The Volkswagen Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Model History

In 1996 the VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach model was introduced. The Westfalia California Beach was a special  limited edition bus (believed to be 500 vehicles made). The Westfalia California Beach was available in poptop version only. The basic model equipment was the same as the 1996 California Coach but it also had some extra equipment fitted as standard and was available in only three exterior colours. The base vehicle for the VW California Beach was the short wheel base “long nose” version of the VW T4 Transporter.

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1) 1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper engine options and approx price (inclusive tax when new in standard form):

From 09/1996 (1997 model year) price list. Prices are in German Deutschmark:

California Beach with Poptop Roof:

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder, 85 KW (115 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 62,428 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder, 85 KW (115 PS), Automatic Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 65,694 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.8 litre VR6, 6 cylinder, 103 KW (140 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 67,430 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.8 litre VR6, 6 cylinder, 103 KW (140 PS), Automatic Gearbox,  load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 70,696 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Diesel Motor 2.4 litre, 5 cylinder, 57 KW (78 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 60,214 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Diesel Motor 1.9 litre Turbo-D Kat, 4 cylinder, 50 KW (68 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2785 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 58,777 DM

Volkswagen California Coach Diesel Motor 2.5 litre Turbo-D Kat, 5 cylinder, 75 KW (102 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 63,952 DM

California Beach with Poptop Roof And Climate Control and Night Heater:

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder, 85 KW (115 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 70,236 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder, 85 KW (115 PS), Automatic Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 73,393 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.8 litre VR6, 6 cylinder, 103 KW (140 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 73,755 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Petrol Otto Kat Motor 2.8 litre VR6, 6 cylinder, 103 KW (140 PS), Automatic Gearbox,  load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 77,021 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Diesel Motor 2.4 litre, 5 cylinder, 57 KW (78 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 67,913 DM

Volkswagen California Beach Diesel Motor 2.5 litre Turbo-D Kat, 5 cylinder, 75 KW (102 PS), 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2920 mm, 71,403 DM

2) 1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Colour Options

The VW Westfalia California Beach Camper was available in 3 colours.

X8 Friesian Green (LL6T) (Friesengrün)

E9 Island Blue Metallic (LL5Z) (Islandblau Metallic)

W7  Dragon Green Pearl Effect (LC6P) (Dragongreen Perleffekt)

3) 1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Furniture Specification

The 1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper layout consisted of:

1) Swivel Seats.

2) Table.

3) Slideable Seat.

4) Sink.

5) Gas cooker, removable.

6) Compressor fridge.

7) Wardrobe (upper) / Auxiliary battery (lower).

8) Bed extension (upper) / Luggage compartment (lower).

9) Storage (upper) / Cubby hole for gas bottle (lower).

10) Freshwater tank (lower).

1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Interior Photos

The Volkswagen Westfalia California Beach camper had beech wood finish furniture with green handles. The upholstery was a light beige / multicoloured  patterned fabric called “Beach” design (TB).

4) 1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Upholstery Specification

The upholstery material in the VW Westfalia T4 California Beach camper for driver, passenger and rear seat / bed was a light beige / multicoloured  patterned fabric called “Beach” design (TB).

The curtains for sides and rear in the VW Westfalia T4 California Beach camper were beige.

5) 1996 - 1997 Volkswagen Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Pop Top Roof Specification

The pop top roof outside finish for the VW Westfalia California Beach Camper was in the same colour as the vehicle.

The inside headroom of the vehicle with poptop was 135 cm.

Upper bed in poptop is 184 cm x 106 cm and  bed cushion foam is 4.5 cm thick.

Ventilation window in the front canvas of the pop top with mosquito net.

Vehicle with pop top roof can potentially have sleeping space for four people.

6) 1996 - 1997 Volkswagen Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Flooring and Carpeting Specification

The flooring in the rear of the VW Westfalia T4 California Beach camper was a hard wearing beige PVC material with multi coloured flecks. The step is made from beige plastic.

Beige rubber floor covering in drivers cab. (presumably because it is easier to clean out sand etc from the beach than it would be with carpet).

7) 1996 - 1997 Volkswagen Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Door Trim Specification

Door interior trims made from beige plastic.

