Subaru-Powered 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition 4-Speed

Description

The Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia has long been celebrated for its iconic pop‑top design, versatile interior configuration, and road‑trip utility. Later-production models with the Wolfsburg Edition added desirable factory touches and upgraded trim, making these late‑’80s Westfalias among the most sought‑after of the era.

This 1987 Volkswagen Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition was purchased by the seller in Southern California in 2006. Since taking then, a Subaru engine swap was completed by by Small Car Performance. The replacement 2.5-liter Subaru flat-four engine was installed in 2015, while a rebuilt four-speed manual transaxle completed by German Transaxle of Bend, Oregon, in 2017. Additional updates include a replacement tent canvas installed in 2024, Mazama tires, replacement muffler, auxiliary battery system, upgraded skylight, and other maintenance items. Detailed invoices for services performed can be found under "Additional documents" below.

This Subaru-powered 1987 Volkswagen Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition is now offered with service records dating back to 2006, a car cover, manuals, uninstalled parts, and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Naturally aspirated 2.5L Subaru flat-four engine

• 4-speed manual transaxle rebuilt in 2017

• Finished in Wolfram Grey Metallic paint with Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition trim

• Grey cloth and vinyl upholstery with original camping cabinetry

• Over $40,000 invested in modifications and servicing

• Recent general servicing to ensure roadworthiness

• Chassis number (WV2ZB0250HH023061) decodes as:

  • WV2 – Volkswagen MPV/Van

  • Z – Vanagon/Transporter

  • B – GL Camper trim

  • 025 – Van Camper body style

  • 0 – Check digit

  • H – 1987 model year

  • H – Hannover, Germany, assembly

  • 023061 – Sequential production number

Factory Equipment

• General Configuration:

  • Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper

  • Wolfsburg Edition trim package

  • Rear‑wheel drive

• Interior & Camping Equipment:

  • Pop‑top roof with full‑size upper sleeping bunk

  • Large and small swivel tables

  • Integrated sink and stovetop

  • Original Westfalia cabinetry

  • Folding rear bench/bed

  • Built‑in fridge

• Exterior:

  • Factory Westfalia camper pop‑top

  • Wolfsburg Edition badging

Modifications

• Powertrain & Drivetrain:

  • Subaru 2.5L engine conversion (2008 Impreza 2.5 NA, reported 36k miles at installation) performed by Small Car Performance

  • Custom bellhousing kit, aluminum oil pan, coolant system adapters, and full Subaru–Vanagon integration hardware

  • Heavy‑duty Weddle 3rd and 4th gears installed during rebuilt manual transaxle exchange

  • Swepco GL‑5 gear oil and BG Ultra Guard lubricant used during assembly

  • New ring and pinion installed with break‑in procedure advised

  • New CV hardware and driveline fittings

  • 16” five-spoke wheels

  • Super Diff installed

• Exhaust, Cooling, & Fuel Systems:

  • Updated heater and oil‑line plumbing with marine‑grade hose sections

  • New radiator and associated hoses, clamps, and coolant plumbing

  • Fuel‑pressure regulator and related fittings replaced

  • New Subaru‑spec fuel filter and fuel‑injection hoses

  • Intake hose kit and breather‑system upgrades

  • Stainless‑steel exhaust and header system

• Electrical & Instrumentation:

  • Kenwood KDC‑255U head unit with USB, plus 4" Alpine 2‑way front speakers

  • Various wiring repairs to lighting and interior electrical circuits

  • Rear hatch striker and license‑plate‑door access adjusted

  • Tachometer with 7,000 RPM gauge face installed

  • Drive‑by‑wire throttle pedal kit installed

• Interior, Safety, & Convenience:

  • Modified closet/cabinet area per Classic Car Locator work order

  • Rear seatbelt replaced with improved condition unit

  • Window crank replaced with wooden mechanism

  • Upholstery and interior materials work

  • Storage and cabinetry improvements

  • Passenger side mirror replaced

  • Refrigerator rebuilt

  • Tinted windows

• Chassis, Steering, & Suspension:

