1980 was the first year for Vanagons (in the US).  The previous generations
of VW Transporters is commonly referred to a Bay Window Buses or Loafs.
   I owned a 1976 Bay 7 passenger with automatic transission (non-Westy).
If you want more passenger capacity, a non-Westy Vanagon (80-91) would have
seats for 7.

Larry A.

On 9/13/07, PB <pbrattan@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I really like my 90 Westy, although I haven't tried out any of the
> electrical or propane camping stuff, yet.  In the back of my mind, I would
> really like to have a 70's Vanagon, or a weekender bus or camper - I don't
> exactly know what I want...but the MAIN thing that I would HAVE to have
> would be an automatic transmission.  Although I am able to drive a manual,
> I
> hate doing so.  I live in Los Angeles, and the last time I tried driving a
> manual Westy (about 6 months ago) I felt like I was trying to dance with
> both legs and arms flailing about!  So I am wondering if there is such a
> thing as an older vanagon with an AT.  I don't care about AC or power
> windows in an older VW, although I wouldn't have a 90 Westy without these
> features.  I would use the 90 for daily driving and camping (eventually)
> and
> the older one for transporting more people than my 90 Westy can handle,
> and
> light hauling.  Is there such a thing as a 70's automatic Vanagon? I
> haven't
> seen one advertised in about a year of looking at bus ads.
> Patti
> 90 Westy automatic
> April 14, 2007
>