"Syncro" is a model of VW Vanagon that comes with four wheel drive. In the picture, between the blue rails, you can see the driveshaft running from the transaxle forward to the front differential.
The VW Vanagon Syncro technology provides power to the front wheels if the rear wheels start to slip, the power provided in proportion to the amount of slippage that the rear wheels are experiencing.
The key to the Syncro system is a viscous coupling in the front differential. It's a pretty effective system, which is why after 17 years after VW stopped exporting Vanagon Syncros to the US, they are still incredibly popular. A VW Syncro Vanagon in decent shape costs nearly as much now as it did new.
The VW Vanagon Syncros were actually built under contract in Graz, Austria by Steyr-Daimler-Puch [which is now owned by General Dynamics], a company well-known for building military vehicles. There are VW Vanagon Syncro clubs all over the world. It has almost a cult following.
Great Syncro video on Youtube
Is this your first Four Wheel Drive vehicle?
Not hardly! I've owned an International Scout, and a 4WD Ford F-250, as well as the Subaru Outback that I use a daily driver.
Dad started the trend. In 1968, he bought a 1948 Willys Jeep CJ-2A, and it has been in my family ever since. My youngest brother Dan has owned it for the past 20 years, and has restored it magnificently.
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