Built in 1979 and released in 1980, Volkswagen Vanagon is a bus sporting chrome-plated steel bumpers with plastic endcaps. These were later replaced with fiberglass in the succeeding years of production. This time, bumpers were featured with larger and squarer design than the early VW Vanagon models. Engines for the earlier VW Vanagon models include 1.6-liter 50 horsepower, and 2.0-liter 70 horsepower. Modification of the engines (1.6-liter 50 hp, water boxer motor producing 60 and 78 hp) in the succeeding years came on time with the additional of VW Vanagon in the form of minibus, multi-van, and campers. The 2.1-liter fuel-injected version of 95 hp water boxer and the 70-hp turbo-diesel came in VW in the year 985.

There are three basic Volkswagen Vanagon variations, which are: VW Vanagon, VW Vanagon L, and VW Vanagon GL. Other VW Vanagon models in the mid 80’s were offered with various accessories. Models include VW Vanagon multi-van Magnum, VW Vanagon White Star, VW Vanagon Blue Star, VW Vanagon Last Ltd Ed, and others. VW Vanagon GL were offered with special package options that may include power windows, cruise control, electric operated mirrors, tachometer, electric door locks, alloy wheels, fiberglass moldings, air conditioning, among other automotive features.