Volkswagen CALIFORNIA
5 models in this series
Volkswagen California – the factory camper conversion of the Transporter since 1988: Beach, Coach and Syncro four-wheel-drive versions, 2.0 to 2.5-litre displacement, kerb weight 2,070 to 2,505 kg
California is the factory camper version of the Volkswagen Transporter, built by Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge in Hanover since 1988, first on the T3 and then on every subsequent Transporter generation, with a pop-up roof, kitchen unit and sleeping accommodation inside. The model suffixes mark different equipment levels: Beach offers a bench seat and table without a fixed kitchen unit, while plain California and Coach carry the full camper equipment with kitchen, fridge and pop-up roof; Generation Syncro denotes models with the permanent Syncro four-wheel drive, and Wahlweise Atlantic is a special-equipment line.
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The register lists 5 versions here with displacements from 1,968 to 2,461 cm³, four to five cylinders, kerb weights from 2,070 to 2,505 kg, gross vehicle weights from 2,810 to 3,080 kg, lengths from 4,900 to 4,960 mm and widths from 1,840 to 2,000 mm.
The California is regarded as the benchmark among factory campers and is regularly used by independent converters such as Westfalia or Reimo as a reference for their own conversions on the same Transporter chassis; it appeals to travellers seeking a bus suitable for everyday use, with registration advantages over larger motorhomes.
On used California models, the seals of the pop-up roof and windows, the condition of the fridge, gas system and water pump, the function of the leisure battery, and on Syncro versions the condition of the viscous coupling all matter; chassis and mechanical parts run through the VW trade, camping equipment parts through specialist workshops.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Volkswagen California, Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge
Models compared
5 of 5 models.
| CALIFORNIA1991-2023 | CALIFORNIA BEACH2019-2024 | CALIFORNIA COACH1997 | CALIFORNIA GENERATION SYNCRO2001 | CALIFORNIA WAHLW. ATLANTIC1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinders | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Displacement | 2,461 cm³ | 1,968 cm³ | 2,461 cm³ | 2,461 cm³ | 2,370 cm³ |
| Top speed | 199 km/h | 199 km/h | – | – | – |
| Wheelbase | 3,330 mm | 3,000 mm | 2,920 mm | 2,920 mm | 3,320 mm |
| Length | 4,900 mm | 4,960 mm | – | – | – |
| Width | 2,000 mm | 1,900 mm | 1,840 mm | 1,860 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Unladen weight | 2,505 kg | 2,387 kg | 2,070 kg | 2,330 kg | 2,164 kg |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,080 kg | 3,080 kg | 2,810 kg | 2,890 kg | 2,810 kg |
Models
Van in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
CALIFORNIA
The Volkswagen CALIFORNIA belongs to the CALIFORNIA series. Production: 1991-2023. The engine has 5 cylinders, with...
CALIFORNIA BEACH
The Volkswagen CALIFORNIA BEACH is a model in the CALIFORNIA series. Production: 2019-2024. The engine has 4...
CALIFORNIA COACH
With the CALIFORNIA COACH, Volkswagen offers a model from the CALIFORNIA series. Production: 1997. The engine has 5...
CALIFORNIA GENERATION SYNCRO
The CALIFORNIA GENERATION SYNCRO from Volkswagen is part of the CALIFORNIA series. Production: 2001. The engine has...
CALIFORNIA WAHLW. ATLANTIC
The CALIFORNIA series from Volkswagen includes the CALIFORNIA WAHLW. ATLANTIC. Production: 1994. The engine has 5...
