Used 1989 Volkswagen Vanagon Wolfsburg for sale in Beaverton, OR

1989 Volkswagen Vanagon Wolfsburg.

Below is some info on this model for people not familiar with this edition. Please skip ahead if you’re already familiar with it.

This edition was also known as the “Blue Star”. This one of the most rare US versions, with perhaps only the Syncro Westfalia having fewer production numbers. Only 1500 “Blue Star” (Blue) and “White Star” (White) models sold. 1989-only version. Only edition with factory “Star Blue” paint, leather-wrapped steering wheel, diagonal-patterned upholstery, grey dash and factory subwoofer.

I looked long and hard to find one of these rare unicorns with a manual transmission. I finally found a virtually rust-free California van in June of 2020. Rust is the main concern and most costly repair with Vanagons (and any 30+ year-old vehicle). This one has virtually zero rust. Even the window seals and rails and, importantly, the body seams have absolutely zero rust. The only sign is on the surface of the fender with a dent on the driver side door and a couple of paint chips. It wears the original rare paint, with only the one dent in the driver door/fender. There are a few dings and scratches, but all are minor.

It has the “Weekender” interior layout, with rear folding full-width “Z-bed”, rear-facing jump seats and folding table. Upholstery is in good, original condition, aside from the front seats, which had been recover in grey cloth.

The mileage is unknown. I had a pre-purchase inspection performed by Dave at D & M in Beaverton. He gave me the thumbs up on it (Best guy in the ‘biz). The compression tested solid and evenly, the transmission was solid. Neither leaked. I decided to immediately have him do preventative maintenance to ensure it would be a reliable camping and road trip companion. I gave it a full tune-up, stainless steel coolant pipes, gas tank re-seal, new master cylinders for the brakes and clutch and a full fluid change.
I bought Wet Okole seat covers for all seats, including optional inflatable lumbar supports for the front seats ($1000) to protect the rare upholstery and new grey German carpeted floor mats.
Tires are probably older, but are not cracked and have probably 75-80% remaining.
Has factory air conditioning, which needs a re-charge. It works, though, and is cool, but not cold. The heater fan and controls need work. There are a few interior bits that could use replacing (dome lights, “camping light” and cupholders). Some vinyl trim could use some glue, but no cracking in dash or door trim.
The rear wiper/washer don’t work. The radio is not hooked up to the battery. The windshield has some chips and could use replacing. The odometer doesn’t work and is stuck at about 238k. There is a piece of the lower body trim that is missing behind the sliding door. The above items didn’t bother me enough to repair.
The only thing that I would do if I was to keep “Wolfgang”, would be to fix the odometer, strip the paint, repair the dent and re-paint it in factory “Star Blue” paint with new window and door rubber. Mechanically, the van is performing perfectly, which was my primary focus.
Sadly, my wife and I haven’t been able to explore Oregon in it as much as we’d hoped. Our daughter isn’t into camping and has moved off to college. “Wolfgang” (my grandfather’s name and it being a Wolfsburg) just sits in the garage. We’ve only made a handful of trips with him and have only accrued maybe 4k miles since we found him. I’ve owned a ‘68 bus, a ‘91 Vanagon GL, an ‘86 Westfalia Weekender and a ‘93 Eurovan Weekender. Wolfgang drives far better that all of them did. I also prefer the tin top Weekender editions due to their decreased weight, additional space in the cabin and the ability to carry seven passengers if needed. It’s plenty big and more comfortable for two people and, perhaps, a dog family member.

No low-ball offers, please. No scams. I’m firm on the price. More photos/further descriptions with serious inquiries. Thanks.