VW California | The story behind Volkswagen's legendary camper brand

[@martyngarner7961]

Got a t6 ocean. Best thing I ever owned. Had it 4 years now and it's been a staycation life saver taking me away many many times when otherwise it would be stuck at home. Get one of these. You won't regret it.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Agree! V-dub freedom even more appreciated than usual!

[@bugnut82]

Excellent video! I have been an aircooled VW guy all my life. I just bought my first "modern VW" a 1993 Eurovan weekender. Let's just say that I have never loved a vehicle more than this one. Even though I spent way too much time working on it because it sat for a long time before I bought it. It is such a joy to drive. I am addicted to the van style now for sure

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Not surprised youve bonded after pouring all that attention into it. Enjoy the results.

[@MarcusTDM]

I’d love a California. Not even choosy, any of them would do! Great video.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

I really liked the look of somehow the older models. Had no idea how many there had been

[@PedroJaimeObrien]

@@Thecampervanchannel id love a vw t25 california my aunt had a vw t25 but the sliding door was on the uk side

Those T3 Californias were the former US standard VW Vanagon Campers except the fang instead of the luggage rack. That is where the name came from IMO And the Atlantic was the successor of the euro full spec Joker. Both were the result of a model reduction act near the end of a model cycle. BTW good vid!

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Great info. Many thanks

[@vwkombiman]

Brilliant film and best we have seen. We have been fortunate to visit the California Fertigung in the Südfeldstrasse and Production is very impressive. We finally have the California in Australia after much effort as we require the left hand sliding door to meet the Australian Design Rules. We receive very up-spec California Beach models with top spec 199PS 4motion with all the trimmings :) Keep up the good work! Cheers Mark and the team at KombiLife Australia

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Great to hear from you! Thanks so much for getting in touch.

[@jeffpsaila4647]

It would be nice if we could get the Ocean here in Australia.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

You are very welcome.... glad you enjoyed. Feel free to share. Would be great to have more Australian viewers. Have fun!

[@cheshirehomebrew]

Just watching this in my T5,Gotta love VW Campervans. 👍

[@Thecampervanchannel]

What better place!

[@pauldude1641]

I had a 1990 Atlantic loved it!

[@Thecampervanchannel]

We're touring in Scandanavia at the moment and very pleased tonsee how many of the okder Calis are still in use! Weve spotted several T3/T25 originals. Clearly the climate here is kinder than you might think!

[@martinzone]

Hi! May i ask where did you get the official VW photos? Searched around but couldn't find any..

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Hi. Photos are from the official VW press office/media centres in the UK and Hanover, Germany. They have a great collection which can be used in the right circumatances ... with permissions etc.

[@vierten]

My T4 California is 30 years old this year.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Fantastic. Congrats. Trust there will be a party!

[@GuideauxPelagos]

Just found this channel. Great stuff. I sold my house and the T4 is coming next week! I think Ill be watching some more videos. Cheers. :-)

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Good move. With a T4... who needs a house ;-)

[@GuideauxPelagos]

@@Thecampervanchannel at least for the next year it'll be just that. I cannot wait! :-) Never really campervanned before so it'll be an adventure.

[@DougGriffin]

It's a shame that the VW camper story has ended in the Americas except as a collector vehicle. Love my '86 Westie, but if I ever have to move on to something newer, VW has given this hemisphere the finger.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

As a Brit, I was really surprised to find out you didn't get anything beyond the Eurovan. Shame when the early models were so much part of the culture

I think it was not only VW's decision. The US DOT and customs regulations were made so strict as VW had to leave the market.

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

@ I am looking for a t4 california

[@MrNurdler]

I still think the original T3 has never been bettered. The way it’s laid out inside is so clever and the quality of the cabinetry is that of a motor yacht. If you get one with a night heater and a uprated 1.9 tdi engine then you have the perfect camper. But the rust in most of them now will mean you will spend all your summers welding filling and chasing rot. If you can find one that has been looked after and the rust has been done then you will have a great investment that in 10 years will be worth double what you will pay now.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Can the rot ever be sorted....if its tackled properly? Just wondered if anyone has stopped it or whether it always finds a way back?

[@TheDyrehauge]

@@Thecampervanchannel if u cut of bad part, replace it with new metal, then treat it with paint, it should keep it away, new spots will always appear because of small damage from Stones, etc

[@wimvanesbroeck6772]

According to ChatGPT: To convert 50,000 Deutschmarks from 1993 to dollars at current rates, we first need to determine the exchange rate at that time. According to historical data, the average exchange rate of DM to USD in 1993 was about 1.6 DM to 1 USD. Therefore, 50,000 DM would have been worth around $31,250 USD in 1993. To adjust for inflation, we need to use an inflation calculator. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the inflation rate from 1993 to 2023 has been around 85.3%. Using this rate, we can calculate the inflation-adjusted value of 50,000 DM from 1993: 50,000 DM in 1993 = $31,250 USD 85.3% inflation from 1993 to 2023 = 1.853 $31,250 x 1.853 = $57,900.625 Therefore, accounting for both exchange rate and inflation, 50,000 Deutschmarks from 1993 would be worth approximately $57,900.625 USD in 2023.

[@Thecampervanchannel]

Astounding. Thank you.