camperfanatic

Someone asked recently if I could feature a few more 'profiles' on specific 'vans; and after a quick flick through my files, I stumbled upon an awful lot of Talbot Rambler pics, so what better place to start. The Rambler was a popular high-top van conversion by Auto-Sleeper of Worcestershire UK (they remain Britain's longest running converters). Based on the Talbot Express van, 2lt petrol, which was in production until 1994 (also in Citroen, Peugeot & Fiat derivatives). Fitted with a spacious high-top, the Rambler was a five door model, so plenty of access, and the sliding side door allowed for a drive-away awning to be fitted to either side or rear of 'van. The example on display here also had a pull-out side awning fitted (see above), and of course a Fiamma privacy room can be attached/zipped onto this. This picture also illustrates the small sliding windows to the high-top roof, and 240v inlet flap toward the rear quarter. Auto-Sleeper conversions of th...

Vanlife culture has quickly become a modern phenomenon, as the young and not so young look to new adventures and the escapism provided by a home on wheels. Those who convert their own nomadic vehicle, seek inspiration from a variety of sources, including social media, magazines and by looking inside as many vans as they possibly can. With this in mind I thought that I would draw upon my vast photographic and magazine/brochure archive to provide a few interior snapshots of vans from a bygone era. Auto-Sleepers in the UK have been producing quality motorhomes/campervans since 1961; seen here is their classic campervan layout inside the Bedford CF. The Autohome/Motorhome was introduced in 1971 by CI/Autohomes. A living 'module' which was constructed independently of the vehicle, and then fixed to the chassis once completed. Vehicles used included the Bedford CF, Ford Transit MKI and the Commer. The beautifully hand-crafted wooden interior of the Jennings Roadranger, by...

I've written for a few magazines in the UK over the years, and some time ago a reader (realising I was heavily into retro/classic campervans) sent me a copy of an old paperback book (which he wanted returning), together with a selection of photographs he had taken. The photographs depicted an old Cotswold motorhome (British conversion and chassis) which was sitting in a scrap/breakers yard somewhere in Devon, England. The old Cotswold motorhome looked to be in a very sorry state, with parts missing, though the general bodywork looked quite sound and surely restorable. The accompanying letter with the book and photographs made it clear that the author of the said letter had indeed tried in vain to purchase the Cotswold motorhome from the owners of the yard, who insisted that it had to be crushed, and as far as I'm aware, that is exactly what happened. The three pictures above show the Austin Cotswold motorhome sitting in a Devon scrapyard prior to its disposal. (I'm s...