Not exactly centerline Vanagon content, but related to engines, which
all Vanagons have, though of a different type.

There was a water cooled low frontal area reciprocating type engine that
was developed for the aviation world that had a circular waffle plate or
cam and a straight crank shaft up through the center of it. The pistons
were long tubes with a slot in the center, which rode on the waffle
plate. The plugs fired alternately first at one end, then at the other
end of the piston. This back and forth action against the waffle plate
caused the cam to move driving the crankshaft. The case was two-piece
and bolted together much like the earlier VW engines.  Heads bolted on
at each end of the engine. It was possible to run one side or bank of
cylinders and shut the other side off, thus increasing fuel economy.
This engine was actually certified by the Federal Aviation
Administration  for use in aircraft, but it never really caught on in
the market.

If any one knows of this engine or where to find information on it I
surely would like to know about it.

TIA.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver