1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 5-Speed Camper Conversion

This 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro underwent a mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment that included installing a pop-top camper, refinishing the body in tan, reupholstering the cabin, overhauling the engine, and replacing braking and suspension components prior to the seller’s acquisition in 2019. The van is powered by a supercharged 2.2L water-cooled flat-four mated to a five-speed manual transaxle and Syncro all-wheel drive. Equipment includes a rear tire carrier, rock sliders, LED headlights, fog lights, locking center and rear differentials, 15″ alloy wheels, an auxiliary fuel tank, tablet-based instrumentation, and a JVC CD stereo linked to aftermarket speakers. This modified Vanagon Syncro is offered with service records, spare parts, a service manual, a clean Carfax report, and a clean New York title in the seller’s name. The body was refinished in tan under previous ownership and was fitted with a pop-top camper with replacement canvas panels. Additional exterior details include black bumpers, dual side mirrors, tinted windows, a retractable ARB Touring side awning, a South African-spec front grille, LED headlights, fog lights, smoked turn signals and taillights, a Das Mule rear tire carrier and rock sliders, and an aluminum auxiliary fuel tank with rear-mounted filler. Black-finished 15″ alloy wheels wear VW-branded center caps and are mounted with 215/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires, and a matching spare is fitted to the rear swing-away carrier. Refurbishment work performed under previous ownership is said to have included replacing the CV axles, wheel bearings, and braking components, including the pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and master cylinder. The cab was reportedly stripped and treated with sound-deadening material and features front captain’s chairs and a rear bench upholstered in gray cloth with black vinyl backs and sides along with a replacement headliner and black side panels. Appointments include wind-up windows, a JVC CD stereo, aftermarket speakers, a heater, a locking glove compartment, 12-volt outlets, and a VanagonLife center console with cup holders and lockable storage. A bed platform is housed in the pop top, and a fire extinguisher is mounted behind the driver’s seat. A two-spoke South African-spec steering wheel sits ahead of a modified dashboard with dual tablet-based instrumentation that monitors engine parameters, vehicle speed, and fuel levels for the main and auxiliary tanks. No odometer is present, total mileage is unknown. The water-cooled flat-four is said to have been overhauled and modified from 2.1 to 2.2 liters of displacement and features an SC12 roots-type supercharger, Megasquirt engine management, a revised camshaft, a high-performance oil pump, and a stainless-steel GoWesty exhaust system. A write-up detailing the engine components can be seen in the gallery. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle. The van is also equipped with locking center and rear differentials. The shifter bushings and clutch components were replaced under previous ownership. Service records, spare parts, Washington State license plates, and a service manual are included in the sale. The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Arizona, Oregon, Washington State, and New York. The last reported mileage on the Carfax report was 210k miles in April 2019. Filed under: vw