Vehicle Profile; Auto-Sleeper Rambler on Talbot chassis

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 the 80s had very distinctive exterior graphics, clearly visible in both pictures above.

The picture above shows the Talbot cab, somewhat dated by modern standards, but these vehicles are a delight to drive, even today. The cab seats on the Rambler were designed to lay flat, and were incorporated into the double bed, something of a fiddly process using a myriad of cushions!

The two pictures above show the rear seating, which, together with the front seats make the double bed; once you get all the cushions in the right place.

A further bed is seen above within the high-top roof, made up by utilising the boards in the picture; given its restrictive size, this bed was only really suitable for two small(ish) children.

The picture above shows the vehicle interior as seen from the rear kitchen area; the long settee-style seat on the right could also be made into a single, forward-facing seat (no rear seat belts fitted in the Rambler).

View of the interior/rear, as seen from the driver's seat. Full kitchen area, with oven, ample storage cupboards at base and eye level, plus sink/drainer (with pumped hot & cold water). Large wardrobe at rear with toilet/washroom/shower opposite.

Sink, drainer, 3-way fridge and further storage.

Hot water boiler housed above the wardrobe.

View of the corner washroom/toilet/shower.

Nice touch; pull out wine rack to the side of the wardrobe.

A Talbot Express Rambler still represents a very useful touring van, despite its advancing years; parts are still quite plentiful, and the fairly basic mechanics means that they are fairly easy to work on. They suffer from rust problems around the windscreen area (due to blocked drainage pipes), wheel arches and bottoms of all doors. They are prone to exhaust manifold leaks, so listen carefully for any blowing in this area, situated in-line with windscreen with the bonnet raised. As a price guide in the UK, then £2000 will still buy an example requiring plenty of work, whereas £3500+ should buy you a pretty decent 'van; but of course the golden rule applies- 'Buyer beware'!