Auto-Sleeper Harmony; Talbot Express/Fiat Ducato

 

Talbot Express, Auto-Sleeper Harmony

The Harmony campervan was a hightop model from the 1980s and early 90s based on the Talbot Express/Fiat Ducato van. This was a 2+2 berth example, with a double bed below and two children sleeping area in the roof. The upper bed was made up using sliding board sections with a foam covering, only really suitable for children or perhaps one small(ish) adult. There were opening windows either side of the roof (with fitted curtains), and a 12v light.

This was a five door model, with cab doors, side sliding door, and two rear opening doors. Most examples were fitted with the 1.9lt petrol engine, with a diesel motor as an option. The Harmony exterior had the distinctive Auto-Sleeper stripe graphics in navy blue with gold and white pinstripes. Sliding windows fitted to either side, with a decorative plastic panel to the rear section (as seen above).

In addition to the two cab seats, there were a pair of forward-facing seats in the rear (as seen above), and these seats could convert into two side benches for dining, with a table in between. At night, these seats, with the aid of fold-out wooden supports, would form the double bed base. This would still leave access to the rear kitchen facilities, and to the rear-corner toilet/washroom.

The seats can be seen above formed into the two side benches, with the passenger seats turned around for further seating. It was also possible to put the two cab seats in a lay-flat position so that two single beds could be formed. Note the location in the floor for the island-leg table.

There was also the option of two small dining tables, as seen above, with tables secured inside the wardrobe when not in use.

Toilet/washroom/shower located in the rear corner of the vehicle. Toilet was the cassette style, with emptying access hatch on the exterior. The washroom also featured a shower, wash basin and a vanity storage unit. Hot water to the shower and basin supplied via a gas boiler located above the wardrobe. There was a waste water tank located under the vehicle floor, in addition to a fresh water supply tank.

Seen above are the wardrobe, gas boiler cupboard, and the washroom/toilet to the rear corner. On the right, the gas hob with stainless-steel protective sides and rear.

The transverse-mounted petrol engine in the Talbot/Fiat, with spare wheel-Tyre mounted in this area.

Fiamma make a rear cycle carrier for the Talbot/Fiat, plus a roof-mounted pull-out side awning; both on display here.

There are a couple of excellent owners clubs for Talbot Express'

Talbot EXPRESS Owners Club & Forum - Citroen C25 / MK1 Fiat Ducato / Peugeot J5 WELCOME! (talbotoc.com)

 

index (asoc.uk.com)

Welcome to the Classic Camper Club | The Club for Old Camper Vans

There are also several groups located on Facebook which cater for the Talbot, including those offering spares both new and used.