Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 11:03:42 -0700
Reply-To: Malcolm Holser <mholser@ADOBE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From: Malcolm Holser <mholser@ADOBE.COM>
Subject: Re: importing a EV Westi
Helmut:
The situation is sadder in the US than you would otherwise think. No
T4's are being imported by Volkswagen. They are not available at all.
Winnebago *is* importing the extended EV for conversion to the
vehicle that some VW dealers are selling (but this is not a VW-sold
vehicle, and the dealers must also become Winnebago dealers). Many
VW dealers miss the old days when the Westfalia conversions were
available directly from VW here. Winnebago also imports singlecab
T4's for conversion to their "Rialta" camper. No commercial model
Volkswagens have been imported to the US since the early '70's. This
is basically true for all European trucks, although some of the larger
ones are brought in (like the Iveco trucks). The Sharans are not imported
either.
T4's are available in Canada, including the Panel Transporter models, and
it might be possible to import a Canadian version, since Canadian and US
requirements are quite similar. This thread started by somebody wanting to
import a Canadian Westfalia conversion.
VW itself imported Westfalia conversions for a short time in 1993, but not
very many of these were sold (not many T4's were sold at all). The only
model available was the "MV", with the pop-top, but very little camping
equipment. The Winnebago conversion is *very* similar to the old
Vanagon Westfalia full-camper that was sold at the VW dealers in the
'80's.
The "Westfalia" conversions had an air of respectability about them that
the other conversions lacked. There were several US manufacturers of
camper conversions based on VW Transporters, and some are well-loved
by their owners. Because VW dealers usually sold the Westfalia conversions,
they are thought of as the "official" one, they are the most common, and
some people thing that the fit and finish are better than the other
conversions. It is true that the Westfalias feel different from other US
van conversions -- less shag carpet, routed-laquered wood and tuck'n'roll
vinyl stuff. They probably reflect the styling preferences of the European
market. I think that VW itself was a little surprised that we cared. Like
I say, the "EuroBago" conversion looks like a direct descendent of the
old Vanagon Westfalia, and not so much like other US conversions.
There are some concerns about the quality of workmanship and materials in
the Winnebago conversions (but I was never thrilled about the peeling
vinyl panels in my Westfalia, or their horrific taste in fabrics), and
the price is breathtaking. We remember the Westfalia conversions costing
very much less. I suspect that the equivalent Westfalia conversions now
cost more than the Winnebago, but you could probably get real figures.
The Winnebago conversion costs about $37,000 -- $25,000 for the T4 and
$12,000 for the conversion package. They tack on another $800 for the
middle seats...
They only come in automatic transmissions, only in the VR6 engine. No
Syncro's available, and only the long-wheelbase version is offered.
How much is a Westfalia like this these days?
malcolm
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