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This 1990 VW Vanagon Westfalia Is a Tough Camper Van With Subaru Power and 4WD

1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia 15 photos
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia
From those DIY projects we've all seen to the multi-million dollar machines that are real homes away from home, camper vans have become actual cult cars these past few years.
If you are reading these lines, chances are you've likely considered getting one for some quick getaways, preferably off the beaten path. However, the usual vans that were converted to support this lifestyle aren't famously known for their off-roading prowess, hence why certain enthusiasts have turned pickups into tiny mobile homes.

Mind you, the pictured one started life as a van and boasts numerous upgrades that make it suitable for some mild off-roading. It is a 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon that combines multiple Westafalia goodies with some important upgrades beneath the skin. And you can quickly tell that it isn't your run-of-the-mill vintage California Bus, can't you?

The parts that made it look the way it does were shipped from Germany to the United States. It has rebuilt differentials with less than 500 miles (~800 km) on them, heavy-duty suspension, larger rear drums for quicker stopping power, and an on-demand four-wheel drive system. It features steel wheels wrapped in chunky rubber, steel bumpers, and a few other goodies that will certainly come in handy when the terrain gets rough.

1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
Powering it is a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that was sourced from a 2002 Subaru. The output is unknown, and it works in concert with a five-speed manual transmission and the aforementioned four-wheel drive system. Further improving its credentials away from the comfort of smooth tarmac are the adjustable Fox shocks.

Inside, it's all classic, though, with sleeping accommodations for two. There is a kitchenette on deck to prepare some warm meals while away from the urban jungle and multiple storage compartments. The camper van also comes with a pop-up roof tent that increases the sleeping accommodations by two. There is also a 180-degree swiveling front passenger seat and a few other gizmos mentioned by the vendor in the ad.

Finished in white and featuring a gray interior, this vehicle has just under 87,000 miles (~140,000 km) on the clock. Garage Kept Motors was tasked with finding it a new home, and it should be a trusty companion for years to come that targets those who don't need ginormous screens to keep them entertained while spending a few nights outdoors.

You are probably wondering how much it costs, don't you? Well, it certainly isn't a ride for everything, as it's no bargain. The ad that you can access here reveals an $89,900 asking price, which is a lot of money for a vintage camper van. Still, it is one that's not afraid to get dirty, so we think it won't spend too much time on the used car market.
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About the author: Cristian Gnaticov
Cristian Gnaticov profile photo

After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s.
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