  • Left & right outer tie‑rod ends replaced

  • Steering rack boot replaced

Servicing & Documentation

The items below represent major and recent servicing highlights. A folder of service records dating back to 2006 is included with the sale. Highlights include the following:

• 2025:

  • Alignment and full alignment performed

  • Engine oil and filter replaced

• 2024:

  • Engine oil and filter replaced; safety inspection performed

  • Replacement acrylic Go Westy Pop Tent installed

  • Right‑side exterior mirror assembly replaced

  • Fuel‑filler neck breather pipe replaced

  • Fuel‑leak diagnosis and repair

  • Skylight seal replaced

• 2023:

  • Engine oil and filter replaced; safety inspection

  • Cooling/radiator fan noise diagnosis

• 2022:

  • Replacement battery charger ends installed

• 2021:

  • Engine oil and filter replaced; safety inspection performed

  • Battery and charging‑system testing; no parasitic draw

• 2020:

  • Crank pulley inspection; wobble traced to slightly bent crankshaft; noted as non‑critical but may affect belt longevity

  • Engine oil and filter replaced; safety inspection performed

  • Alternator belt replaced

• 2018:

  • Transmission oil‑leak repair; resealed plate at reverse‑light‑switch location

  • Fuel line from regulator to engine replaced (pin‑hole leak)

  • Engine oil and filter replaced

• 2017:

  • Replacement transmission installed; German Transaxle unit, Subaru bellhousing swapped to match application

  • Shift‑linkage adjustment; replaced shifter ball & socket, corrected popping‑out‑of‑1st‑gear issue

  • Transmission removed and sent to German Transaxle for warranty work

  • Front brake rotors and pads replaced; calipers bled

  • Heavy‑duty Weddle 3rd and 4th gears

  • All rear CV joints and boots replaced

  • Rebuilt 4‑speed manual transaxle

  • Engine oil and filter replaced

  • New ring and pinion

  • Super Diff installed

  • Muffler replaced

  • Gear‑oil service

• 2016:

  • Horn system diagnosed; worn horn ring and broken switch identified

  • GoWesty auxiliary‑battery kit and Odyssey battery installed

  • Engine oil and filter replaced

  • Transmission serviced

  • Rear bumper installed

• 2015:

  • Used Subaru 2.5L engine (26k miles) installed

  • Cooling‑fan switch replaced

  • Clutch pedal repair

Known Imperfections

From the seller: “It was not a roll over. The previous owner tipped over in a snow bank on the side of the road, was my understanding. The interior panel of the driver’s door was replaced- that was the only body damage.”

• The included CARFAX history report lists the following (see report for full details):

  • November 2001: Accident reported: moderate to severe damage

    • Vehicle overturned

• Blower fan transitions to high speed more quickly than normal

• Minor exterior and interior cosmetic wear consistent with age

• Driver seat upholstery and sun visor have tears

• Vent control knobs operate inconsistently

• Air conditioning system inoperable

Ownership History

From the seller: “I was thrilled to buy my Westy in 2006 in the Inland Empire in Southern California. Records from the seller indicate two previous owners with incomplete records dating back to 1987. Records indicate the previous owner invested significantly to repair the air conditioning system but was unsuccessful.

Pixley and I were solo travelers for many years traversing the desert and coastlines of California and Oregon. I drove Pixley daily for several years when my son was young, but we’ve now outgrown the van life. Our destinations often included hot springs, festivals, and drive-in theaters. We have enjoyed many years of adventures! Pixley even earned the title ‘most tactical’ in the Portland Car Crush awards. Pixley is a solid driver.”

Included

• Service and modifications records dating back to 2006

• NOCO charging system for longterm storage

• Original keys for ignition and glove box

• Covercraft Industries car cover

• Water filter for water tank

• Auxiliary battery system

• Clip on fans (x2)

• Jumper cables

• Dehumidifier

• Tire chains

• Manuals

• Gas can