Carry on (Classic) Camping…

The season for camping is very nearly upon us. With that in mind, we’ve trawled through the many, many campers we have for sale on Car & Classic and come up with five options – one for every budget. So come on, let’s hit the road…

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Chris Pollitt

The season for camping is very nearly upon us. With that in mind, we’ve trawled through the many, many campers we have for sale on Car & Classic and come up with five options – one for every budget. So come on, let’s hit the road…

The camper van is a popular holiday solution the world over, however, there are few countries that have embraced it quite as fully as the United Kingdom. We absolutely adore a camper van. Nothing fills us we glee more than driving somewhere picturesque and to spend our time eating burnt sausages before falling asleep in a van with some windows. It’s what we love, and we’re not going to change anytime soon. But why would we? Camper vans offer freedom, they afford us the chance to explore and when the British weather inevitably goes to pot, they keep us warm and dry, which is more than can be said for tents. Yes, camper vans are magnificent.

Here’s grouped together five options, and with this grouping, we’ve satisfied every budgetary need. But don’t think this is it – there are hundreds for sale on Car & Classic, so get browsing if none of these floats your boat.

1)  The Seat Terra Danbury – £2,495

Seat Terra

Danbury has been putting mattresses in the back of vans for over fifty years now, so they’ve become very good at it indeed. What makes Danbury truly special is its open-mindedness when it comes to deciding just what can become a camper. Some people don’t have lots of kids, or dogs, or any possessions. Some people just want a small, easy-to drive camper that they can use for impromptu summer jaunts to the countryside.

That’s where this wonderful Seat Terra comes in. It’s basically a Fiat Panda but with a big back on it. But because it’s a Fiat Panda underneath, it’s light and nimble and with it, an absolute joy to drive. If you drive a car, you can happily drive this little Terra.

The seller admits that it needs a bit of love, with some light corrosion in places. But that’s easy to deal with. The important stuff – the interior, the fold-out bed, the cooking utensils, are all present and correct and ready to be used. Plus, there are only 47,700 miles on the clock, and it has MOT until November 2019. It’s ready to go, and at just £2,495, it’d be rude not to, frankly.

2) The Mercedes-Benz 207D – £3,950

Mercedes Camper

If you want to go camping as a family, you’re going to need something like this 1982 Mercedes-Benz 207D camper. It’s a big old thing, and is more than able to swallow you and your loved ones up for a comfy night’s sleep. A purpose-built camper, it’s four-berth that can consist of a double bed over the cab and a double in the main body, or a double over the cab and two singles in the main body – the choice is yours.

Now, you may look at this and think it’s a bit old and battered. And yes, while the seller does admit that it’s 36 years old, so not in mint condition, you should still take it seriously. The Mercedes-Benz van on which this is based is one of the hardiest, toughest vehicles out there, and that’s still the case if they live a life of neglect.

This one has MOT until November, the MOT history is pleasingly clean, it’s just been serviced, it has four new tyres, new brake shoes and pads and a new radiator. There’s nowhere this won’t take you.

3) The Mk1 Escort Dormobile – £9,995

ford Escort Dormobile

Just look at this gorgeous little thing! If you look at this and don’t fall in love, there’s something wrong with you. It’s a magnificent little camper. Though of course, the operative word there is ‘little’. Much like the Seat Terra above, this Escort is a camper for the couples or the individual rather than the family. It’s simple and with it, basic, but it’s so very charming indeed.

The following for old Fords has never been small, and within that following, the love for the rare and unique is massive. Take this to a campsite or car show, and you’ll be on the receiving end of many an admiring glance. But it’s more than just a pretty thing. The pop-top and cute pop-rear make it a spacious place, the little kitchenette and sink offer a suggestion of home, and the fold-flat rear seats make for a comfy bed.

The big selling point here, however, is the potential for personalisation. The Mk1 Escort scene is huge, and as such, so is the aftermarket parts business. Want some period alloys? Easy. Want to get a bit more power out of the engine? Done. Want to go all out and make a Danbury RS 1600? The only limit is your wallet.

4) The Citröen HY Van – £15,000

Citröen HY

There’s nothing cooler than a Citröen H van, and this one named ‘Sacre Bleu’ is no exception. It didn’t start life as a camper. In fact, the current owner is of the opinion that it started life as a school bus of all things. However, in 1997 it was converted to camper status, and it hasn’t looked back since.

Looking at the pictures, the first word that springs to mind is ‘cosy’. Panelled in wood and with a fixed double bed at the back, it’s a very inviting space. Add in heating, lush carpets, a fridge, cooking equipment and more storage solutions than Ikea and you’re onto a winner. There are boutique hotel rooms that can only dream of being this appealing.

Mechanically, Sacre Bleu is tip-top. The clutch has been converted to electric, the fan has been upgraded to electric, the engine has been recommissioned, the radiator too, and it’s got MOT. The current owner proudly states that he’s personally done 5,000km in it, so we can only assume it’s ready for many more with a new owner.

5) The Volkswagen T2 Westfalia – £37,950

VW T2

Is it even a list of campers without a Volkswagen? Of course not, and we’re not about to buck the trend. Especially when you consider how utter magnificent this particular T2 is. Fully restored by Le Riche in 2013, it’s only covered 900 miles since. That means that while this may be pricey at nearly forty grand, it’s also pretty much brand-new. That’s where your money is going.

Step inside and you’re greeted with new wood fittings, renewed tartan trim, a fridge, the famous ‘rock and roll’ bed and of course, the familiar VW pop-top. It’s simple, clean and ready to go. Looking at the pictures, it’s clear to see that no expense was spared when refurbishing this old Volkswagen. In all honesty, it probably wasn’t this good when it was new.

There’s also a full photographic diary of the restoration to go with it, so you can be sure nothing has been missed. The only consideration is that the air-cooled engine in the T2 isn’t the fastest, so you’ll only ever be going at a leisurely pace. But that’s fine, as you’ll want people to see you driving it!

 

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