1985 MODEL YEAR OVERVIEW
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The biggest change for the 1985 model year was a huge drop in sales. After a record-setting 1984 run, the 1985 models had some modest improvements, but buyers didn't show up and sales dropped 24% to 16,296 vans.
Until 1983 the Vanagon was the only entrant in the small van market in the USA. Vanagon USA sales peaked in 1984 when Toyota and Caravan were newly introduced. After that, the increasing onslaught of competition took a huge toll. - Toyota Van was introduced in 1983 with a 1984 model - Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Caravan family began sales in 1983 with a 1984 model. - Chevy/GMC Astro/Safari family started sales in 1984 with their new 1985 models - Ford introduced Aerostar in 1985 selling their 1986 models. By 1985 the basic Vanagon design was 6 years old and a new engine didn't save it from this new competitive environment. |
The 1985 Vanagon
"When it comes to getting a lot into a little, Volkswagen has no peers. So it's only natural that Volkswagen should have pioneered the development of the passenger van so many years ago." (from the 1985 Vanagon brochure) |
MODELS
In all, there were four models of the Vanagon were built for model year 1985.
Two passenger van models Two camper models
In all, there were four models of the Vanagon were built for model year 1985.
Two passenger van models Two camper models
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- Vanagon
- Vanagon GL |
- Vanagon Camper
- Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Limited Edition (mid-year availability) |
PAINT SCHEMES
9 paint schemes were available for 1985
Volkswagen discontinued the two-tone paint schemes that had been available from 1980 through 1984 in favor of single colors
9 paint schemes were available for 1985
Volkswagen discontinued the two-tone paint schemes that had been available from 1980 through 1984 in favor of single colors
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Base Vanagons and Vanagon GL passenger vans
- Pastel White - Beige - Capri Blue - Marine Blue - Savana Beige Metallic - Flash Silver Metallic - Dove Blue Metallic - Bronze Beige Metallic |
Vanagon Campers
- Pastel White - Beige - Merian Brown - Bronze Beige Metallic |
Wolfsburg Limited Edition Campers
- Pastel White - Savana Beige Metallic - Bronze Beige Metallic |
Volkswagen sold 16,296 Vanagons in the USA in model year 1985, down 24% from 1984.
(According to CarSalesBase.com)
(According to CarSalesBase.com)
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Notable 1985 Features:
1985 introduced only modest changes from the 1984 Vanagons. Once change to provide a more modern appearance was the discontinuation of two-tone paint and the greater availability of optional metallic paint colors. 1985 provided the GL and Camper models with: - Tachometer and digital clock in pace of the mechanical clock - Power steering and a smaller steering wheel (introduced on the 1984 Wolfsburg models) - Deluxe seats with fold-down armrests 1985 passenger models introduced the "Weekender Package" with: - Fold-down center seat back - Rear seat that converts to a bed when combined with a cushion over the engine compartment All 1985 models came with an improved sliding door mechanism which improved both the latch and sliding functions. 1985 vans kept the upper grille at the front of the van for interior ventilation with a pair of single round headlights mounted along side along with a second, lower grille that provided cooling air for the front-mounted radiator. This two-grille look distinguishes all of the water-cooled Vanagons from the older 1980 - 1983 air cooled models. Like 1984 (and through 1987), the emblem on left side of the hatch included a VW logo followed by the word Volkswagen As with all Vanagons beginning in 1982 through 1991, the 1985 models had removable black plastic cooling air intake grilles on each side of the van, behind the rear-most windows. 1985 Visual Cues:
The 1985 improved sliding door mechanism also included a smaller exterior handle and a smaller depression in the door surrounding the handle. This change continued through 1991 models. 1985 vans kept the upper grille at the front of the van for interior ventilation with a pair of single round headlights mounted along side along with a second, lower grille that provided cooling air for the front-mounted radiator. This two-grille look distinguishes all of the water-cooled Vanagons from the older 1980 - 1983 air cooled models. Like 1984 (and through 1987), the emblem on left side of the hatch included a VW logo followed by the word Volkswagen As with all Vanagons beginning in 1982 through 1991, the 1985 models had removable black plastic cooling air intake grilles on each side of the van, behind the rear-most windows. |
1985 Brochure Gallery (Click any page to open)
            The 1985 Vanagon
"Today, the 1985 Vanagon is the leading edge of technology in this class. The Vanagon offers an extraordinary amount of room and versatility in an extremely compact and streamlined space." "Preparing meals in the Camper's fully equipped Kitchenette is an absolute breeze." (from the 1985 Vanagon brochure) |
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