, these were both 4-cylinder boxer motors.
bmc  :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."

> From: Ben huot <huotx@VIDEOTRON.CA>
> Reply-To: Ben huot <huotx@VIDEOTRON.CA>
> Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 13:27:36 -0400
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Bus for sale....(which year is best)
>
>>>> The '68->'71 buses used an upright air-cooled
> motor.<<<
>
> What the hell is an "upright air-cooled", in my book an upright engine is
> like a 4 cyl inline??? does all VW Van have flat-4
>
> I am just curious as i am also looking for a old bus project.
>
> My friend as a 71 bus (non Westy) an he as a 1600CC flat-4!
> Ben
>