The Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro was produced between 1985-1992. The Aircooled Vanagon ended production halfway through 1983, 2 years before the Syncro was ever made available. As a result, Syncros were never commercially available with the VW aircooled boxer engine. The pre-1983 (specifically pre 1982) Vanagons share a few different body features that were changed later in production: stamped D pillar vents, no lower grill at the front, different rain gutters, internal D pillar differences, and a different transmission crossmember to accommodate the aircooled dash heat exchanger. These chassis differences make it uncommon to convert an aircooled Vanagon chassis to utilize the Syncro drivetrain.

Although the original Brilliant Orange (L20B) paint was worn & badly faded, this van was in exceptional condition before coming in for work. Clean seams all around, a real Diamond in the rough for the PNW. After a series of unfortunate events, it not only suffered a blown engine but it had also had it’s rare Riviera pop top destroyed in a towing incident.

The exceptional condition of this van made it clear that it was worth not only putting in the investment to keep this one alive, but also to take it to the next level and build something that has never been created before. Quentin’s Garage was commissioned to carry out a list of modifications, prior to the van’s transformation into a Subaru Syncro Hightop expedition vehicle.