Vintage Vans and Motorhomes: a gallery of older RVs and classic campervans

Home » How to Get Started in Van Life and Find Your Freedom » vintage vans and motorhomes

LAST UPDATED: 30.12.2022

If you’re looking for a cheaper RV our gallery of vintage vans and motorhomes will give you an idea of what’s out there. And our rough price guide will point out what you’re likely to have to spend on an older, used motorhome or campervan.

Plus, we’ve got a free RV inspection checklist you can download before you go to see any vehicle you’re interested in.

The used motorhomes market

Just before we get to the gallery, we’d like to say a little bit about the motorhome market…

With a shortage of new stock, prices of motorhomes – both new and used – have increased over the last few years. Secondhand RVs, up to say 15 years old, can still demand a high price.

That’s why the vans you’ll see on this page are at least 20 years old where you’re more likely to find a bargain.

Indeed, most of the campervans and motorhomes you’ll see in this gallery are valued between 5K and 15K.

In 2017 we bought our 1992 VW Autotrail Cree for £6000. It confirmed to us that there are still many good old RVs on the market that needn’t cost you a fortune.

TOP TIP: If you are planning on buying an older RV make sure you read 13-things you must check when viewing older motorhomes and campervans. You don’t want to end up with a money pit!

Just to say that we’ve put most of the VW campervans into their own galleries. So, if you’re looking for a V-Dub go straight to these pages…

The classic Volkswagen T1 and T2 campervans

The VW T3/T25 campervan

The VW T4 Eurovan/Transporter

For other RVs just scroll down to see vintage vans and motorhomes from Ford, Talbot, Fiat, Peugeot, Renault, Mercedes, Hymer, Winnebago and others.

To make it easier for you to view this page, we’ve added a table of contents below so you can go straight to the vans you’d like to see the most.

Just to say that if your campervan or motorhome is in our gallery we hope you don’t mind us showing it! And if you’d like to add your van to our gallery just email us a picture or two and tell us a little bit about your camper or motorhome. (As long as it’s at least 20 years old, we’ll put it up for you!)

All photographs are © Copyright Motorhome Hobos 2019-2023

Van #1 – A 1991/92 Fiat-Talbot Elddis 300 – seen in Stowmarket, Suffolk

We’ve seen this vintage van a few times round town and have only just figured out that it’s a Fiat/Talbot.

The styling is much like a Mercedes Hymer.

The rest of the coach-build is of that period, much like our ’92 VW Cree, though we’re not sure if there’s an overcab sleeping area with this older van. It’s right hand drive and it looks like you enter the van via the hab door. Note: there is no actual driver’s door!

We suppose that’s one of the things we like about older, vintage vans and motorhomes – the quirky features that you simply don’t see on more modern vehicles.

Van #2 – A Fiat/Talbot seen in Lavenham, Suffolk

We believe this is a Fiat/Talbot, seen in the picturesque tourist village of Lavenham, village of the crooked houses.

It’s all the way from Germany and is in fantastic condition but, because of the German plate, we don’t know the exact year of the vehicle.

Looks like a mid to late 80s model. And is that a pop-up roof?

Van #3 – A 1994 Peugeot

In excellent condition and probably 5 or 6 berth, we love these older Peugeots. Something like this would have been on our radar had we not got the VW Cree.

It’s a couple of years newer than our VW van but you can still see the similar coach-built styling. And it has the same ‘Autotrail’ symbol on the front, over the cab.

Van #4 – An old Talbot on the way to France

We were on our way to Wales, parked up somewhere off the M4 at a service station, when this Talbot drew up beside us. We got talking – like you do – and they were heading from Wales and were on the way to Southern France.

It gave us hope that we might be able to do this ourselves (we’ve not been out of the UK in our Cree yet). And with the Talbot being the same age, surely our van would get us there and back? “Ye of little faith”, we hear Cree saying!

The Talbot here is very similar to the one we looked at before getting our VW. But when water kept dripping from the ceiling we walked away.

RELATED CONTENT: Find out more about our 1992 VW Cree

Van #5 – An Autotrail Talbot

From a distance we thought we’d seen it – another Cree! Coach-built, obviously by Autotrail, with blue lines – same as ours – and it’s even got the same ladder and similar roof rack.

On closer inspection it turned out to be a Talbot, seen here parked up in St. Botolph’s car park in Colchester. We’ve seen this van a few times since, up and down the A12 and A14 and we always give it a wave.

Van #6 – A Bedford Rascal

Parked up in Wivenhoe, Essex, this little 89/90 Bedford campervan is a fine example of something Trudi wanted herself.

We’d seen a white one at Rendlesham Forest and it looked so much cosier and more practical than a tent Trudi had been used to lugging about herself at Download Festival for a number of years!

We looked inside…perfect…for one person! Just about!

Vans #7 and #8 – A Talbot and Fiat at one of our wild camping places!

These two vans are always parked up at a location in Suffolk where we sometimes wild camp. They never seem to move!

Van #7, the first here, is a ’93 Talbot. We wonder if someone lives in it and maybe works in the area. Van #8 is an F reg (1988) Fiat Ducato.

Both these vans are in reasonable condition. Are they yours? Do you use them? It would be great to hear your story!

Van #9 – A Mercedes ‘Hymer’?

We spotted this driving into Shotley Marina, near Ipswich. It’s certainly got the look of a Hymer but we didn’t see this written anywhere. It’s got a huge windscreen and side cab windows that resemble a greenhouse! We wonder if it gets hot under the sun?

Hymers are another model we considered before getting our VW. We’ve heard good things about them and we love their ‘Winnebago’ styling. This one is left-hand drive from 1981. Over forty years old and it looks great!

Maybe we’ll look into joining The Classic Camper Club?

UPDATE FROM THE OWNER! We were thrilled to hear from the owner, a Mr John S. who said…

I have just seen these pictures and picture number 9 is my old motor home. It’s a FFB TABBERT MC 8 ON A MERCEDES 308. We live in Bristol and we were up in Ipswich for a golden wedding party and had a little ride around. I’ve owned it for 13 years and love it. Just downloaded your book and loved it.

