Shane<\/a> purchased this Vanagon back in 2013, and spent the first couple years of ownership having the engine rebuilt, installing a new cooling system, suspension system, all new seals, and brakes. He\u2019s had the body completely repainted and added aftermarket bumpers from Vanagon supplier GoWesty. It was a lot of work, but the results are well worth it \u2014 it really is in great shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShane and his wife are avid road trippers, and they have this Westy set up perfectly for camping. It has a sink, propane stove, and electrical hookup, but Shane also has an aftermarket cooler (available as an Extra!) that works much better than the stock fridge. To make the Westfalia self-sufficient off-grid, he\u2019s installed an auxiliary battery with extra outlets, and has solar panels that plug right into the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shane and his van are based in glorious Malibu, California, but they\u2019ve gone all over the American West (as far north as Vancouver Island) without mechanical problems. Old VW vans are known to break down now and again, but Shane has overhauled all the major systems, maintains it meticulously, and is happy to report that \u201cat this point it\u2019s incredibly reliable.\u201d Even though he has other cars, he uses this as his daily driver. \u201cIt\u2019s just a lot more fun to drive,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The rear-mounted 2.1L wasserboxer engine pushes out around 90 horsepower, and with that brick shape and four-speed manual transmission, acceleration is rather anemic. Top speed likely depends on the grade of the road and the steering is splashy. But this van is closer to a guest house than a sports car, and in the end it\u2019s really all about the journey, not how fast you get to the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A majority of Shane\u2019s guests so far have been people considering buying a Vanagon of their own \u2014 there\u2019s really nowhere else to test drive a 30-year-old campervan. And it\u2019s been five stars and smiles all around. \u201cI might be stereotyping, but people who are looking for that lifestyle have this very chill and accommodating mentality,\u201d says Shane. \u201cIt\u2019s been fun to share the van with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course the Westfalia is ideal for weekend camping trips up the coast, to the mountains, or in the desert (avoid the desert in summer, as the van has no AC). But Shane gave a nice tip for a leisurely Saturday or Sunday: take it to one of the many places around Malibu where you can parallel park against the beach, open up the doors, and set up a grill. Relaxation achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
There may not be a better get-as-far-away-from-here-as-possible vehicle; the VW Westfalia positively radiates the carefree romanticism of life on the road. It was built purely to facilitate adventures, create memories, and happily trundle down highways. Hit up Shane if you want a taste of the vanlife in an excellent example of the classic Westfalia.<\/p>\n\n