A portmanteau of van and station wagon
The original Volkswagen T2 van embodied the 1960s, an icon of the hippie movement and camping culture. It was replaced by the T3 in 1979, and production lasted a little over a decade before it was also replaced in 1991 (barring a short stint of production in South Africa, which continued until 2002).
In most of the rest of the world, it was marketed as the Caravelle, but in the United States, the name ‘Vanagon’ was chosen to highlight the combination of the cargo capacity of a van with the handling and control of a Station Wagon. While the T3 may not have made the same widespread cultural inroads as the T2, it nonetheless still has a loyal following of enthusiasts and is regarded as an especially safe and balanced vintage option. This 1989 Volkswagen Vanagon comes in the luxury ‘Carat’ trim option, and you can see the full listing by clicking here!
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A balanced and safe box on wheels
The first thing you notice about the Vanagon’s side profile is just how balanced it all is. The wheels are about the same distance from the bumpers at each end and are set relatively close to one another towards the center. The next thing you notice is the thick fiberglass bumpers that wrap seamlessly into equally thick rocker panels. It is a stylized box, but unmistakably well-balanced and reinforced all around. It’s not just cosmetic, either. Enthusiasts love the T3 because it handles well and, for the time, had excellent safety standards that still manage to hold up today.
This specific example sports a lovely, deep blue paint job and excellent visibility with a wide windshield and six windows. Square headlights and tail lights are indicative of the latter half of the production run, replacing the round headlights of earlier years. The wheels are a simple alloy five-spoke design that speaks to the overall utilitarian intent behind a weekender camper.
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Everything but the kitchen sink
The last few years of the T3 Vanagon came with an enhanced ‘Carat’ trim package, taking the otherwise austere interior and making it a great deal more comfortable with additions like foldable armrests for the front seats.
While the more advanced full camper option from Volkswagen would have come with a full kitchen, this weekender-tier camper instead offers ample space for everyone’s luggage and a fold-down table, which is still very handy at the campsite.
The interior is mostly grey paneling, with a black dash and a minimal carpeted center console. This particular example has been re-upholstered, so all of the seating surfaces should be comfortable and free of age-related damage. The two-spoke steering wheel sits proudly in front of a wide arrangement of gauges, lights, tactile and buttons without a screen or digital interface in sight.
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An unusual engine configuration, but not unheard of for Volkswagen
Multiple engines were offered in the Vanagon, in both gasoline and diesel guise. On the gasoline side, you could have an air-cooled 1.6L or 2.0L engine, or a water-cooled 1.9L and 2.1L engine. We’re happy to report that this particular Vanagon comes in the most powerful of the four, a 2.1-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, or H4.
This “Wasserboxer” engine, as it’s called, is able to run on regular unleaded gasoline, making it convenient and affordable to fuel up just about anywhere you take it. Power is sent by way of a reliable four-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. The spare tire is placed at the very front of the undercarriage, protected by a cover.
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Final thoughts: Adventure and the open road await
1989 Volkswagen Vanagon Carat is perfect for anyone looking for a more vintage camping experience or a more comfortable road trip experience. It’s safe, easy to drive, balanced, and reliable, while still having enough styling elements and classic charm to not be just another small RV or towed camper on the road.
The allure of a van/station wagon combo like the Vanagon is the space to bring what you want, without worrying about where to park, and knowing driving will be a joy, not a chore. If you’re ready for a new adventure, why not consider taking it with this charming Volkswagen?
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