Robert Rountree wrote:

> Marty
> of all the VW vans I've owned 62, 74, 78, 87,.... I think the 78
> Champagne
> edition is one of my favorites, Don't get me wrong I have never owned
> a van
> that drives as nice as my 87 Syncro Westy (50kmiles & mint shape) but
> it's
> really complicated compared to my 78.... & between the earlier van...
> the 78
> has the better layout with spin around front seat (not the 74) and
> it's
> air-cooled and not near as many parts to go wrong & replace (+ weight)
> I'm
> sorry I sold my 78... I just ran a small ad saying "mint all records"
> a guy
> from VW Canada called me up asked a few smart question, drove up
> (about
> 100km north of Toronto) and did a fast compression, gear, clutch, test
> and
> paid me the full amount I was asking no quibbles. Still kind of miss
> it. But
> every time I travel in my 87 Syncro.... Wooooa it's a better ride with
> more
> power and I really like the extra height to clear all the gravel (snow
>
> covered) roads I drive (live) on. I KNOW from a maintenance point of
> view the 78 was less cost per mile, total ownership cost. You guys in
> warmer, dryer parts of the world are lucky if you can find 78-82
> Westies
> with good bodies.... take care of them... they are real classics.
>
> Rob
> 87 Westy SyncroGL.....Cynosure
>
> rountree@planeteer.com

   230,000 mi and still I like it. 1984 Westy camper.