Last week I parked next to a respectable looking Vanagon.  (How many others
of you take every opportunity to park next to one whenever possible?)

The unique aspect of this Van was that it was a 9 passenger version, with a
regulation bucket seat for the driver and a matching bench seat for the
other 60% width in front.  This front bench seat appeared to be almost
identical to the 2 person bench seats available for Westys.  There was a
full width vertical divider panel (about 2 feet high) just behind the front
seats, so that pass through was not possible.  This panel was obviously
factory installed, as the vinyl backing on it matched the vinyl side panels.
There were full benches in the back and middle (with a folding section next
to the sliding door.  All upholstery was matching brown corduroy.  The
exterior was white.

Has anyone ever seen an interior like this in an U.S. spec Vanagon, or is
this a European model that somehow ended up in Minnesota?

Being a curious sort, I left a friendly note, including my phone number.
The next day (right in the middle of Car Talk) the owner gave me a call.  We
chatted for a while and he informed me that it was a 1983 1/2 which he has
had for 2 years.  I told him about the List and LIMBO (as he has no computer
at home, but is computer-literate).  I also gave him a crash course in
Vanagon maintenance, and pointed him to two good local VW mechanics.

He is looking for a set of seat covers, as the drivers seat is getting
rather worn.  Any suggestions as to where to find that, or does anyone have
a spare brown bucket (preferably with armrests)?  He is a missionary, and as
you might expect, cash is a concern.

Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 73 Super
Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky Blue Waters)