Thanks John! Hope you enjoyed Suffolk!

---

OUR NEW EBOOK – OUT NOW!

Carry out the 4 essential steps in our ebook to help you save money and find a great RV!

---

Vans #10 and #11 – A Fiat/Talbot Kontiki and a ‘Coachman’

These two look great side by side. We suspect they’re being lived in, and why not? Perfectly big enough.

The Talbot on the left is one of those 6-berth models. We love these and there are some fantastic examples still on the road. Expect to pay around £10,000 for one in good condition.

The Coachmen is even bigger! It’s huge, more like a Winnebago. Although it has a UK number plate it is undoubtedly American and is something you could easily live in full-time.

RELATED CONTENT: Find out more about old Coachmen RVs

Van #12 – Another Talbot!

We spotted this coming back from Bawdsey. Yes, another Talbot. (It’s a fuzzy pic as we took it through our windscreen whilst driving).

The coachbuild is very much like our own, minus the front window above the cab.

On a K plate, this model looks to be in very good nick. It’s similar in design to the one we tested before getting our Cree. We hope this one doesn’t have condensation dripping from the ceiling!

RELATED CONTENT: Water ingress is one of the 13 main things to check before you buy an older motorhome

Van #13 – An Autotrail Fiat Ducato

Another lovely older van spotted in our home town, this is a 96/97 Fiat in really good condition. As we keep saying, good, older vans are out there!

This is coach-built by Autotrail, same builders as our Cree.

If you look closely you’ll see a large branch-scratch along the side near the top. Our old van has similar scratches. It’s something you really can’t avoid, especially if you’re driving along narrow country lanes and meet someone coming the other way.

Van #14 – Another Fiat/Talbot Elddis 300

Same as van #1 above, this is another good example, spotted in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The number plate looks private so we’re not sure if the N means 1995 though it is of that era.

We can see from this one that there is a proper hab door along the side into the ‘living quarters’ whilst both front passenger and driver enter the cab through what look like smaller hab doors. Typical Italian/French quirkiness.

Van #15 – A Mercedes Sprinter

We got speaking to Emile who had spent Covid lockdowns in his S reg Mercedes Sprinter at Bawdsey Quay!

A full time van-dweller, he told us he’d bought it for only £350 and kitted it out himself and with the help of some friends.

It had never let him down, despite several trips around Europe. His next destination is Greece.

Mercedes Sprinters are one of the most popular vans for DIY conversion. Check out 3 great resources we recommend for campervan conversion…

Van #16 – A Chevy Express 3500

Gav’s son, Isaac, spotted this in the Co-Op car park at Elmswell in Suffolk. We soon got talking to owner, Pete, who told us it was a 6.5 litre V-8 ex flat-bed truck from the US army. The previous owner had turned it into a proper American RV.

It’s got a ’97 plate on it and Pete says it’ll do about 20 mpg (if he’s lucky!) He drives all the way to Italy where he lives in the van over winter and spends his time jumping off mountains for fun!

Thanks for telling us your story, Pete, and this Chevy is a great looking beast of a van!

Van #17 – A Fiat Ducato ‘auto-roller’

We have to admit it was the number plate that caught our attention with this one! Looks like ‘Big Poo’ from a distance! (You don’t see POO on number plates anymore. Why not?)

So, E reg makes it a 1987/88 model – four years older than our VW – and it looks great for the age. Notice the big plastic side trim that matches the front bumper, typical of Fiat (and also Peugeot) body styling at the time.

We spotted this van on a trip out to Shotley on the Suffolk Coast. Let us know if she’s your van and tell us a bit about her!

Van #18 – An LDV Convoy at Shotley Marina

It must have been a good day out for older vans. This one was photographed on the same day as the Fiat, above.

It’s a 1999 LDV Convoy so just qualifies for our vintage van page. LDVs were derived from British Leyland Sherpa vans, commonly used in the UK by the Post Office and other utility companies.

Today, this van has its own unique styling and we had to chuckle at the lettering on the side that says, ‘Temperamental – half temper and half mental’.

It’s the same type of van Van Dog Traveller drives. See our review of his book How to Live in a Van and Travel.

Van #19 – Another Chevy!

We’ve walked past this several times in our home town of Stowmarket and always admired it. We thought it was about time we took a pic and added it to this gallery.

We don’t know the model but it’s an M reg (1994) and says ‘Astro’ on the side. It’s not a big van but would make for a great road trip. Do the seats fold down to make a bed, we wondered? Perhaps you can let us know.

The styling is unmistakably American – it’s left hand drive – and we love the colour. And look at those fantastic wheels! Beautiful.

---

FOR MORE GREAT AD-FREE CONTENT PLEASE CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TO OUR FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ‘THE FREEDOM TRAIL’ – WITH EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER-ONLY CONTENT AND THE BEST VAN LIFE STORIES FROM THE UK AND OVERSEAS

---

Van #20 – A Volkswagen LT35

On an epic van-spotting day at Dunwich, taking a picture of this M-reg VW LT35 was the first thing we did when we arrived.

Yes, she’s a rust bucket but what character!

We later got chatting with Julian, owner for six years, who told us her name is ‘Broada – The Roaring Tortoise’.

Despite the rust, she easily gets the family to France and back without a problem. These VW engines seem to run forever! Nice talking with you, Julian, and we’d love to know more about Broada. Contact us here.

Looking for more VW vans? Check out our Volkswagen galleries…

The Classic VW T1 and T2 campervans

Volkswagen T3/T25

VW T4 Eurovan/Camper

Van #21 – A 1987 Fiat Ducato

This is an E reg (1987) Fiat Ducato and what a wonderful van!

The picture – taken through our hab window – doesn’t do it justice as she is in really lovely condition and has been well looked after or restored. (Sorry, we really didn’t mean to pry but we simply had to add your van to our gallery! And we’d love to know more about her).

As we keep saying, good older vans are out there. You’ve just got to take your time and keep looking!

