George said:   ......... the Vanagon was conceived and groomed when we
had a 55 mph national speed limit.
That's been pointed out before.  I did an experiment in my '85:  Driving
a long flat stretch, I cruised for 120 miles @55 (pissed off a few
people I think), then after filling up did 135 miles at 70.  result:
just over 22mpg at 55, just under 18mpg at 70 (don't remember the exact
numbers).  My theiry was that the entire engine/drivetrain was
engineered to give the best gas mileage at 55 to look good on the
EPA/DOT testing.  I think I was right.