In 1984, at least, L was not the most basic model of Vanagon, at least

not in the U.S.  I  have one, which I bought new, that is just a
Vanagon, no L on the logo on the back.  And it is as plain as can be,
all vinyl interior, no power anything.

For years, I never knew anyone else who had a van, and, until I
discovered this list a few years ago, didn't realize that there were so
many options available at different times in the production of the Vanagon.

There were 1984 L models, I have seen them, and in fact bought and sold
one to a person who needed a new body to put his custom interior into
after a major front end crash.  (I got the engine and transaxle, and the
more plush cloth seats.) But this van didn't have any power options.

Sam Walters
Baltimore
89 Syncro GL
85 Westy Wolfsburg Weekender, Vanagon L
84 Vanagon