Van #22 – A Fiat/Talbot Swift

Coming out of Colchester and into Lexden, we quickly pulled over and took a snap shot of this 1988 Fiat/Talbot.

It’s similar to the one we test-drove before getting our VW Cree. Let’s hope this one doesn’t have water dripping from the ceiling!

It looks like there is a twin ‘Dixie’ horn on the roof if you look closely. Now that, we would love to hear! Can you imagine cruising along the road in your van sounding like the Duke’s of Hazard!? Or a great way to announce your arrival at a camp site!

Van #23 – A Bedford Rascal Campervan

On one of our many trips to Bawdsey in Suffolk, we spotted this lovely little Bedford Rascal. And what unique styling she has!

We had a lovely chat with Adam and Sharon, the owners, who had come all the way from Kent. They told us the van had originally been beige in colour. Now it looks fab as a mini Tudor house on wheels.

When Adam and Sharon are not on the road participating in historical re-enactments, the van doubles up as a farm-hand, shifting stuff about on Sharon’s daughter’s farm. There’s more room in these little Rascal’s than you’d think. Indeed, Adam describes it as a Tardis.

It was great meeting you guys and we’d love to know more about the van and hear more of your adventures. Get in touch with us here!

Van #24 – A Peugeot Boxer

Again at Bawdsey, we saw this Peugeot and we are guessing it’s a Boxer Autostratus coach-built by Elddis. It’s a P reg, making it a 1997 model and she appears to be in lovely condition.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen this van here beside the river. In fact, it seems to be a permanent fixture!

UPDATE: 1st January 2022

We visited Bawdsey just after Christmas and were shocked and saddened to hear of the death of John (who owned this Peugeot motorhome and had lived in it throughout lockdown by the river). His daughter, Louise, got in touch to tell us John had, “…passed away in his van in the place he loved most.”

There is now a memorial of flowers and photographs which Louise gave us permission to show. One describes John as, “A Bawdsey massive legend,” and the other tells John to, “Rest in peace in the layby in the sky.”

You’ll be forever remembered here, John Pelham.

Van #25 – A trusty old Ford Transit campervan

On a road trip around Wales (August 2020) we headed up the West Coast, stopping at Llandanwg to visit the little church in the sand dunes, resting place for our Roberts’ ancestors.

On the way back we spotted this N reg (1995) Ford Transit ‘Auto-Sleeper’. Because of its length – almost as long as our VW Cree – we assume it must sleep four.

That looks like a sleeping area above the cab, though there are no windows. Can you tell us otherwise?

Van #26 – An old Talbot seen at Felixstowe

We’ve passed this elder of the tribe a few times on the way into Felixstowe, Suffolk.

On this occasion Gav decided to whizz into the car park close to Lidl and take a few pictures.

This Talbot is the same year as our Cree, J reg, 91/92. She’s had a bit of patching up over the rear wheel arch but otherwise looks in pretty good nick for her age.

A handwritten note in the windscreen says she’s fitted with CCTV so this old girl seems to be well loved and looked after.

RELATED CONTENT: Read our Motorhome Visitors’ Guide to Felixstowe

Van #27 – A Ford Transit ‘stealth’ van

On a walk around the crooked houses in the village of Lavenham we stumbled upon this Transit campervan in someone’s yard beside the footpath.

It’s K reg, making it a 92/93 model. As was typical of all Fords at the time (cars and vans) there is rust around the wheel arches. (Gav had Escort’s, Cortina’s and Sierra’s that all suffered the same fate).

Seeing this van got us thinking about owning a more stealth-type vehicle, the sort of van you could park up – even in a town or city – and sleep overnight because nobody would know you’re in there! We might have black glass put in the side window though.

RELATED CONTENT: want to go stealth or wild camping? Find out how to wild camp in your van without getting into trouble with locals or the law!

Van #28 – A Bedford CF 250 – a true vintage!

On a drive through Long Melford, Gav spotted this and quickly did a u-turn and pulled over. What a gem!

A 1971 Bedford CF campervan, looking sweet!

These Bedfords were in direct competition with Ford’s Transit vans in the 70s and 80s and we don’t know which were best. What’s your opinion?

The CF was actually ‘the last solely Vauxhall engineered vehicle’, according to Wikipedia, font of all knowledge!

Van #29 – Another old Talbot

We couldn’t resist stopping to take a picture of this in someone’s front yard in Stowmarket.

It’s a 1993 L reg Talbot which looks like it’s seen better days! Gav got speaking to the owners who said the hab door got ripped off late one night, coming back in the dark at a festival. Too much beer?!

Although she’s dry inside, the engine needs fixing and she’s currently not roadworthy. Shame. Perhaps this elder of the tribe will one day ride again?

Van #30 – A Talbot Express ‘Rambler’

Gav has always loved these vans and this one was spotted at Asda, Ipswich.

These Talbots were either 2 or 4 berth and we’re not sure what this one is. If it’s your van can you let us know and tell us a bit more?

It’s J reg (same as our VW Cree) making it a 1991/92 model and it looks in really nice condition for the year.

Van #31 – A Fiat ‘mini’ campervan

We’ve called this a ‘mini’ camper because we don’t know the proper name of it. It’s obviously a Fiat but other than that we have no idea of the model. Can you help us out here?!

It’s very similar in style to van #63, below

Looks like it might just be high enough to stand up in, and is that an over-cab sleeping area for one?

If she’s your van or you know anything about these Fiats, let us know!

Van #32 – A Peugoet ‘Kontiki’

During a very windy walk in Southwold on the Suffolk coast we spotted this lovely Peugeot/Talbot. These ‘Kontiki’s’ look very long and we believe they sleep 5 or even 6 people.

This H reg (1990) looks to be in excellent condition, though a wheel trim seems to have gone flying somewhere.

We believe the owner was sat inside whilst Gav took this shot. Sorry, but it had to be done! She’s a great looking elder of the tribe and simply had to go into our gallery!

