1987 Volkswagen Vanagon for Sale: Matte Gray Syncro Subaru-Powered Camper
The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon combines a Subaru 2.5-liter flat-four with a five-speed manual transmission, Syncro all-wheel drive, and a locking rear differential. Finished in Matte Gray with Black plaid upholstery, it presents a purposeful camper specification designed around practical travel and all-terrain versatility. Equipment includes a rear-hinged Westfalia pop-up top, sleeping loft, kitchenette, Thule awning, roof rack, GoWesty swing-away tire carrier, 16-inch steel wheels, BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, air conditioning, solar panel, auxiliary battery, and Dometic refrigerator/freezer. For enthusiasts seeking an adventure-ready classic van, this example blends upgraded power, four-wheel traction, camping utility, and rugged chassis hardware.
View the official listing below.
1987 Volkswagen Vanagon for sale
Engine and Performance
Power comes from a Subaru 2.5-liter gasoline flat-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Syncro all-wheel drive distributes power across the chassis, while a locking rear differential adds traction-focused capability for difficult surfaces. The manual gearbox keeps clutch work, engine speed, and deliberate gear selection central to the driving experience. Together, the Subaru engine, five-speed transmission, all-wheel drive, and locking differential create a versatile drivetrain suited to highways, gravel roads, campsites, and remote travel.
Engineering and Specifications
Black-finished 16-inch steel wheels wear LT215/65 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, with a matching spare mounted on the rear swing-away carrier. The van is fitted with Old Man Emu suspension components, while stopping power comes from front discs and rear drums with a seller-reported GoWesty front brake kit. This combination gives the chassis purposeful touring and off-pavement hardware while retaining the straightforward mechanical layout expected from a classic Vanagon.
Design and Heritage
Matte Gray paint gives the boxy Vanagon body a utilitarian appearance that suits its expedition-focused equipment. The Westfalia pop-up top, Thule awning, roof rack, rear spare carrier, and black steel wheels reinforce the camper and adventure theme. Inside, Black plaid upholstery, a flat-folding rear bench, sleeping loft, kitchenette, air conditioning, and travel equipment create a cabin designed around practical touring and overnight use.
Driving Experience
The Subaru flat-four and five-speed manual provide a more contemporary powertrain configuration while preserving direct driver involvement. Syncro all-wheel drive, the locking rear differential, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and Old Man Emu suspension support confident progress across changing road surfaces. Air conditioning, a sleeping loft, kitchenette, refrigerator/freezer, solar panel, auxiliary battery, awning, and roof rack make the van especially well suited to extended road trips and self-contained camping.
Why This Car is Special
- The Subaru 2.5-liter flat-four and five-speed manual create a practical upgraded drivetrain for modern touring.
- Syncro all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential add serious traction capability for rougher roads and campsites.
- The Westfalia pop-up top, sleeping loft, kitchenette, and flat-folding rear bench transform the van into a functional camper.
- Old Man Emu suspension, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, GoWesty front brakes, and a swing-away spare carrier strengthen the adventure setup.
- A solar panel, auxiliary battery, Dometic refrigerator/freezer, air conditioning, Thule awning, and roof rack support longer self-sufficient trips.
Specifications
- Engine: Subaru 2.5-liter gasoline flat-four.
- Transmission: Five-speed manual with Syncro all-wheel drive and locking rear differential.
- Wheels and tires: Black 16-inch steel wheels with LT215/65 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires and matching rear-mounted spare.
- Chassis and brakes: Old Man Emu suspension components, front disc and rear drum brakes, plus a seller-reported GoWesty front brake kit.
- Exterior and interior: Matte Gray paint, Black plaid upholstery, Westfalia pop-up top, sleeping loft, kitchenette, air conditioning, solar panel, auxiliary battery, Dometic refrigerator/freezer, Thule awning, roof rack, and swing-away tire carrier.
Collector and Enthusiast Appeal
The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon combines classic camper styling, upgraded Subaru power, manual shifting, Syncro traction, and genuinely useful expedition equipment in one cohesive package. Its Matte Gray finish, plaid cabin, pop-up roof, all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, solar system, refrigerator/freezer, and exterior travel accessories create a purposeful specification. For collectors and outdoor-minded enthusiasts, this Vanagon offers mechanical character, practical camping capability, four-wheel-drive versatility, and the distinctive personality that keeps well-equipped classic adventure vans appealing.
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