8) 1996 - 1997 Volkswagen Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Standard Model Specification

Exterior Dimensions

Length - 4789 mm (short wheelbase).

Width - 1840 mm

Height - Poptop 1990 mm

Windows

Laminated Windscreen in tinted glass.

All windows in tinted glass. (Double glazed windows in rear available at extra price).

Opening window (plastic double glazed) in front left above kitchen opposite the sliding door.

Sliding window (tinted glass) in sliding door.

Curtains

Beige curtains all round for the living and cab area.

Electrical

220 volt External CEE Hook Up socket on the outer wall at the rear left with one internal outlet socket in living area and safety trip cut out.

Automatic battery charger.

Leisure battery 12V 80 Ah (maintenance free) with split charge relay for equipment in living area (freezer / fridge etc). Charged by alternator or battery charger.

Alternator 90 Amp (or 100 Amp for 2.4 litre diesel motor).

12V socket in living area.

Fuses for electrical equipment.

Central electronic control unit in drivers cab above the mirror with LCD display for outside temperature, charge level of the batteries, operating status of the fridge, freshwater / waste water tank levels, push button adjustment for fridge temperature and control of night heater if applicable (depending on vehicle specification).

Halogen headlights with range adjustment.

Two reversing lights.

Rear fog light.

Immobilizer device (for Otto petrol engines).

Preparation for immobilizer device (for diesel engines).

Adjustable instrument panel lights.

Warning light for hand brake, brake circuit failure and brake fluid level.

Windscreen wipers with intermittent, two speed and wash / wipe functions.

Two 11 Watt transistor lights.

One swan neck 5 Watt halogen light.

Living / Bedroom Area

Two person seat bench that slides and folds to make a double bed in conjunction with rear bed cushion.

Rear seat bench has two three point automatic safety belts.

Two headrests in rear seat.

Storage compartment under the seat bank.

Three storage compartments in the seat bank front.

Double bed is 194 cm x 117 cm and bed cushion foam is 8 cm thick.

Wardrobe on the left hand side.

Storage cabinet at the rear left hand side.

Roof storage locker in the rear with a mirror.

Kitchen

The kitchen cupboard is opposite the sliding door with a sink / cooker combination with an adjustable cover, cutlery drawer and storage for tableware and provisions.

Removable gas cooker.

Sink dimensions 27 cm long x 27 cm wide x 12 cm deep. Finished in enamelled steel with single tap (with switch for water pump), flexible hose, and adjustable head for jet and shower.

Removable table (72 cm x 40 cm). Stored in rear seat bench.

Fridge

40 litre Electrolux compressor fridge.

Freshwater and Wastewater

53 litre freshwater tank.

Filled using a rotating neck at the rear.

Emptied outside under the vehicle. Cleaning opening on tank.

Freshwater tank has a submersible pump.

Freshwater line with separate emptying.

27 litre wastewater tank (frost protected inside vehicle). Emptied using tap accessible in kitchen cupboard.

Standard Equipment

Rev counter and digital clock (Standard with TDI and VR6 motor and also with automatic gearbox, optional extra for other models).

Radio / Cassette “Gamma” and 6 loudspeakers (2 in dashboard, 2 in the door pockets and 2 in the rear roof locker).

Front windscreen antenna.

Two swivelling and folding sunvisors.

Make up mirror with light on driver and passenger side sun visor.

Additional storage under the dashboard in the centre.

Central locking.

Interior light with turn off delay.

Electric front windows.

Double tone horn.

Electrically adjustable heated outside mirrors in same colour as vehicle.

Light in the sliding door step.

Bumpers and handle trim on tailgate painted in same colour as vehicle.

Front grill on VR6 version in same colour as vehicle.

“California Beach” lettering.

Power Steering.

Sliding door on right hand side to access living area.

Closed window aperture for the living area at the rear left.

Locking Fuel Cap.

Rear windscreen with rear wash wipe (not when double glazing is specified).

Two front swivel seats with armrests and  height adjustable head rests.

Height adjustable automatic three point safety belts.

Cigarette Lighter.

Ashtray.

Fresh air supply with 4 speed fan.