Van #33 – Iveco Daily Campervan

We saw this Iveco ‘Daily’ in Stowmarket and got talking to the owner. He told us he’s only had it four weeks and because of the awful October weather (2020) hadn’t been anywhere in it yet. We say get out there, no matter what!

His plan is to change some of the interior layout and put in slightly bigger overhead cupboards. As we chatted his ebay purchase turned up – a set of VW/Audi seats for the cab – the most comfortable he’s ever sat in, so he told us.

This van is R reg (1997), making it a second generation Iveco and she’s in wonderful condition, inside and out. And yes, that is a TV aerial at the back.

Van #34 – A Renault Trafic

The first Renault for our gallery and yes, we’ve spelled Trafic correctly (with one f).

There are several of these Renaults still about but they are usually of the smaller campervan variety (see the next van, below). This one is a really neat-looking compact motorhome which we parked next to at Pinecone’s campsite on the north Norfolk coast.

The light was fading when we arrived so it’s not the best picture but we just had to add her to our gallery. She’s a P-reg (1996/97) and if she’s your van we’d love to know more!

Van #35 – Another Renault!

Like buses, you wait for ages then two come along at once! Just a couple of days after we spotted van #34 this Renault Trafic was seen at Asda in Ipswich. However, this one was definitely more campervan-sized than motorhome. (There’s no overcab sleeping area in this van).

We’ve heard really good things about these Renaults. What’s your opinion? Have you (or do you) own a Renault from this era?

This van is R reg (1997), is in really good condition and looks well loved. She has the name ‘Poppy’ written in bright red on the back. If she’s your van please tell us more about her!

ENJOYING OUR AD-FREE CONTENT?

Van #36 – A Leyland DAF 200 series

At the car park at Happisburgh (pronounced Haysborough) on our North Norfolk road trip we saw this lovely little Leyland DAF.

Her lights had been left on for some reason. (She’d gone by the time we got back from our walk so no flat battery, thankfully).

These Leylands were often seen being used as Post Office vans and this L reg model could have been one of the first of the 200 series which were made from 1993-1997. Lovely condition and hopefully she’ll be on the road for another decade or longer.

Van #37 – A Fiat Hymer

We were parked up at Old Felixstowe, looking out across the sea when this Hymer turned up. Gav first thought it was a Mercedes but he got speaking to the owners who informed him it is actually a Fiat.

R reg (1997) and looking very nice inside and out. We were curious about there being no driver’s door. Seems like the only exit for the driver is the hab door. Or maybe you slide across and exit via the passenger side (where there is a door!) Quirky Italians!

And we wondered about that very tall but thin locker door at the back which was less than a foot wide. What goes in there? If you know please tell us!

Van #38 – A Ford Transit seen at Felixstowe

Continuing in Felixstowe, we’ve passed this Ford Transit campervan several times on the way toward the older side of the town. On this occasion, Gav pulled over and took a few shots.

It’s a G reg (1989/90) and the coach-build is typical of the time. She’s in nice condition and we were intrigued by the quirky little windows in the over-cab sleeping area. And is that ‘hab’ door original?

If she’s your van we’d love to know more about her. Let us know.

Van #39 – a Fiat Kontiki

Very similar to the other Talbots and Fiats in our gallery, this one was spotted in a village near Stowmarket when we went for a drive to check out the local flooding situation (late December 2020).

We’ve always loved these vans and probably would have gone for something like this had our VW Cree not come along. We believe they sleep 5 or even 6 people and this one is in pretty good condition considering she’s over thirty years old. This one is an F reg, making her a 1988/89 model.

See the black lines/streaks on the body work? This seems inevitable, especially on older vans but the best thing to get rid of black streaks on motorhomes is this stuff called ‘Silky’. We found that even stubborn streaks were removed with a little elbow grease.

Van #40 – A Talbot Autotrail ‘Cheyenne’

We couldn’t believe it when this Talbot turned up whilst we sat enjoying a cuppa at Redgrave and Lopham Fen. Gav jumped up like a kid getting out of bed on Christmas morning!

It’s not the best picture as the car park was full and Gav couldn’t get the right angle. Still, she had to go into our gallery!

She’s an L reg (1993/94) and the owner told us she cost £7000 at the start of lockdown after their previous van had been damaged beyond repair. The story goes that their neighbour’s vehicle rolled off the driveway and smashed into their beloved former camper. Damn it!

Looks like you’ve got a great replacement, guys, as this van looks to be in really good condition. We noticed she has the exact same rear bumper as our VW Cree. Good old Autotrail! (See more old Autotrail models).

Van #41 – a Mazda Bongo called Betty

After a walk around a very wet fen, Gav spotted this Mazda Bongo. (You can see the Talbot – van #40 – in the background).

Zeb, owner of the van for 6 1/2 years, had brought his family all the way from London to see the murmuration of Starlings (which happens quite often at Redgrave and Lopham).

These Bongos have a ‘pop-top’ roof, like many of the older VW campervans, which gives enough space for the kids to sleep. Zeb fitted the chrome wheel arch covers to hide a small amount of rust – quite common on these Mazdas. We think it’s a nice finishing touch and makes Betty look even more cool!

Good to speak with you, Zeb, and we hope you and the family enjoy many more adventures in Betty!

Van#42 – A Toyota Granvia campervan

Our first Toyota in the gallery! Like the Mazda Bongo, above, these little campervans are excellent for solo travellers or petite couples! Parking is easy compared to the big motorhomes and there’s no need to worry about height barriers either!

They are slightly bigger than the Bongo’s and have become popular as an alternative to the VWs for van conversions.

Indeed, these Toyota Granvia’s are actually rather Tardis-like; there’s everything inside that you could possibly need (apart from a loo).

In good condition they still sell for in excess of £10,000. This is a T reg (1998) model and is 4-wheel-drive.

Van #43 – A Renault Rapido

What a lovely thing to find in a garage!

We were contacted by a lady who had found this 1986 Renault Rapido in her late uncle’s garage. She was asking if we knew how much it was worth as she intended to sell it.

