Production of the Volkswagen T5 Transporter began in 2003, this one is fitted with a 170 hp turbo diesel engine.
In 2001 Mercedes Benz bought out VW's preferred camper van outfitter Westfalia leading VW to decide to design it's own camper around the popular Transporter platform. VW call their camper the 'California' a name that was first used by Westfalia in connection with a VW camper in 1988.
launched in 2005 the California comes with an electro-hydraulic operated elevating roof, space for two beds, kitchen sink two burner gas hob, fridge and two kitchen cupboards with integrated drawers. Among a long list of options is the VW 4 motion all wheel drive system.
With Ford knocking on Ferrari's lawyers doors with respect to the use of the F 150 name I wonder if Ferrari will ever be knocking on the VW's lawyers doors with respect to the California name ?
Unfortunately thanks to a US 'chicken tax' on imported light trucks, which the already expensive T5 is classed as, you are not ever likely to see a VW California in the State from which it takes it's name, the California is so expensive, £40,000 / $64,000 that only around 300 a year are thought to be imported into the UK.
Fancy seeing why the VW T5 is so highly rated in the UK ? Check out these two advert free clips of the T5 going head to head with the A Team van and over a timed run against the a much more powerful 204 hp Brabus (!) Mercedes Vito Sport X.
Hope you have enjoyed a couple of days in the California Sunshine wishing all readers of 'Gettin' a lil' psycho on tyres' a relaxing weekend, don't forget to come back now !
