Volkswagen California 30 Years: prices, specification and on-sale date

Volkswagen is celebrating 30 years of the Volkswagen California camper van with the release of a limited edition California ‘30 Years’ model. Only 999 examples are set to be built, and prices start at £64,307.

Today's California follows in the footsteps of its iconic air-cooled predecessors such as the angular T3 in the image above, which has long been associated by many with beaches, breaking waves and sun-kissed surfers. Naturally, the latest version is rather more up-to-date than the iconic VW camper vans of the past, allowing today’s adventurers to take many of the comforts of home with them.

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The 30 Years is based on the top-of-the-range California Ocean model, which has a permanent kitchen installation, full interior lighting and an external shower connection. To this, it adds full LED headlamps, a removable towbar, and a roof and mirror covers finished in either reflex silver or indium grey metallic paint to contrast with the main body colour. The range of hues available has been increased with a new Turmeric Yellow shade that debuts on the 30 Years.

Volkswagen's top Discover Media Navigation Pro infotainment system is standard, with 3D mapping and App-Connect, a system that allows smartphone applications to be accessed via the infotainment controls. Heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors are standard too.

With only 999 set to be built, a numbered plaque on the roof pillar will indicate where each 30 Years example came in the production run. VW expects demand to be strong. Order books are open now, with prices starting at £64,307 for the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and front-wheel drive, or £70,629 for the 196bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 4MOTION four-wheel drive.