For 30 years, the Volkswagen California has been the poster child camper van for anti-cubicle, ultimate road trip adventures. A true traveller’s van that’s aged gracefully over the past three decades. Initially built by Westfalia, when first arriving in 1988, VW took the California reigns shortly after, taking production in-house in Hannover with the production of the T5 model. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got this gorgeous stunner blending all the charm with the latest tech and features for modern travellers.
Only 999 Units of the California 30 Years Produced
VW’s special edition 30 Year is a “very special gift,” according to the German automaker; we’re sure van lifers everywhere would agree. However, with only 999 units available (with our UK friends receiving 30), you likely won’t see this rarity gracing campgrounds soon. Each unit sports a nifty little badge displaying the production number.
This California camper’s styling retains that beautiful, boxy shape you’d expect from VW, rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels in anthracite or silver. The aluminum pop-up opens the cabin space with expanding bellows, converting it into sleeping quarters when the sun goes down.
Special Edition VW Camper with Loads of Standard Features
Drive Assist
Unlike the original T3, today’s models make driving dynamics and handling more of a priority. Every California 30 Years gets Drive Assist as standard, adding LED rear lights, parking sensors both front and back, a Lights & Vision package, and lane monitoring for those long highway drives. You won’t be able to traverse insane mountain cliffs like these other adventure vehicles, but nor should you. This special edition is about the journey wrapped in a modern tech, safe, and comfortable package.
Improved visibility with Lights and Vision package
The Lights & Vision package isn’t a hippy rave upgrade with strobe lights and disco ball (though that would be alright with us). The feature seeks to improve overall visibility with rain-activated windscreen wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror for those annoying headlights on the road, and front headlights illuminating the path to and from the vehicle for added security at night.
Interior: Camper bed levels up with standard Tour Package
Comfort and camper van go hand in hand, right? Expect this add-on to provide a good night’s rest with a sleeping pad to level the bed, folding up quickly when necessary. Plus, a magnetic torch is in the mix for added light and security. The Tour Package adds a detectable hitch for optional trailer duties.
For those hot days, the California 30 Years lets you rinse off with an external shower via an exterior connection linked to the onboard fresh water reservoir at the back of the van.
Heating duties
An auxiliary heater featuring a programmable supplementary heating system for winter treks or cooler nights comes standard to warm up the cabin. Double-glazed windows, also standard, will keep things toasty inside as well.
Camper storage
Smart storage designed for sufficient cargo in compact spaces is tough to pull off. But this is where the VW camper van’s German ingenuity has set the popular caravan apart. This edition finds cupboard and shelf installations that are easily accessible through a door and roller shutter, all located at the rear segment of the living space.
All the cabinet decor comes in Bright Wood for a more cozy vibe.
Volkswagen California 30 Years Camper Availability
Again, the VW California 30 Years Edition Camper Van is a rarity, with only 999 global units being available. And to make matters worse for us North Americans, California isn’t for sale in this part of the world. Our 2016 VW California piece from four years ago is still one of our most popular, with the same question being asked: Where can I buy one, and how much? Sorry guys. But suppose a special edition California isn’t in the cards. In that case, you’ve got options like the recently released Crafter Grand California featured here at New Atlas or the 2018 Volkswagen Grand California.
