EXHIBIT-23





                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos.  33-3722,  33-26317,  33-43927,  33-55587,  33-64221,  333-23945,
333-61055 and 333-70557 and Form S-3 Nos. 33-32419, 33-37889, 33-41008, 33-55047
and 33-63049)  and related  Prospectuses,  of  Transamerica  Corporation  of our
report  dated  January  22,  1999 with  respect  to the  consolidated  financial
statements  and schedules of  Transamerica  Corporation  included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.




                                                      ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Francisco, California
March 24, 1999