If you’ve ever priced a tidy Westfalia, you know the market rewards vans that are more “ready to roam” than “project.” This 1990 Vanagon Westy on Bring a Trailer lands squarely in that sweet spot: the pop-top icon you want, plus a driveline and camping hardware that make actual road trips easier, safer, and less stressful. (Bring a Trailer)
What Makes This Westy Different
Under the decklid, the original flat-four has been replaced with a FAS VW Gen V EA888 2.0-liter inline-four—a contemporary crate engine known for smooth torque, easy parts availability, and highway composure the stock boxer can’t match. It’s paired with a freshly rebuilt 4-speed manual transaxle (installed April 2025) for a clean, cohesive powertrain. (Bring a Trailer)
The upgrades aren’t just under the skin. Outside, you’ll spot Rocky Mountain Westy bumpers, a swing-away spare, and 16-inch Alamak-style wheels. Underneath, the van received a comprehensive suspension refresh (springs, bushings, tie-rods, ball joints) and a 25-mm front sway bar, plus a rear disc-brake conversion—exactly the sort of work that makes an old camper feel confident on modern roads. (Bring a Trailer)
Camper Systems You Can Actually Live With
A Westy is only as good as its house systems, and this one is prepped to run off-grid: auxiliary 100-Ah lithium battery, DC/DC controller, NOCO shore-power charger, and a Jupiter inverter, backed by a solar setup. Inside, you get sound-deadening throughout, an Apple CarPlay-ready head unit, and the classic Westy floorplan with cabinets and a fold-flat bench. The factory fridge has been sensibly swapped for a GoWesty storage unit with a 12-volt fridge/freezer included—more usable in day-to-day van life. (Bring a Trailer)
Condition, Mileage, and Paperwork
Finished in Flash Silver Metallic with a refreshed pop-top tent/seals, the van shows 141k miles. The listing cites a clean Carfax and dealer consignment in Portland, Oregon, with the seller noting roughly ~3k miles on the EA888 since installation. (Bring a Trailer)
Auction Timing
At the time of writing, the BaT listing shows bidding in progress with the auction scheduled to end Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:22 a.m. PT (that’s 00:22 on August 22 in Jakarta). As always, BaT’s two-minute rule can extend the closing. (Bring a Trailer)
Quick Specs (Highlights)
- Model: 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia GL
- Engine: FAS VW Gen V EA888 2.0-L inline-four (installed 2022)
- Transmission: Rebuilt 4-speed manual (April 2025)
- Chassis/Brakes: Suspension overhaul + 25-mm sway bar; rear discs
- Electrical/Camping: 100-Ah lithium, DC/DC, shore-power, inverter, solar
- Interior: Sound-deadening; CarPlay head unit; Westy cabinetry; 12-V fridge/freezer included
- Location/Docs: Portland, Oregon; clean Carfax; 141k miles shown. (Bring a Trailer)
Verdict
This Westy reads like an “OEM+” build: tasteful exterior armor, serious chassis work, and a modern engine that aligns with how people actually use these vans today—long miles, mixed terrain, and real camping. If you’ve been holding out for a Vanagon that’s more adventure-ready than nostalgia piece, this one deserves a close look while the clock’s still ticking. For reference and additional photos, specs, and live bidding, see the original Bring a Trailer listing; Car and Driver also flagged this exact van in its news feed today. (Bring a Trailer, caranddriver.com)