This was our once-in-a-lifetime dream of a one-of-a-kind expedition build themed SoloTheSyncro. I’m a hobby overland rig builder with a lot of VW nostalgia from the 20+ VW’s I owned as a kid. After building jeeps, 4Runners, trucks, etc., we wanted the ultimate travel machine that could go where you wanted with reliability, walk-through comfort, and unmatched coolness factor. There is a lot to love about the van setup but we couldn’t be the $200K+ Sprinter folks and I wanted to build something more capable with a simplicity to maintenance (non-diesel and non-computerized), great gas mileage, and everyday usability. I am certainly bias but believe the Syncro platform is the absolute best of all worlds and the ideal overland vehicle.
The build started with an extremely rare mint condition 1990 Vanagon Westfalia Syncro with 53,906 original miles that was garaged from the original owner. We paid $65,000 and it was worth every penny. I have over $62,000 in additional receipts (that I gathered) with all the expedition mods and at least a thousand hours of labor and thought going into the ideal build. We did whatever was the absolute best and cut zero corners. Everything is completely dialed in (including power systems) and nothing left uncomplete. This is fully built and ready to go.
The file is 2” thick with way too much to list. I listed what I think is most relevant top of mind but available to discuss at greater detail on phone. For those in the know, you will get it. Engine conversion was done by Stephen White at Stephen Auto Haus (H20 Vanagon) in Sacramento. There is no one better in the business and he is an absolute gem of a guy. With the 1.8Turbo, you will get 16-21 MPG, 180HP, 174 ft. lbs. Torque, and a low emissions engine that is CARB certified for those in California. This is an incredibly strong and reliable engine that you can find parts for anywhere on your travels. We have tested Solo through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and CA. In extreme heat at 125F, snow, windstorms, High elevation, steep climbs, and long freeway runs. Performed perfect in all occasions with no issues. You can easily hum down the freeway at 80 mph if you wish and you will pass any other VW, Sprinter, Promaster, etc., on a climb up I80 to Tahoe. We have done some trails to test ride comfort and suspension but no serious miles clocked off-road. That’s for the next explorer!
*BEWARE* Plan on talking with people everywhere you go. Gas stations, grocery store, parks, trailheads, and forget about campgrounds if you are a serious introvert! This unique build attracts a lot of attention and a lot of peace signs from passing cars. I’m selling because we are far from retirement and find very little time to explore. I want someone to take this and travel the world. Or, at least has the time to weekend! I will build another in 10+ years….
Price is set at $110,000 and is fairly firm. This puts me at around a $20,000 loss for my hobby which I can live with just for the amount of fun we have had in Solo on our travels. I’m not in a hurry to sell so will smog once a buyer is identified. Please no low ballers or tire kickers. More photos and details available upon request. We weren’t very active…, but you can also see the build come together on our Instagram: SoloTheSyncro
*Dometic fridge, Luke’s Light Saber, high lift jack, Maxtrax, backpack, BBQ, are not included
ONLY 72,800 ORIGINAL MILES!
The build started with an extremely rare mint condition 1990 Vanagon Westfalia Syncro with 53,906 original miles that was garaged from the original owner. We paid $65,000 and it was worth every penny. I have over $62,000 in additional receipts (that I gathered) with all the expedition mods and at least a thousand hours of labor and thought going into the ideal build. We did whatever was the absolute best and cut zero corners. Everything is completely dialed in (including power systems) and nothing left uncomplete. This is fully built and ready to go.
The file is 2” thick with way too much to list. I listed what I think is most relevant top of mind but available to discuss at greater detail on phone. For those in the know, you will get it. Engine conversion was done by Stephen White at Stephen Auto Haus (H20 Vanagon) in Sacramento. There is no one better in the business and he is an absolute gem of a guy. With the 1.8Turbo, you will get 16-21 MPG, 180HP, 174 ft. lbs. Torque, and a low emissions engine that is CARB certified for those in California. This is an incredibly strong and reliable engine that you can find parts for anywhere on your travels. We have tested Solo through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and CA. In extreme heat at 125F, snow, windstorms, High elevation, steep climbs, and long freeway runs. Performed perfect in all occasions with no issues. You can easily hum down the freeway at 80 mph if you wish and you will pass any other VW, Sprinter, Promaster, etc., on a climb up I80 to Tahoe. We have done some trails to test ride comfort and suspension but no serious miles clocked off-road. That’s for the next explorer!
