In a message dated 98-07-15 18:24:40 EDT, kennedy@FDU.EDU writes:

> Consensus of past conversations, list and elsewhere, is that
>  VW never did six cylinder engines from the factory, altho as
>  Joel has documented, Oettinger did a brutally expensive
>  aftermarket six with Vanagon pistons.

I'm not certain where I heard this, but I understand that this engine was
designed by VW who decided not to use it.  Oettinger then bought the tooling
and the rights to produce the engine.  Too bad VW never did a proper 6
cylinder Vanagon.  I figure a few improvements to the Vanagon and it would
have survived another 5-6 years and sold better than the Eurovan.  In my
estimation just 3 improvements would have attracted a lot of sales:

1. 6 cylinder, 150 HP, 200LbFt Engine
2. New dash & instrument design - I think the look of this dash & instruments
    repelled a lot of potential buyers.
3. A feature that other vans didn't & still don't have - roll down windows all
around.
   Wouldn't it be great to roll down ALL the side windows on a Vanagon on a
   nice day?

Regards,
Jim Davis