1986 VW Vanagon GL Syncro

Location: Park City, Utah

Why It's Curated: This 1986 VW Vanagon GL is for sale in Park City, UT. This Syncro represents the pinnacle of Vanagon evolution, combining Volkswagen's legendary all-wheel-drive system with comprehensive mechanical and camper upgrades. The 2.1-liter Wasserboxer received a complete rebuild in 2017 at 133,000 miles, enhanced with premium components including Manispeed fuel injectors, oil pump, and rocker arms, plus Vanistan exhaust and oil cooler systems. The drivetrain features both center and rear locking differentials for serious off-road capability. The professional Norcal Tintops conversion delivers expedition-ready amenities: 220Ah house battery system, 40-liter Engel refrigerator, 20-gallon water system with hot shower, and convertible bench/bed configuration. Upgraded SCP 11" front disc brakes and Nokian all-terrain tires enhance safety and capability. Meticulous documentation and included spare parts demonstrate exceptional care, making this a turnkey adventure vehicle for the discerning Vanagon enthusiast.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL represents the final evolution of VW's iconic Type 2 platform, marking the end of an era that began in 1950. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the third-generation Vanagon abandoned the rear-engine layout of its predecessors in favor of a rear-mounted, water-cooled "Wasserboxer" flat-four engine. The 2.1-liter unit in this GL model produced 95 horsepower and represented Volkswagen's attempt to modernize the aging platform with improved power delivery and reliability. The GL trim positioned itself as the volume seller, offering essential amenities without the premium Westfalia camper conversion, making it an ideal canvas for custom builds. What distinguishes the 1986 model year is its position as the final carbureted Vanagon before fuel injection arrived in 1987, creating a unique sweet spot for enthusiasts who prefer simpler mechanical systems. The Vanagon's boxy, utilitarian design maximized interior space within compact external dimensions, while the rear-engine layout provided exceptional traction and a flat load floor. Though production ended in 1991 in favor of the Eurovan, the Vanagon's combination of practicality, simplicity, and modification potential has made it increasingly sought-after among overlanders and van life enthusiasts. Today, well-maintained examples command premium prices, particularly those with documented maintenance histories and thoughtful upgrades that enhance the platform's inherent versatility.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1986
Make: VW
Model: Vanagon
Trim: GL
Drive: All Wheel Drive
Miles: 142,000
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: OEM 2.1-liter Wasserboxer
Exterior Color: Blue
Interior Color: blue/grey
State of Registration: Utah
Vehicle Location: Park City, UT
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:

Engine rebuilt and refurbished in 2017: transmission refurb, new headers, new head gasket, all new hoses/rubber/plastic on lines/fittings, new clutch, new 02 senser, new thermostat body, fresh coolant, fresh oil, all new filters, locking rear differential\ -Stainless steel coolant lines

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Locking Differentials: Center Locking Differential, Rear Locking Differential
Wheel Size and Offset: ET42 – SCP 16x6.5 steelies (no spacer, 50 mm lugs)
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: Nokian WRG3 205/60R16 XL
Type of Brakes: Small Car Performance 11" dual piston front disc brake upgrade

Exterior & Interior:  

Cloth interior
2017: -Rubber flooring -3x Aug DC ports -Audio system (head unit, door & rear speakers, subwoofer) -750w inverter -Swivel seat passenger seat -3M thinsulate panel insulation in all panels -House batteries 220Ah 2018 Norcal Tintops custom cabinetry w. convertable bench/bed, "20 gallons of water (Ronco Water Tank Flojet Pump with 50 psi pressure switch Shurflo faucet 1/2 fittings and hose)" 3.3 gallons of propane Up to 220 Amp hours of battery capacity 40-liter DC refrigerator or freezer Stainless-steel sink 3.0-gallon per minute water pump 12' hot water sprayer hose 40 L Engel MB40 drop-in refrigerator 8 22-Ah sealed AGM batteries 2 burner stove top solar charge controller -Venture libre leather kit -Glove box organizer -custom gear shift handle w/ hidden compartment -front seat hammock;
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:
Mechanical: -Engine audio insulation -Decoupler installed -Van Cafe steel fuel rails -T3 anti-sway bar -Go Westy Driveshaft -BlazeCut Fire suppression system -Rear Diff Locker -Small Car Audi Big Brakes 2018 -Go Westy Speedometer Cable replacement -OEM AFM Sensor replacement -Hi/Lo Oil Pressure sensors added 2021 -GoWesty Alt Wiring Harness Manispeed Oil pump manispeed fuel injectors manispeed oil sender relocator manispeed rocker arms Vanistan Exhaust Vanistan Oil Cooler Vanistan pushrod covers -Go west aluminum valve covers -GoWesty GearReduction manual starer
istory As far as I know There was a single original owner until it was bought by cap city vanagon who did the initial refurb at 133k miles, then me. Not sure if that makes me the 2nd or 3rd owner else to know I've kept all service records and corresponding mileage and dates documented in a spreadsheet and with all paper documentation since taking ownership. 

Extras -Full repair kit w/ essential replacement parts (electrical, belts, oil filters, oil, coolant, etc). -retractable hose -extra inverter -full kitchen set (plates, cups, utensils, cookware) -Vanagon Repair Bible -ARB outdoor room attachment for awning -removable window screens & vents

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:

Flaws: one of the sun visor attachments is loose. No mechanical issues or problems. The AC is fully functional, just needs to be recharged (never needed it)