*BEWARE* Plan on talking with people everywhere you go. Gas stations, grocery store, parks, trailheads, and forget about campgrounds if you are a serious introvert! This unique build attracts a lot of attention and a lot of peace signs from passing cars. I’m selling because we are far from retirement and find very little time to explore. I want someone to take this and travel the world. Or, at least has the time to weekend! I will build another in 10+ years….
Price is set at $110,000 and is fairly firm. This puts me at around a $20,000 loss for my hobby which I can live with just for the amount of fun we have had in Solo on our travels. I’m not in a hurry to sell so will smog once a buyer is identified. Please no low ballers or tire kickers. More photos and details available upon request. We weren’t very active…, but you can also see the build come together on our Instagram: SoloTheSyncro
*Dometic fridge, Luke’s Light Saber, high lift jack, Maxtrax, backpack, BBQ, are not included
ONLY 72,800 ORIGINAL MILES!
- 1.8Turbo engine conversion and transmission was done @59,508 miles so 13,292 miles on engine and tranny. Still under 24month/24,000 mile Warranty. You can check with Stephen about extending for additional charge.
- New catalytic converter, magnaflow muffler and 2.5” enhanced exhaust system
- Cruise control, Scan gauge 2, and Anti-theft system (I will explain after purchase)
- Rear Air Conditioner vent upgrade (this thing rocks cold air!)
- Rebuilt Syncro Transmission with HD course 3rd gear and higher end 4th gear
- Heavy duty clutch replacement to handle greater torque
- Halogen Headlight upgrade and third brake light
- Hella Front Fog Lamps
- Heavy duty brake drums and large front brake kit and rotors
- Porsche 944 CV joints and total boot replacement
- Stainless steel coolant pipes and entire system replacement
- Larger foldable truck mirrors and new door seal replacement
- Upgraded T3 Technique HD Anti-roll bar kit and HD Endlinks
- Complete Shifter assembly rebuild
- Gowesty 16” Black Alloy race Wheels (set of 5) with New BFG A/T Ko2 215/70r16 tires
- Twin Peaks (Rocky Mountain Westy) Front Steel Bumper with full Bull Guard and integrated hitch
- Twin Peaks Rear Steel Bumper with integrated hitch
- Swing Away Tire Carrier
- Swing Away Aluminess Galley Box 24”W x 16”D x 20#H
- Custom Full Length Front Runner Roof Rack imported by CamperVan Culture in UK
- Sony Digital Media with Apply Carplay, Bluetooth, phone mic, etc
- Custom Heavy Duty Steve Schwenk (The Syncro Man) “lift coil springs” and Bilstein B6 16” shocks and struts setup (best riding van I’ve ever been in)
- Center Console with Safe
- Weboost!
- Fiamma F45s awning in black
- New stock westfalia Propane Tank and regulator
- New upgraded sink faucet and water pump, hoses, etc.
- Propane automatic Propex Heater with digital controls
- RV style gas leak detection device and Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Renogy 100AH Bluetooth Lithium Iron Phosphate battery
- Renogy 200 Watt Monocrystalline Rooftop Solar Panel
- Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inventer
- Renogy Rover Li 40amp MPPT Solar Charge Control
- DC-DC Battery Charger
- Noco Genius Pro Marine Automatic Start Battery Charger/Maintainer
- *This power system is dialed in and works flawlessly. Plug in at campsite with unlimited power and Aux charging or run off grid for about 2 days with fridge etc. Upgraded alternator charges quickly and we have never run out of power. But, if you like to stay off-grid for longer, system is built to easily handle more AH’s of battery storage and/or solar panels. We use an additional 40AH Dometic battery (not included) that our fridge runs off of and charges while we are moving or plugged into shore power.
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