It’s in really good condition – inside and out – and has had only two owners from new (35 years!). Not only that, but this van has done only 51,000 miles. You can see the pop-top roof in the picture.

There’s not a lot of info online about these old Renault’s but we did manage to find some pictures of another model.

Van #44 – A VW LT35 campervan

Gav got speaking to Heather, owner of this 1995/96 VW LT35 campervan, at Bawdsey, Suffolk.

She’s called Edie and she’s been all over Greece and several other parts of Europe as well! These VW’s seem to run forever.

Heather bought the van for £3500 with just a few thousand miles on the clock – hardly run in! Inside she’s kitted it out lovely with an old antique chest, rustic wooden ceiling, double bed and a wood-burning stove to keep herself nice and cosy.

Heather is a full-time van-lifer and made an interesting comment about the differences between van-dwelling in the UK and Europe. On the Continent there is so much more freedom. Over here, so much more paranoia, especially around wild-camping, which we suspect will only get worse.

Nice chatting with you, Heather, and we’d love to hear more of your story.

Van #45 – A Dodge/Renault 50

On a recent trip to Walsingham in Norfolk, we stopped off at Swaffham and couldn’t believe our luck! Gav soon got chatting with owner John, a full time van-lifer who had kitted out this 1993 Dodge 50 himself.

This old workhorse (check out those tyres!) has a 4 litre engine and averages 18 miles per gallon. We love the Road-Runner decal on the door!

We spoke briefly about whether he ever gets any hassle from authorities – police and council ‘officials’ – as he always wild camps. But John replied that he’s never had any trouble at all and never even been asked to move on! Well, who would mess with a van like that?!

After a night or two somewhere, he always moves on to a new location – the eternal nomad. Good on you, John!

Lovely chatting with you and enjoy the Peak District and Scotland.

Find out more about classic Dodge-Renault 50 vans

Van #46 – A Talbot Express

We were contacted by one of our subscribers who informed us that her 1988 Talbot Express is FOR SALE! ‘Valerie’ has only done 59,000 miles and has a year’s MOT (until April 2022).

She’s had a full safety check and full service and is ready to hit the road!

The owner has recently listed her on Ebay so if you’re keen on finding out more please contact us and we’ll put you in touch with the seller.

Just remember, make sure you view any van in person and don’t rely on photographs. Don’t even make an offer or pay a deposit until you’ve seen and test-driven the van yourself.

We speak about this in detail in our new ebook…

Van #47 – A 1980 Mercedes 508D

Another subscriber asked if we could mention her 1980 Mercedes 508D Dudo Breitmaul campervan/bus as she and her partner are now moving to the other side of the world. Sadly, the van won’t be going with them.

It’s a left-hand drive (as you can see in the picture), has done 198,000 km (about 120,000 miles) and because of her age, is MOT exempt.

Contact us if you’d like to know more and we’ll put you in touch with the seller.

Van #48 – An LDV Pilot campervan

With lockdown over here in the UK we were off van-hunting again and spotted this lovely little LDV Pilot campervan along the Suffolk coast.

P reg, making her a 1996/97 model, she looks to be in superb condition. We love the little window in the raised roof. You can pick these little beauties up for around £2,500 – £3,000, depending on mileage and overall condition.

If she’s your van, please get in touch and let us know more about her!

Van #49 – Talbot Autosleeper Executive

On a walk through Stowmarket Gav grabbed his phone when he saw this Talbot hurtling towards us!

It’s a K-reg (1993) Talbot Autosleeper Executive and looks to be in mint condition! Gav had actually spoken to the owner a couple of years ago but didn’t have his phone on him at the time so it was good to bump into the old ‘gal again!

You can find out more about these Talbot Executives in this YouTube video that shows a near-identical van.

Van #50 – A Winnebago Chieftain!

Our first Winnebago! What a great van for #50 in our gallery!

Spotted in Felixstowe by Hobo Trudi whilst Gav was concentrating on the road, he soon turned round and pulled over and was in van life heaven!

Gav has always loved these old Winny’s and was fortunate enough to have a look inside of one several years ago. Notice the little footstep just behind the front wheel to help you get inside the cab.

She looks like she needs some TLC and a good scrub with Silky – the best stuff we’ve found – to remove those black streaks.

Van #51 – A Ford Transit campervan

Steve, one of our a subscribers, got in touch with news about his latest project: sorting out this 1989 Ford Transit campervan. He and his partner have been busy cleaning and mending the upholstery, as well as renewing gas pipes and electrics.

Steve tells us that she has some ‘Avondale’ logos on the bodywork but he’s not sure if they actually did the coach-build. Above the cab there is very faded lettering which looks like ‘Pinewood 21’. The coach-build looks very similar to our Autotrail Cree: it was the style of the times.

Next on Steve’s agenda will be cleaning the outside. Make sure you check out our motorhome cleaning page, Steve! Thanks for sharing a picture of your lovely old van.

SEE OUR RECOMMENDED MOTORHOME CLEANING PRODUCTS

Van #52 – Iveco Daily campervan

We met Renny and Sally at Old Felixstowe who told us of their S reg (1998) Iveco Daily campervan. These things look so long!

Renny bought the van for just £2100 on ebay when holidaying in Portugal. Turned out that it needed lots of welding doing to it (which he was able to do himself, luckily).

Gav had a good look inside; there is a fixed bed at the rear with loads of storage space from which Renny is still finding things, including a picnic table he didn’t know he had!

And there’s a shower hose on the outside so you can stand there and hose yourself down after a dip in the sea – or cool off on a hot summer’s day!

It’s the sort of van Mike Hudson drives – author of of our favourite van life book How to Live in a Van and Travel.

Van #53 – A Mercedes Sprinter

This Mercedes Sprinter was spotted at Woolpit Car Boot Sale. It’s a T reg (1998/99) and is in lovely condition. We loved the dark green colour and it shines up so well you can see Hobo Gav and his son Isaac reflected in the door as they took the picture.

These Sprinters are popular vans for converting into a campervan and this example would work well as a stealth vehicle, hidden in the woods on wild-camping expeditions!

