Vanagons are my favorite vehicles for parallel parking and general
maneuvering while backing up

On Pavement, yes.

  Mine, however, is sadly lacking traction, especially so in reverse.    I
can get stuck on my own "lawn" if it is even wet.  I do like parking
it....I get some 'amazed bystander' looks on the rare occasions when I
visit towns where parallel parking is required...People can't believe I
handily fit my rather large - looking Vanagon into a space where a mid-size
vehicle has just vacated with difficulty...