Here is what I think the serial number A-0004 means...... The expanded VIN
number that comes on each vehicle that is  manufactured, began in 1980. In
the 1980 VIN number, the didget that is used to determin the model year,
is the letter "A".I dont know it's position in the VIN. If this is
correct, a 1981 Vanagon Westfalia should have a serial number that begins
with the letter "B".The serial nmumber is on the paper attached to the
rear of the sink, cabinet door.Not the metal plaque on the fold down seat.

If this is so, A-0004 may be a very, very early Westfalia, indeed. Build
date 9/79.The paper is in German and English. Maybe there is a different
paper used for USA , Canada, Germany , ect.This may be the only the 4th
Canadian, Vanagon Westfalia.

I got a email from a listee saying he had a Vanagon Westfalia made in
5/79. He is looking for theat identification paper.That sounds like an
extreemly early Vanagon.I am interested in that number.Is is American or
Canadian ?

If it is a higher number, but still is a serial number such as this one,I
have an idea on that. I suppose many, many Vanagon Westfalias were made
early on, and put in a storage lot, adjacent to the factory, till the boat
was ready to ship them. The very first Westfalia ever really made would be
at the rear of the lot, so as to not block the entrance to the lot. When
the lot was full, the latest Vanagon would be at the entrance of the
lot.The place where the person who certified each, "by adding  the
paper" , entered. That person found my 1980 westy fourth, and added the
paper serial number. I didnt see the game last night, and had lots of time
on my hands.