Exhibit 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration pertaining to
the Transamerica Corporation 1995 Performance Stock Option Plan of our report
dated January 23, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedules of Transamerica Corporation included and incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31,
1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


San Francisco, California
August 3, 1998