RELATED CONTENT: check out our recommended campervan conversion guides

Van #54 – An old Bedford CF motorhome

Whilst taking our VW Cree in for her annual service at Hill’s Fiveways garage near Ipswich, we spotted this old Bedford CF awaiting repair.

This elder of the tribe dates back to 1977 and we were told she is in need of some major repairs. The back wheels were off and it was propped up on jacks. Sourcing spare parts was proving to be a real challenge.

However, owner, Adie, contacted us with some great news: the van is back on the road! They’ve done this old Bedford up from scratch and have recently enjoyed trips to Southwold and Walton on the Naze.

Thanks for updating us, Adie. We’ll keep a look out for you on the roads around Suffolk!

If you’re interested in finding out more about these classic Bedford campervans, check out this great article in the Practical Motorhome magazine.

Van #55- A vintage Fiat Ducato Elddis

Alfred, one of our newsletter subscribers, got in touch and sent us this picture of his beloved motorhome. She looks like she’s just come out of the showroom!

This is what Alfred had to tell us (in his own words)…

“[Our van is] an Elddis on a Fiat Ducato 1971cc, made in 1989 and has had 8 former keepers. It’s done only 69,000 miles. It’s been looked after very well, just passed its MOT with flying colours; the chap who passed it could not believe the condition it’s in and said he’s seen vans half its age not as good…

The inside is as it was made over 30 years ago; all wooden units, original upholstery and carpets. It’s also got a stable door at the back. It’s not the fastest thing on four wheels, but a joy to drive when you get the hang of ‘double clutching‘. We can’t understand why it’s so warm in the winter but cool in the summer. We are going to fit a solar panel soon so we can go more off grid. The only thing is we wish we started motorhoming  years ago.”

It’s never too late, Alfred, and we hope there are many wonderful adventures still to come for you!

RELATED CONTENT: Find out what solar panel we put on our old motorhome

Van #56 – A beautiful Mercedes 207D

On a trip to see Avebury stone circle in Wiltshire we spotted this beauty rolling into the car park. We got chatting to the owner, Becky, who told us the van’s name is Elen (one ‘L’) and that she had been bought for just £3000. What a bargain!

She’s an F reg, making her a 1988/89 model and has a 2.4 litre engine. The coach-building was done by Autotrail (same as our Cree) and the broad coloured lines were typical of their styling at the time.

Becky was happy to show us the inside, (through the rear hab door) where she’s done some great work on the cupboards and lighting. It looked really cosy in there! Good to meet you, Becky, and thank you for showing us your beautiful Merc!

Van #57 – A classic Ford Transit

On the same road trip at a campsite near Marlborough we spotted this lovely Ford Transit and were delighted when Dave and Georgie showed us round.

The van is a 1989 model, bought for just £2000 6 years ago. It has a 2 litre Ford Pinto petrol engine and averages 28 mpg.

You won’t believe that it still has its original beige carpet inside (in near new condition) plus all the original worktops which still look fantastic to this day. Georgie has made some beautiful new curtains. The layout inside makes great use of the space and there is a rear lounge which converts into a cosy sleeping area at night.

It was a real pleasure to meet you both and to see your fantastic old Transit. Stay in touch!

Van #58 – A Talbot Express Autosleeper campervan

It was inevitable that there would be more than one Talbot Express in our gallery; these were the vans that first ignited Hobo Gav’s interest in van life several years ago. Neat, compact, with everything you need on board.

This one – a J reg 1991/92 model – was spotted at High Lodge country park on the Suffolk/Norfolk border. She looks to be in excellent condition on the outside and we love the chrome bar along the front grill – a nice additional touch.

These Talbot Expresses are popular vans and there are still quite a few about. You’d expect to pay anything above £7K for a good model, sometimes quite a bit more.

For more info – and if this is the sort of van you’re interested in – check out the Talbot Express Owner’s Club.

Van #59 – A Fiat Scout made by Autotrail

We’d parked up in the central car park in Llanberis, Snowdonia and Gav headed straight over to get a picture of this gorgeous motorhome.

The unmistakable coachbuilding and blue lines make this van easy to identify as an Autotrail, typical of the 1990s. It has the very same hab door and gas locker door as our van. And the rear ladder and roof rack are almost identical as well.

This is a K-reg (92/93) Fiat ‘Scout’ and must be at least 23 feet long. She probably sleeps 5 or even 6, making this RV ideal for a family road trip.

We’ve never seen another like this and we think she’s lovely.

---

READ ABOUT OUR ROAD TRIP IN THE MOUNTAINS OF SNOWDONIA IN OUR FREE DOWNLOAD: 3 EPIC ROAD TRIPS IN THE UK

---

Van #60 – A VW LT45 at Stonham Barns

We love going to the Stonham Barns car boot sale on Sundays and got talking to Lee, Anna, and Billy when we saw their van – a 1995 VW LT45.

They had previously owned a much loved VW campervan, then a Winnebago-style RV, before finding this Volkswagen on Ebay. The seller wanted £7,500 but Lee – a welder by trade – could see the van needed extensive repairs and got £3000 off the asking price! That’s what we call bartering!

Lee fixed the rust, painted the van army green, and created a lovely ‘rustic’ look inside.

The engine is 2.4 6-cylinder and averages about 22 mpg.

This old VW looks ready for anything and we’re sure you guys will have many epic adventures together. Good to meet you!

RELATED CONTENT: Check out our other Volkswagen galleries…

The classic T1 and T2 gallery

The Volkswagen T3/T25 gallery

The VW T4 Eurovan/Transporter gallery

Van #61 – A Ford Transit Herald at Castleton

Coming back from a trip to Liverpool, we drove through the Peak District and spotted this lovely 1994/95 Ford Transit ‘Herald’ at Castleton. What fantastic condition! Not a dent or scratch anywhere.

You’d have to pay 10-12K for one as smart as this.

We love the shiny wheel hubs and chrome trim on the front wheel arches; a nice finishing touch.

