[RWebb]

Normy - the Vanagon met US passenger car safety stds. when it was new - very unusual for a light truck. It has a very strong safety beam structure in the front end and makes an excellent battering ram.

OK - the OP does not want a Ford camper conversion van b/c too large; does not want a mini-van b/c of the space configuration, yet wants more power than a stock Vanagon or early EV - is that right??

2 choices -- EV with VR-6 motor
or a Vanagon with a more powerful engine swap - the fastest is a Subaru 6 cyl SVX - not cheap and who is going to maintain it? IIRC< Smallcar in Seattle will do the swap.