VW California bucket seat guide
T5 and T6 campervan
Corbeau and Cobra both confirm direct fit frames for the California, and the seat range on this page leans toward Recaro’s touring and long-distance options rather than pure FIA competition shells, which reflects what this vehicle is actually built for.
No roll cage appears in the catalogue for the California, which is expected on a campervan rather than a car built for the track.
- Corbeau direct fit frame, £289.50, confirmed for the California
- Cobra direct fit frame, £90.83, also confirmed for the California
- The Recaro Sportster CS and Cross Sportster CS with Side Airbag keep the factory side airbag function working
- The Sparco SPX at £2,346.49 is the premium reclining option on this page
- No roll cage is currently confirmed for the California, expected on a campervan rather than a track car
- All FIA harnesses carry a stamped expiry date that ends their competition life regardless of wear
The fitting frame
Corbeau confirm a direct fit frame for the California at £289.50. Cobra offer their own at £90.83. Both bolt to the factory floor mounting points.
The fitting kit
Choose one frame, not both.
- Corbeau direct fit frame, £289.50, California
- Cobra direct fit frame, £90.83, California
- Recaro FIA Steel Side Mount Brackets to fit Pro Racer SPG, £155.00
- Recaro FIA Steel Side Mount Brackets for Profi SPG/SPA and Pro-Racer, £160.00
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FIA competition bucket seats
The Recaro Profi SPG at £985.00 is a full FIA motorsport bucket seat if the build is heading toward competition use. The Pole Position with ABE at £866.25 is road legal with type approval, the more likely choice for a touring vehicle. The Pole Position 2018 Edition at £1,205.40 and the Classic Pole Position ABE at £1,816.50 sit further up the range.
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Reclining sport seats
For a California doing what it is built for, long journeys and time spent parked up, the Recaro Sportster CS with Side Airbag at £1,782.90 and the Cross Sportster CS with Side Airbag at £1,779.75 keep the factory safety systems intact, which matters for insurance and MOT purposes. The Corbeau Sportline RRS Elite at £600.00 and the Cobra Le Mans at £515.83 are more affordable alternatives. The Sparco R100 Martini Racing at £291.66 sits at the entry point, and the Sparco SPX at £2,346.49 is the premium option on this page.
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Our recommendationKeep the side airbag if the van needs an MOT and insurance sign-off
The Sportster CS and Cross Sportster CS with Side Airbag are the seats to start with if you want to keep the factory safety systems intact. Cameron works out the fit and the best combination for a given campervan, so tell him how it is used and he will point you at the right one.
Harnesses
There is no harness made specifically for the California, so you are fitting a universal belt and working out the mounting yourself. With no cage currently confirmed for this vehicle, a bolt-in harness bar or a fabricated anchor point is the usual route if a harness is genuinely needed.
The Schroth Profi 3×2 at £370 and the TRS Magnum 6 Point Superlite at £245.00 are both FIA 8853-2016. The TRS Magnum 4 Point at £139 is FIA 8854-1998. All three carry a stamped expiry date regardless of wear. For road use, the Takata Drift II and III and the TRS Clubman belts cost less, though none of those four are HANS compatible.
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Our recommendationConfirm the anchor before the belt
With no cage confirmed for this vehicle, tell us what is behind the seats now and what the California is used for, and we will tell you what the shoulder straps can anchor to before you spend anything on the belt.
Roll cages
No roll cage is currently confirmed for the California. As a touring campervan rather than a car built for competition, this gap is expected. If you need one, ask us and we will check what is available.
What fits what
All seats below fit the California on the Corbeau or Cobra frame.
| Seat | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recaro Profi SPG | FIA competition | £985.00 |
| Recaro Pole Position with ABE | Road legal, type approved | £866.25 |
| Recaro Sportster CS with Side Airbag | Reclining, keeps side airbag | £1,782.90 |
| Recaro Cross Sportster CS with Side Airbag | Reclining, keeps side airbag | £1,779.75 |
| Corbeau Sportline RRS Elite | Reclining seat | £600.00 |
| Cobra Le Mans | Reclining seat | £515.83 |
Common questions
Which frame does the California need?
Corbeau confirm one at £289.50 and Cobra at £90.83. Choose either one, both bolt to the factory floor mounting points.
Is there a roll cage for the California?
Not currently. As a touring campervan rather than a car built for competition, this is an expected gap. Ask us if you need one.
Which seat keeps the factory side airbag working?
The Recaro Sportster CS and Cross Sportster CS with Side Airbag are both built to keep that system functional, which matters for MOT and insurance purposes.
Which harness should I buy?
For FIA competition, the Schroth Profi 3×2 at £370 and the TRS Magnum 6 Point Superlite at £245.00 both meet 8853-2016, and the TRS Magnum 4 Point at £139 meets 8854-1998. For road use, the Takata Drift II and III and the TRS Clubman belts cost less but are not HANS compatible.
More help
If you want the frame confirmed against your specific vehicle, or want us to check whether a cage or harness anchor solution exists, the contact link is the quickest way to get it looked at.
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