We wondered whether the owners were planning to wild-camp in this spot as it’s a place we’ve used before. (You’ll often see several vans parked overnight on the roadside just past the turning towards Winnat’s Pass).

RELATED CONTENT: Read our Peak District road trip story – and the near-disaster on Winnat’s Pass!

Van #62 – A classic Hymer B544

In our storage yard Gav’s eyes lit up when he saw this classic 1993 (L-reg) Hymer B544. What a beauty she is.

We love the styling of these A-Class RVs: simple, clean-lined, brick-shaped, no-nonsense German design!

Notice the van is left-hand drive and that there is no cab door for the driver. A bit quirky but, nonetheless, this classic motorhome is charming and you’d expect to pay around 10-12K or more for a Hymer of this age and in good condition, just like this one.

Van #63 – A Citroen Romahome

If a large RV like a Hymer is too big, what about one of these compact little Citroen Romahomes?

This has a ‘high-top’, which means the roof pops open like on the VW campervans, meaning you can stand up inside.

These are great little campers if you don’t want to drive around in a bus-sized vehicle and are perfect for a couple or lone traveller.

This is an N reg (1995/96) model and looks to be in pretty good nick. Expect to pay around £5,000 to £6000 for good examples.

Van #64 – A Citroen H panel van

Not strictly a campervan or motorhome but no matter, this little Citroen had to go into our gallery! It’s known as a Citroen H panel van and almost half a million of these were made from 1947 right through till 1981.

We spotted this one after getting off the train at Mistley in Essex. G reg makes it a 1969 model and she looks magnificent. Earlier models (prior to 1964) had a split screen, much like the T1 VW campervans.

Apparently these Citroens are still a common sight in Europe, serving as retro food trucks.

But we wonder if anyone has converted one of these panel vans into a camper? We’d love to see one of those!

Van #65 – Another Citroen H panel van!

Just like buses! We saw this second Citroen panel van just a few days later when we attended a football match at Ipswich Town (Hobo Trudi’s team). This one was certainly being used to sell food and drinks from.

As we don’t understand French number plates we have no idea about the age of this van. Great condition, whatever.

Van #66 – Peugeot J7 campervan

Our French theme continues with yet another food-van. And what a delightful van it is, the first Peugeot J7 in our gallery!

Hobo Gav was passing through the crooked houses in Lavenham when he spotted this, spun around and then took some quick snaps.

N reg makes this a 1975 model and what great condition it’s in.

There aren’t many of these Peugeot J7 campervans left (at least not in the UK) but you’ll find a few more pictures of them on Google here.

Van #67 – Peugeot Autosleeper campervan

Another Peugeot but what a difference 20 years makes!

This 1994/95 model, coach-built by British company Autosleeper (who are still going strong today) was spotted in Felixstowe and looks to be in pretty good condition for its age. Nice alloy wheels and all the plastic trim (so typical of these 1990s French campers) is free of splits or cracks, if a little faded in places.

These campers sleep 2, making them a perfect choice for a couple, especially if you don’t want anything too big. Expect to pay between 8-9K for one in VGC with a long service history.

RELATED CONTENT: Coming to Felixstowe? Check out our motorhomers visitors’ guide

Van #68 – Talbot Express Autoquest

Parked in the same street in Felixstowe was this 1990 (H reg) Talbot Express Autoquest, coach-built by Elddis, another company with over 50 years’ experience. And what a lovely example.

We could have taken another front-facing pic but we like how this van looks side-on. Really nice profile and what stylish alloys!

Looks like the rear suspension has been upgraded with new leaf springs, one of the things you must check for on older motorhomes.

These campers sleep 4 (notice the overcab sleeping area) and in this condition you’d expect to pay 6-7K.

Van #69 – Peugeot Boxer Pilote Galaxy

The first Peugeot Pilote Galaxy in our gallery! And what a fab motorhome she is.

We were watching the planes at RAF Lakenheath when this van got more of Gav’s attention and he snuck in a couple of pictures as it drove away. (If it’s your van we hope you don’t mind).

There were several different models of these Pilote’s made, so we’re not sure exactly which one this is. Perhaps you could let us know?

Whatever, she looks amazing and S reg makes this A-class motorhome a 1998 model. See more pics of a Pilote like this here.

Just goes to show there are some immaculate older vans out there and you’d expect to pay up to £17,500 for one like this in tip-top condition, if not a little more.

Van #70 – Ford Transit Autosleeper campervan

If you’re looking for something smaller and cheaper than the Pilote Galaxy, consider a Ford Transit camper like this one.

These Transits sleep 2 and although the bodywork is rough around the edges (one of the things to look out for on Fords) the engines are reliable and easy to get spare parts for.

This is an M-reg (1994) model which we spotted in Suffolk at Woolpit car boot sale. In excellent condition you can pay up to 7-8K for a Transit of this age. But one that needs a little TLC can be picked up for around half that price.

Van #71 – Mercedes 409D at Rendlesham Forest

Walking through Rendlesham Forest, we spotted this lovely Mercedes 409D and Gav got speaking to owners Dave and Sue. What a van she is!

M reg makes her a 1994 model and, according to the odometer, she’s only done 47,000 miles. That’s hardly run in for one of these robust Mercedes diesel engines that last forever!

Sue showed me the inside which has lovely wood panelling and a cosy log-burner for those cold winter evenings.

They told Gav one of the skylights has a leak but new ones are easily sourced from Fiamma. (Our 1992 VW van has the exact same skylights).

It was a pleasure to meet you guys and we wish you many more years road tripping in your lovely Merc.

Van #72 – An American G30 Chevy RV

Still at Rendlesham, we walked through the campsite and couldn’t help taking a picture of this superb Chevy RV. What a beast of a van!

She looks to be in immaculate condition and we love that eagle decal on the front.

We’re not even sure if this RV qualifies for our gallery (is she 20 years old?) as we don’t understand US licence numbers. She looks very much like the 1980s G30 models. Whatever, she had to go in our gallery!

