Winnebago Minnie-Winnie

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The first Winnebago camper arrived in 1966, eight years after the firm had started producing camping trailers in Winnebago County Iowa. 

Thanks to their advanced manufacturing techniques, they were able to launch a range of RVs (Recreational Vehicles) at around half the going rate, finding enormous popularity across the whole of the United States. They patented the ‘Thermo-Panel’, a 2” thick insulated side wall which made the vehicle cool in the summer and warm in winter; the distinctive brand rapidly becoming a household name and the word Winnebago becoming a generic term for any motorhome.

Their first products were named after native Indian tribes, the Brave, Indian, Chieftain and Warrior, but in 1973 they introduced the Minnie-Winnie, a range of compact (well everything is relative) RVs offered in 20’, 23’ and 24’ packages. By the time production of the Minnie-Winnie ceased in 2006, it had stretched to 30’ – hardly ‘Minnie’ at all.

This lovely 1979 Minnie-Winnie is the baby of the range at just 20’ and according to the vendor has the desirable ‘rear Gaucho lounge’ (we’ll take their word for it). Sleeping six in considerable comfort, it has LPG heating, a 4-ring cooker, shower room with toilet and has recently been retrimmed.

Often seen in the paddocks at historic race meetings, it has been dry-stored by its previous long-term owner and has covered just 86,000 miles from new. The auto gearbox has been overhauled by Transmission Components of Letchworth at a cost of over £1,600 less than 2,000 miles ago and it is reported to run and drive as it should.

Fitted with a tow bar and roof ladder for access to the top of the vehicle for a grandstand view, the Dodge 5.2-litre V8 engine makes all the right noises and has just had a reconditioned alternator fitted, the vendor advising us that it has twin batteries and that the split charging system is fully functioning.

A large history file includes bills back to the 1980s, the original operators manual, warranty cards (now alas expired) and a fascinating accessory brochure outlining all of the essential options that one would need for months away from home.

MOTd until June 2015 and offered at no reserve, this comfortable and well presented iconic ‘70s camper is sensibly sized, extremely well kitted out and is guaranteed to be the talk of the campsite as soon as it arrives. ‘Home is where you park it’ as they say!