Bedford CA Dormobile

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Volkswagen campers are so last century: if you want some real respect on the camping ground you need a Bedford Dormobile. Best not park it on the drive, though, in case you come home to find some dotty old lady living in it. Or - even worse - Maggie Smith.

This Bedford CA Dormobile was first registered in June 1969 right at the end of the Swingin’ Sixties, when Pampas Grass green was considered cool (Pampas Grass now has slightly different connotations – still swinging, but decidedly less cool).

The paint and the bodywork on this van are both a joy to behold, but then it was restored only around five years ago and there is an invoice for a further £3,000 spent on body and paint in 2014 so no wonder it looks good. In fact the van was restored inside and out and the interior is equally impressive with its drop-down seating – a touch spartan by modern standards but still offering two-berth sleeping, cooking and dining facilities. We especially like the crocheted cushion covers.

The speedometer shows only 60,967 miles and although there is no documentary evidence to prove it, the MOT history shows that the van has covered only around 6,500 miles in the last nine years. The most recent MOT was carried out in August 2017 when the van passed with no advisories and it has only travelled 147 miles since. It is now, of course, free to tax and MOT-exempt.

This is a sweet little camper that has been comprehensively restored and looks a peach with its ‘60s style and colour scheme. A refreshing alternative to all these tiresome Type 2s.