If she’s your van or you know anything about these Chevrolet RVs, please get in touch!

Van # 73 – Peugeot Auto Sleeper campervan

Wandering through Stowmarket, Hobo Gav took a quick picture of this lovely Y-reg (year 2001) Peugeot Auto Sleeper campervan.

We love these little compact campers and as you can see in the picture, they are small enough to fit into a car-parking space (unlike a motorhome). These vans are 2-berth (the seats in the dining/living space convert into a bed) and have everything you need on board (kitchen, loo/shower).

Models in tip-top condition of this age can fetch between 13 and 15K.

Van # 74 – Another Peugeot Auto Sleeper (symphony)

Just a couple of days later we spotted this Peugeot Auto Sleeper in Thetford. This is a 1996 ‘Symphony’ model and looks as well loved as the one above.

These Peugeots really do age well and it’s very rare to find a rusty one. If we were downsizing from our VW Autotrail we’d definitely consider something like this.

In good condition and with a long service history you’ll expect to pay £10-12,000 for a P reg like this one.

Van #75 – A Peugeot Boxer motorhome

Anyone would think we are Peugeot fanatics by now: 3 in a row!

We thought we’d put these together to show you the difference between the previous Auto Sleeper campervans and this Boxer motorhome…

You’ll notice the cabs are virtually the same but the coachbuilding is very different and these bigger models give you extra space and sleep 4. Perfect if you’re travelling with a couple of kids who can sleep above the cab.

This W reg (2000) was spotted in Stowmarket and you’d expect to pay around £12,000 for one in good condition.

Van #76 – A Talbot Express Swift

Staying with the French connection, this Talbot Express Swift has almost the same coach-build as the Peugeot above, even though this van is over 10 years older (1990).

Again, there’s an overcab sleeping area and the lounge space will convert into a bed as well. This is a G-reg model in good condition for the year.

Hobo Gav took a sneaky shot when everyone else were busy watching F-16 fighter jets taking off at RAF Lakenheath. (Gav would rather van-spot than plane spot!)

In good condition and with a long service history, a Talbot Express motorhome circa 1990 like this would sell for between £6000-£8000.

Van #77 – An army green LDV Pilot campervan

And now for something completely different: an army green LDV Pilot campervan. Walking out of McDonald’s we simply had to take a quick snapshot of this one-of-a-kind camper.

These Pilot vans are the smaller version of the LDV Convoys and were used by Royal Mail.

This is a 2002 van so it just qualifies for our gallery. We really love the colour of this no-nonsense van and the decals make it even more unique.

Rough ones can be bought for as little as £500-700 but done up like this one and you can add a nought on the end.

Van # 78 – Ford Transit campervan

Spotted in Felixstowe, this 1999 Ford Transit camper is a real beauty. Immaculate condition and the styling still looks great more than 20 years after she first hit the road.

Ford Transits are one of the most popular vehicles for DIY van conversion but it’s clear to see that this is no home-made job.

A camper like this makes a perfect van for a couple (the lounge area converts into a double bed) with all on-board facilities. And in fab condition like this one you’d expect to have to pay up to £15,000.

Van #79 – A Mercedes Vito campervan

Our first Mercedes Vito and what a lovely little van she is. Spotted on a stroll along the seafront at Felixstowe, this is an S-reg model (1998) and is in reasonable, well-used but much-loved condition.

These little Mercs have a pop-up roof so you can stand up and do your cooking. You can also sleep up there. And with a ‘rock and roll’ bed in the main living space, these compact campers sleep 4. You’d never think it!

Expect to pay 10 grand for good ones.

We love the wheels and noticed an ‘Adventure Before Dementia’ sticker on the back.

Van # 80 – A Peugeot Boxer ‘Autostratus’ by Elddis

On a trip to Thetford Hobo Gav spotted this lovely 2001 Peugeot ‘Autostratus’ and raced off to speak to the owner. Alan is retired and lives fulltime in this 6-berth van with his lovely German Shepherd called Shadow…and a parrot!

As Shadow is now an elder of the tribe, Alan recently made the ramp to help him in and out of the van. Just the day before, Alan hand-painted the bumper and lines down the side (a stippling effect created with sponges).

Alan had spent the night wild camping by the river. Indeed, he told us he never uses campsites and very rarely has any hassle off anyone. His plans are to get the ferry to Spain, “probably for Shadow’s last time,” then get across the Med to Morocco.

Alan, it was lovely to meet you and Shadow and we wish you all the best. Stay in touch via email or the Motorhome Hobos Facebook page.

Van #81 – A Toyota Seabreeze

We were on a short road trip around the North Norfolk Coast when we spotted the roof of this showing above the reeds at Cley-next-the-Sea. We had to go investigate…

Turns out to be a left-hand drive 1989 (G reg) Toyota Seabreeze. You don’t see many of these in the UK.

There was a hand-written For Sale sign in the window but the phone number was so faded we couldn’t read it. The van looks great in the pic but up close (like most old vans) you’ll see a few dents, scratches and rust patches, not to mention hidden potential problems inside.

You’d probably be able to buy one of these (in this condition) for around £2500 to £3000.

---

Get your vintage van in our gallery!

We hope you’ve enjoyed looking at these ‘elders of the tribe’ and we’ll keep adding more photos of other vans as we find them.

If you’d like your van or motorhome featured (anything 20 years old or more) we’d be delighted to put it up. Contact us here to send us some pictures and tell us about your van.

If it’s classic Volkswagens you’re looking for check out our VW galleries:

The classic VW T1 and T2 campervans

The VW T3/T25 campervans

The T4 Eurovan/Transporter

Remember, if you’re thinking about getting an older vehicle read 13 things you must check on old motorhomes and download the free RV inspection checklist.

To help you find your perfect motorhome or campervan, find out what’s in our new ebook…

For more ad-free (and subscriber-only) content sign up to receive our free monthly newsletter

Back to Van Life: for info on campervan conversion, buying an older motorhome, getting your van ready for summer/winter, UK campsite advice and more

Motorhome Hobos Home