Heating with mechanical control.

Drivers cab roof is lined.

Dipping rear view mirror.

Inner light (with separate reading light).

Locking storage under dashboard with cup holder / parking coin holder / light on right hand side.

Open storage under dashboard on left hand side.

Storage trough in the dashboard on the right hand side.

Grab handle in roof frame on the right hand side.

Storage pocket on driver and passenger doors.

Child lock on sliding door.

Two warm air vents in living area supplied by engine temp (ie not night heater).

Floor heating vents with plastic safety covers.

Roof inner cladding with integrated curtain rails.

Radio suppression kit to prevent interference.

9) Options available at extra cost included:

There were many options available at extra cost for your Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper. Below is a list of some of them taken from 09/1996 (1997 model year) price list. Prices include tax and are in German Deutschmark:

Towbar. Cost 978 DM

Preparation for fitting of towbar. Cost 213 DM

Anti lock braking system (ABS) (standard on VR6 motor option and the more expensive “Climate and Heating” vehicle option). Cost 1840 DM

Stronger battery (various options dependent on engine spec.). Cost between 72 and 207 DM

Stronger alternator:

120 Amp (standard for 2.5 l TDI, not with 1.9 l turbo diesel, not with more expensive “Climate and Heating” vehicle option). Cost 247 DM

Additional second 90 Amp alternator supplying current to added electrical equipment (not with climate control or 1.9 l turbo diesel motor, not with more expensive “Climate and Heating” vehicle option). Cost 1915 DM 

Rev counter and digital clock (Standard with TDI and VR6 motor and also with automatic gearbox). Cost 247 DM

Cruise control. Cost 851 DM

Night heater:

with timer, including stronger auxiliary battery (135 Ah instead of 80 Ah) outlet only in living area, thermostat and timer in central electronic control unit in central unit in the middle of the dashboard (standard with more expensive “Climate and Heating” vehicle option). Cost 3427 DM

Climate control with mechanical control and vents in drivers cab (only 2.5 l otto, with 5 speed must have 60A battery, with 2.5 l otto, 2.4 l diesel and 2.8 VR6 must have stronger 120 Amp alternator, not with 2.0 l otto or 1.9 l turbo diesel motor, standard with more expensive “Climate and Heating” vehicle option).  Cost 3456 DM

Metallic or pearl effect paint. Cost 2243 DM

Air filter (dust protection) with filter saturation indicator. Cost 253 DM

Front fog lights. Cost 431 DM

Alloy wheels. (7 J x 15 H2). Cost 1127 DM

Wheel trims. Cost 138 DM

All year tyres 205/65 R 15 C 100 T. Cost 76 DM

Mud + Snow tyres 205/65 R 15 C 100 T. Cost 276 DM

Headlight wash / wipe system. Cost 547 DM

Rear mud flaps. Cost 135 DM

Front mud flaps. Cost 135 DM

Front and rear mud flaps. Cost 270 DM

Stabilisers - front (strong) and rear. Cost 495 DM

Anti tamper speedometer (with seal). Cost 53 DM

Underbody protection for extreme conditions. Cost 420 DM

10) Accessories available at extra cost included:

There were many accessories available at extra cost for your Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper. Below is a list of some of them taken from xx/xx price list. Prices include tax and are in German Deutschmark

Coming soon !

11) 1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Front, Side and Rear Logos

VW Westfalia T4 California Beach front, side and rear logos.

12) Links to Volkswagen Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Sales Brochures (Prospekt) and Price Lists (Preisliste)

Please note that some of the links take you to an external site called vwpix.org, which is an excellent source of sales literature for all versions of VW camper van. Most of the brochures are in German language as this was the main market.

1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Sales Brochures Download

September 1996 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (4 Pages Colour).

1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Accessories Download

None yet!

1996 - 1997 VW Westfalia T4 California Beach Camper Price Lists Download

September 1996 VW Westfalia T4 Transporter California Beach Camper Price List Preisliste (4 Pages Colour).

For loads more downloads including Owners User Instruction Manuals, Repair Manuals and Equipment Manuals visit the VW T4 Westfalia Camper Downloads Page ;-)

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