Date:         Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:53:40 -0800
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1990 Carat L ? ? ?
In-Reply-To:  <492B5B82.6090407@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 RE: "Limited" '90
I think we have all noted the progression or changes that occurred in the
Vanagons imported to NA over the years. Many examples of Vanagons from the
earlier years were the basic configuration.  No PS, rubber mats, metal dash,
no 'captains chairs' and no tach.  But with a mix of them labeled 'GL' and
coming from the factory with the features we tend to think of as standard
like carpeting, padded dash, tach and arms on the front seats.  In later
years is becomes unusuall to see the basic models, most all have the GL
label and the GL interior.  But I have seen quite a few of the basic setups
that were used to build Adventurewagens and some ASI conversions.  And a
couple of Westfalia conversions as late as '86 with the basic trim package.
The question would be whether the local VW dealers were placing  their
orders only for the GL packages in the later years or whether VW was
limiting what they shipped to NA.  I have to assume that the basic model was
being sold around the world as a work vehicle up unitl the end of
production.  I've also wondered why Ed Anderson (Adventurewagen) chose the
cheaper interior for some of his conversions when he was going to make  them
into a high end camper.  But he may not have had a choice, VW may have
forced him to take the lower end Vanagons.  I've heard that VW cut him off
with the introduction of the Eurovan and he could well have had supply
problems before that since he was competing with the VW Westfalia version.
It could also be that NA dealers simply started to order the upgraded GL
packages to present a more than basic appearance to the consumer.

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