Last updated on June 14, 2023
Today’s feature is a 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia, affectionately known as the “Westy”, owned by Neil and Marci Collins who have owned it for the last 15 years. I photographed this van at their family owned Lone Madrone Winery located at 3750 Hwy 46 West, Templeton, CA 93465. It is finished in gold with a beige Interior. It is powered by a 95 hp, 2.1 liter, water- cooled “boxer” 4 cylinder engine, with a Bosch Digifant fuel injection. It has a 4-manual transmission with 4.83:1 final ratio. Slowing this beauty down are power assisted 10.9″ solid disc brakes in front and 9.9″ rear drum brakes in the rear. It has independent front suspension and an Independent transaxle in the rear.
The Volkswagon Vanagon were produced from 1980 – 1991 with a total 0f 1.3 million produced. The MSRP was $12,860 – $15,635 depending how it is equipped. The published top speed of 75 mph.
While this car does not travel in the collector car circuit it is much much more to the Collins family. It is a vital family member! They use it to take the family camping trips. It co-starred in “Tasting in the Westy” with Neil and his son Jordan in a video series where they tasted the new wine club releases during COVID. The Westy also works in and around the vineyard and tasting room, does a little advertising with its spare tire cover, along with being Neil’s daily driver.
I am providing a link to Lone Madrone’s web site and a link to the “Tasting in the Westy” series. just click on the links. If you like wine and are in area of Templeton and Paso Robles I highly recommend stopping by the Lone Madrone tasting room for a tasting that you will not regret. If you are there on Friday – Sunday from 11-3 PM you are in luck for a great lunch with Chef Jeffrey Scott. My favorite is the Lamb burger and fries with a glass of wine either the Tannat or the Dodd. Enjoy the links below and thank you for riding along, Frank
Lone Madrone Winery Link
“Tasting in the Westy” Link this is fun and educational.
