Description
This is an Autosleeper Campervan version of British Leyland’s workhorse van, the Sherpa. This one, which appears to have been converted to a good camper spec from new, is badged as a Morris, and has BL’s robust two litre O Series SOHC petrol engine with an SU Carburetor, driving the rear wheels through a four speed manual gearbox, and stopping via disc brakes at the front, with drum brakes at the back. The van has the mid 1970s Sherpa shape, but benefits from the more modern engine and braking system that were fitted for the 1980s models. The odometer is showing about 103000 miles (approx: I’ll check this).
MOT to 19 September 2020. If you wish to make an offer for the van, obtaining a new MOT could be part of a sensible negotiation.
Included in the sale price is an overdrive gearbox taken from an MGB, which could be fitted to the van to give it a faster and more economical motorway cruise on the way to music festivals or the beach.
At present, the van will do 70 mph, and deliver 20 MPG (it’s a brick!). It sits happily enough at 60 to 65 mph on motorways, and will overtake VW campers and lorries going up hills.
I bought this van in 2017 to go to festivals, and I also toured it around Ireland. Its only snag on that occasion was that it needed new points and condenser (an easy and cheap fix at a rural garage). Fitting electronic ignition to the van would be an easy upgrade.
The van has been up and down the UK to various gigs and events. The van has an MOT until September 2020, and it starts, runs, drives, and stops quite well. A recent charging issue has now been resolved by a change of alternator. The fuel gauge is not working but there is a new in box Lucas fuel sender ready to be fitted. I have not found the absence of a fuel gauge a problem – I just fill the tank and note a mileage point at which to refill. The indicators make the distinctive late BL indicator noise, also found in the Princess IIRC.
It may perhaps go without saying, but this is a classic vehicle that uses 1970s technology. A basic understanding of how 1970s vehicles work, and a degree of mechanical sympathy in using them, are helpful if you are to run a camper of this age. This is not a modern van with fuel injection, power steering, aircon and so on, but that is part of the fun. The steering is not as heavy at low speed as you might expect, not least perhaps because of the small wheels and tyres, but Googling suggests that a power steering conversion for this van might be a feasible and not unduly expensive project.
After the van turns forty, which will not be long now, it will become eligible for historic vehicle status, which would make it exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (ie tax free). It will also become exempt from MOTs, but it would then be up to the owner whether still to get it checked out at least annually. I would do so.
The van is in my view more practical and more fun to drive than more expensive VW rivals. On the inside, the Sherpa has more camper space than a VW has. The roof pops up, and you can stand, cook, and so on inside the van. The cooker and sink work. The fridge, powered by camping gas, has not worked during my ownership, but might be fixable. It functions well enough as an ice box. The interior is generally in good condition, with some bits of age related wear. It has a good period look and feel. The upholstery has worn well and is not torn or saggy. The van is light and airy by day, and snug and well lit by night.
There is a dining table and seating for four, and a comfortable double bed that is assembled from the seats. In the pop up roof are two stretcher style bunks that could be used by small children, but the van works better for four people when paired with an awning or tent. The van has its own small fabric awning that fits to its side. There are sensible cupboards and what not inside the van – Autosleeper did a good job of making the space usable.
There is an unused cube chemical portaloo with the van, and various bits and bobs of van stuff such as kettle and mugs, fire extinguisher, and so on. The van has the usual power hookup for use on camp sites.
The van's paint shows its age, and there are signs of rust and filler here and there, but the van appears, to my non expert eyes, to be sufficiently solid to give continued use, and to be a good platform for cosmetic improvement if so desired. I would recommend that you give it a good checkover to spot any issues and plan for maintenance and repairs as need be. These vans are mostly fixable with skill and patience. Many parts for them can be found online, and they can be looked after by a patient DIY owner, or by any competent mechanic familiar with older vehicles. There is a Haynes workshop manual with the van. Please note that I am not a mechanic or a vehicle trader, so I do not give any warranty as to the van's condition. It's an old van!
The van has a lot of character and it is quite a rarity. The two litre petrol engine is, I think, the best variant of Sherpa to have as a camper. You could keep it the van as it is, or modernise and improve it, as you prefer.
This sale is part of a clear out of toys. I am trying to sell various interesting old machines. Ask me if interested.
