Beschrijving
Cool and quirky. Just arrived at Shore Classics is this rather funky 2-berth camper based on a Citroen C15 with full Romahome factory conversion featuring hydraulic raising/ lowering roof, Propex warm-air central heating and full double-glazing. But all contained in a package just 15ft. long that drives like a car and returns over 40MPG! It really is quite astonishing. The subject of considerable expenditure in the past 7 years, this micro-camper is a revalation and offers a brilliant introduction for first-timers seeking to enjoy camper lifestyle at a sensible price. With a strong Club following and excellent parts back-up, I don`t anticipate the van to be with us for long.
Back in the 1970`s, an engineer called Barry Stimpson developed a camping “pod” to fit on the back of his Honda Acty pick-up truck. So impressed were Island Plastics of Cowes, IoW, they purchased the design and went into production. Known for their high quality of glass-fibre moulding, it wasn`t long before the media recognised the appeal of a demountable camper and with some great reviews, the Dismountable took off. Following on from this, the first actual coach-built Romahome was developed, based upon a Citroen Visa (later the C15). Despite the company having some financial issues, a management buy-out ensured that production of these micro campers could continue and thankfully they proved to be an immediate success offering car-like performance and size with all the now proven advantages of a Romahome living unit. Behind the 2-seater cabin, the living space afforded 2 full-length settees, a full equipped kitchen and plenty of storage. Through the 1980`s, various options became available such as double-glazing and warm-air central heating enabling the camper to be enjoyed year `round. With the introduction of the C15 base-unit from 1985 onwards, the company developed a clever variant with hydraulic raising and lowering roof - the HYLO – designed to fit in an average single garage and beneath car-park barriers. Early Mk. 1 models retained larger opening-out windows and these are considered the most desirable of all the C15 versions. Other models followed based on the Citroen Berlingo and the company continues to this day albeit part of Northstar Conversions.
Our HYLO dates from March 1990 and not only is it an earlier Mk. 1 but was fully optioned from the factory with Propex war-air central heating (an expensive upgrade in the day) and full double-glazing making it the ideal camper for all seasons. We know very little of the history of the van prior to 2017 when it was residing with a gentleman in Dursely, Gloucestershire who evidently invested heavily in the camper to bring it back up to scratch. In July 2017, after a retrim of the cab seats and partial respray of the body, the van was mechanically renovated with notable work to include a new head gasket and cylinder head, replacement cam-belt and auxiliary belt, complete overhaul of cooling system with new radiator, cooling fan and themoswitch, replacement of steering rack rods and gaiters, rebuild of braking system with new cylinders, replacement of front coil springs, refurbish radius arm bearings, repair of air tank and full service with all new filters and oils. The camper was subsequently advertised for sale and sold almost immediately for £7500 to a lady near Yeovil in Somerset. Over the next 6 years, the van was loved and enjoyed covering around 3500 miles with regular maintenance evident from the accompanying bills and receipts. Almost immediately after purchase, the camper was put in for a Gas Test with all existing pipes and fittings being replaced whilst subsequent servicing included further work to the brakes. Another £1400 further invested over these years. In the summer of 2023, we acquired the camper and sold it almost immediately to long-standing customers in Lyme Regis keen to experience the travelling life. Sadly, ill-health has prevented much time on the road and an imminent house move has persuaded our couple to reluctantly part with the van. That said, recent work including a replacement rear wheel bearing and front track control arm has been undertaken following on from the June 2024 MoT inspection.
The van presents just as the photographs show. The original C15 body is very tidy with just a few stone chips to the front bumper whilst rear composite coachwork is in great condition with no evidence of damage or any significant marks. Inside, the cab benefits from retrimmed front seats and later stereo whilst the living space is fitted out with neutral carpeting, full-length cushions (offering day seating and single bed accommodation with storage under), blinds and window curtains. To the rear is a compact kitchen featuring a small sink with cover tray, 2-ring Vanessa Calor gas burner and grille and ample cupboard storage. Further storage is offered over the cab, under the single beds (provision too for the cold-water tank and leisure battery) and outside in two rear lockers.
Turn the key and the super-reliable 1. 8 litre diesel engine fires immediately into life. On the road, the camper drives just like a car with ample performance to happily cruise all day at 55-60MPH whilst affording typically cushioned Citroen roadholding and an exceptionally smooth ride. I have just completed a 60-mile road trip and enjoyed every minute. It really does offer the best of all worlds as can be parked-up in the smallest of spaces and driven on the narrowest of lanes whilst offering comfortable accommodation for two and even a small dog. I absolutely love these little campers (this is the 3rd in just over a year) and a weekend away is already planned - that is if it doesn`t find a buyer in the meantime!
The van comes with comprehensive history from the past 7 years with a file of bills and receipts, full instructions for raising and lowering the roof, a HYLO owners handbook, old MoT Certificates and a current Certificate to June 2025 with Advisory Notes now dealt with. In addition, the camper comes with multiple sets of keys and a current V5C.
A cool, quirky but rather endearing camper-van ready for a new adventure! A great price too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
