The Volkswagen Vanagon, also known as the Type 2 T3, the T25 (in Great Britain), and the Transporter or Caravelle (in Europe), was designed to replace the Microbus, which was VW's first van. Introduced in 1980, the Vanagon was a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that could carry seven to nine passengers. It was available in four editions for 1980 -- the standard Vanagon, the higher-end Vanagon L, and two camper models.
All came with a 67-horsepower, 2.0-liter, air-cooled four-cylinder engine with fuel injection. It was linked to a four-speed manual transmission, which was standard. A three-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.
The Vanagon was fairly well equipped with rack and pinion steering, power-assisted brakes, and front and rear independent suspension. Standard features also included front bucket seats, a rear window defogger, two-speed windshield wipers, vinyl upholstery, and a folding rear bench seat that provided additional cargo space. Air conditioning and a rear window wiper were among the options. The Vanagon L added two-tone exterior paint, carpeting, and a lockable glove box, among other features.
The Vanagon was not without its quirks. Because the engine was in the back, a full-size spare tire was stored in a tray under the front of the vehicle. The battery was located under the front passenger's seat, and the master cylinder for the braking system was located inside the dashboard, requiring some dismantling of the dash to get to the brake fluid reservoir.
All that made for a very unique but very versatile vehicle, according to some drivers.
