Volkswagen Syncro

Words and photos by Warren Madsen
March 2009


One of the lesser known automotive technologies of the '80's was Syncro- Volkswagen's take on Audi's revolutionary Quattro all-wheel drive. It is rare in the states to come across Syncro equipped models (except maybe in Santa Cruz), but one such car that has gained a cult following is the T3 VW Bus. With great traction, incredible versatility, and decent fuel efficiency, it is the original Sportsmobile. Many of the older VW's are being converted to more modern and capable powerplants. Subaru flat-fours seem to be the popular donor since fitting them in the rear compartment is made easier with it's similar horizontally opposed cylinder layout.



I recently had the pleasure of selling an original, one owner 1986 Syncro Bus. While it's performance left something to be desired, driving around town was a lot of fun. A commanding view of the road with comfortable seats and that perilous driving position, placed ahead of the front axle, makes for close maneuvering! Huge plus having double arm rests, too.



They come in many configurations and this model was the 7 seat version with transformable back seat/bed. I can't think of too many 4x4, 4-cylinder cars like it. Resale values remain strong, and even a used up van starts at $5k and usually a good one will bring over $20k. Only the converted, custom, Baja bargers bring the big bucks. There are a few shops out there that specialize in converting these buses, and the Westfalia version with all it's camper accessories, can command six-figure prices. Considering what a decent RV will run you, it's a solid, usable investment and not a bad option when judgment day comes.


Check out this link of Syncro videos.

Lexington Reservoir

Words and photos by Warren Madsen
Feb. 2009



After driving over "the hill" on Highway 17 for many years, I felt obligated to explore the area around Lexington Reservoir in closer detail. What I found was pretty cool.

Aside from a great winding road (Old Santa Cruz Highway) that runs from Lexington south to the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the scenic beauty surrounding the area has always captivated me. Here are some photos from that day-

Unloved would be an understatement. Been there for a very long time and I didn't see an obvious way to get it there. Maybe it washed down the mountain decades ago?


Looking back to HWY 17 from East Lexington. This part usually fills up in late winter.


Remnants of Black Creek Bridge, part of the now ghost town of Alma, Ca. At one time a thriving stagecoach stop, now entirely under water. Only when the water is low enough can this remaining bridge be seen.

The road around the reservoir is challenging and quick as there are few houses or traffic concerns. Beware of sneaky sheriffs who hide behind bushes near the south end. As you climb elevation toward Santa Cruz, you quickly pass through Holy City, an abandoned cult town that is now unrecognizable. The rest of Old Santa Cruz Highway is very smooth, sparsely traveled, and surrounded by large redwoods. One of my favorite quick jaunts- especially when HWY 17 is packed. Enjoy!

24 Hours of LeMons: THUNDERHILL #2

Words and photos by Warren Madsen
Dec. 2008


Team Santa Cruz Driving While Awesome was at it again- taking on Thunderhill Raceway Park in a new car- a BMW E30 325e- after our Porsche 944 had a rough go at Altamont. Our new entry fit the LeMons requirements perfectly. It had been in a garage fire of questionable intensity. It's side view mirror was bubbled and melted and we found a safety pin holding it's damaged distributor cap and rotor together. There were random singed wires dangling from the underbelly and yet when you looked at it just right, it had the look of a race car.

After installing all safety equipment, we painted it neon green and gave it black stitch marks and called it Frankenbeemer. It seemed fitting for such a burned up and used up car. The real question then was- would it LIVE?

At the start of the race, I was ready to go and strapped in but the car was never as eager. After hiccuping around the track just before the race began, I knew something was very wrong. Just as the green flag dropped, the BMW died and I coasted to the bottom of turn 5. Not a good start. After being towed to the pits, we tinkered endlessly. We assumed it was an electrical issue and finally secured a second computer and performed open heart surgery. That seemed to work as the E30 sprang to life and we were all able to get a turn flying around the track.



Only a matter of time before those nasty electronic gremlins rear their ugly head again...and sure enough, we were waiting for a tow and the car was dead. With help from the Autobahn team and their expertise in all things BMW, we were able to get the car running again but only for very short bursts and eventually we decided to give the tow truck driver a break. Our race was over.

Only much later did we find out the issue- a crank sensor had failed. The computer didn't like that, and the rest is history. Our Frankenbeemer had let us down, but not before we all got a few good laps out at Thunderhill. A tough one to swallow, but I hope we'll be back.