Versatile and compact, campervans have become an essential part of the RV scene. It is easy to see why. They are just the right size for long or short distance travel, overnight accommodation as well as extra space when buying bulky items. Campervans are flexible and adaptable and have become one of the most popular vehicles in Europe. An added advantage is the fact that their compact nature makes them suitable for the narrow winding roads that are so common anywhere you go. Many have even been given names by their owners because they love them so much.
The U.K. in particular has fallen in love with campervans, especially older ones. Research by the Caravan & Motorhome Club indicates that around 75% of owners spent less than £35,000 (or nearly $40,000) buying their beloved van, with over 30% spending less than £10,000 (close to $11,400) – a figure that reflects the reliability of these vans as well as the popularity of retro/vintage styles. A vast majority of these campervans travel far and wide with their owners, with the annual Glastonbury music festival being one of the most popular destinations. Whatever the destination, once parked up, the most popular activities for campervan owners are cycling, walking and surfing. Above all, the key to explaining the popularity of campervans is spontaneity. If you have a campervan, all you have to do is jump in and head off where the mood takes you.
Kate Thompson, head of press and public relations at VW Commercial vehicles U.K. says, “I receive regular correspondence from people (often under 35) who are giving up their jobs and taking themselves and their families off in a campervan to leave the rat race and find a new way of life. Beyond a vehicle, it can enable a change of direction for people and offer new opportunities.”
Just looking at the U.K. alone, the number of campervans in use is staggering. According to the Caravan & Motorhome Club there are currently around 225,000 motorhomes of various sizes in use within the UK. Of these, around 90,000 are specifically Volkswagen campervans of all ages. The Volkswagen campervan has become the byword for vehicles of this kind – particularly one particular version, the VW California. This campervan has become the ‘go-to’ van for a vast range of purposes, especially when seeking bespoke conversions by companies and individuals all over the world. The influence of this particular model extends even further, as its styling and ideas have influenced other campervan manufacturers. It is one of the longest lasting, and reliable of styles. Many industry observers regard the California as being the symbol of the go-anywhere vehicle, making the first vehicle of choice for most campervan enthusiasts.
There can be little doubt as to the impact and popularity of the California on the campervan market. There is even an official worldwide club for owners – the VW California Owners Club, which holds regional meets and events throughout the US, UK and Europe. The Club has become the number one resource for information on any aspect of the VW California vehicles.
The exclusive California 30 Years is limited to 999 vehicles, with only 30 being offered in the UK. [Photo/VW UK]
Since its introduction in 1988, the California has become the default choice for campervan owners. Practical, efficient and reliable, its design was based on the chassis of a T3 Transporter. Over 157,000 California Campervans have been sold. The California was initially built by Westphalia, VW’s official motorhome manufacturer. Following Westphalia’s purchase by DaimlerChrysler in 2001, VW decided to take production under its control and soon after moved the California production line to its own factory in Limmer, Hanover, Germany. The current California T6 was launched in the summer of 2015, and has been a massive success. A record 15,155 California vans were sold last year, while in summer the Grand California made its debut at Dusseldorf’s Caravan Salon. In May 2018, the Volkswagen’s Hanover factory produced its 100,000th California campervan. Combined with the original production figures from the Westphalia production line, it means that over 160,000 California vans have been built since 1988, making it one of the longest established vehicles of its kind.
Over the years, the sheer versatility of the VW California has lent itself to all manner of conversions, alterations and layouts. From a simple fit out with sleeping berths and basic catering compartments, to sporting multi purpose conversions, mobile offices, or mobile coffee provisions. VW California campers have been put to a vast range of tasks and covered millions of miles through every type of environment possible. Wherever you go in the world, it is instantly recognizable.
It is one of the most popular vehicles used by street food traders throughout Europe, as it is easy to convert into a small food production area with a drop-down window enabling food to be served to the public. Retro camper vans are particularly popular for this purpose. Relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, they are instantly identifiable by potential customers and give a new business an instant cachet. According to the Streetfood organization, the more unusual the vehicle, the more likely you are to get a site. VW Campers have curbside appeal, standing proudly beside converted Airstreams and Routemaster buses in the street food line up. VW campervans are providing many entrepreneurs and young business owners a step into business life.
In fact, within Europe as a whole, the development of VW campervans over the past thirty years has had such an impact that it has led to the creation of a massive sub-section of the campervan industry focusing on converting campervans. A quick Google search reveals the existence of hundreds of companies creating bespoke conversions, or having checklists of potential add-on’s/alterations that can be made to an existing vehicle or first time purchase.
To celebrate three decades of California campervan manufacture, Volkswagen have created the most exclusive, special edition ever produced - the California 30 Years. Prospective owners have to be very quick (and lucky) to get one. The total production run is limited to just 999 vans. Once that last van is produced, that will be the end of the special edition version. Individual markets worldwide are only being allowed a set number of special edition California vans – the exact amount varies from region to region. As a result, it has already become a collectors item!
Cabinet interior decor of the California 30 years in bright wood. [Photo/VW UK]
So what makes this special edition so exclusive? It is not just the fact that there is a very limited number of vans being produced; it also reflects the type of features included or available as extras. This is not just a top of the range van, it goes beyond that description to make it incredibly luxurious.
The VW California has been designed to provide five star luxury throughout. The actual construction is based on the range topping California Ocean model, while a lot of additional items and bespoke design features have been included to create the California 30 Years version. All the vehicles in the production run come with a unique numbered badge on the B pillar, reflecting its limited number status. A kitchen unit finished in a ‘bright wood’ motif comes as standard. There is LED lighting throughout the pop-up roof, tailgate, kitchen unit, outdoor shower hookup, plus auxiliary heating that can be instantly adjusted via the vehicle control system or by a remote control. Other features include full LED headlamps with cleaning system, fold-in heated side view mirrors, a removable tow bar and contrast roof and wing mirrors finished in either Reflex Silver or Indium Grey metallic. In addition, a brand new color is being made available – Turmeric Yellow – which has been introduced specifically for the California range.
Inside the California 30, owners benefit from the use of Volkswagen’s intuitive Discover Media Navigation Pro infotainment system as standard, along with front and rear parking sensors, lane change assist, side scan, cruise control and heated front seats. Also included is an App-Connect system, allowing owners to access and use music, mapping and other apps on the dashboard via a compatible smartphone.
As if that is not enough, there is a choice of three different engine and drivetrain combinations: power outputs from the 2.0 litre TDI engine are either 150 or 199 PS and all have a seven speed DSI gearbox. The range topping 199PS version of the California 30 even has 4MOTION four wheel drive.
And the price? Expect to pay at least $82,800 for the most basic model.
The only drawback for Americans is that VW doesn’t sell new California vans in the US, which means having to wait for a resale version to come on the market and importing it. American expatriates have a much greater chance of getting their hands on one. Having said that, there is high demand worldwide for the California 30. Prospective owners are being encouraged to order well in advance of a vehicle actually being produced in order to capture one of the limited numbers available in their country. The U.K., for example, has been given a quota of just 30 'California 30' vehicles.