It's at $15K now and rising. The value is in originality,  
particularly the type of originality that comes with low mileage.  
There are a good many aspersions cast on this list at folks who value  
original condition over "improvement" modifications. I ask them:  
Which is worth more, a 1957 Jaguar with with the original engine, or  
with a much better Chevy V8? An MGA with a 1500 CC original engine,  
or an 1800 MGB replacement? In the short term, the so-called  
improvements work well and are desirable. In the long term, they are  
detrimental to value.

If you think that your non-factory modifications are going to be  
worth more in 10 years than a stock vanagon--I used the Jaguar  
example because of course the Chevy engine is more reliable and  
powerfule than the original twin-cam six, not to mention that the  
parts are dirt cheap, and it is a conventional replacement for the  
original--then you are arguing that a complete change is going to  
happen in the market for classic cars and classic car owners. It  
never has happened and isn't about to because of VW vans.

And these vanagons, like the rest of the VW transporter family, are  
destined to be classics. Just give them time.

The rule of long-term car value is the same as the rule for winning  
car shows: it can be better, but not different.

Jim

On Jun 23, 2006, at 1:49 AM, Jeff Oxroad wrote:

> Them is Syncro prices.
>
> If your interested this looks like a nice 79 Westy allegedly with 36K
> original miles according to the ad. There are 9 days left on the  
> bidding and  it's
> already up to $11k and the reserve has not been met.
>
> The interior looks real nice in the pics, but the exterior paint  
> looks a
> little phishy.
>
> It's not mine and I'm not buying it, and I'm not selling it. I'm not
> suggesting you buy it either, but it's nice to look at.
>   And, according to the ad "Mechanically, you�ll be handling the most
> advanced  drivetrain VW ever manufactured for the vintage Baywindow  
> bus.  "
>
> _http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Free-Delivery-1979-VW-Bay-Westy-Pop- 
> Top-Camper
> -Van- 
> Tent_W0QQitemZ4652621597QQihZ002QQcategoryZ15291QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem_
> (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Free-Delivery-1979-VW-Bay-Westy-Pop- 
> Top-Camper-Va
> n- 
> Tent_W0QQitemZ4652621597QQihZ002QQcategoryZ15291QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
>
> Best,
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA
>