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, well-appointed kitchenette 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. Benefitting from extensive service history (13 Citroen dealer stamps to 78, 560 miles and a comprehensive file of bills and receipts to the present day), this micro-camper has been clearly cherished with just 2 keepers the first 22 years of it`s life. It is a revelation and offers a brilliant introduction for newcomers 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 December 1992 and not only is it an earlier Mk. 1 but was fully optioned from the factory with full double-glazing making, sunroof over the kitchenette area, Electrolux refrigerator and roller blinds/ fly screens making it the ideal camper for all seasons. It was sold new by Freeborn Garages Ltd. of Southampton for £17, 967 to a couple living in Colchester. From July 1993 onwards, all maintenance and servicing was entrusted to Citroen main dealers, Roy Tolley Ltd. of Colchester, who subsequently saw the vehicle no less than 13 times to July 1999. The couple used and enjoyed the camper as their everyday and only vehicle covering over 10, 000 miles a year including extensive European touring - from Baghdad to Oporto. Notably, the van benefitted from a cambelt replacement at 48, 330 miles in February 1997. Sometime in the early Autumn 1999, the camper was part exchanged for a new car (the arrival of grandchildren meant the need for more seats) at a Renault dealership in Halstead and was consequently put up for sale with an asking price of £7995. The original newspaper advert is still in the file! The dealer in question, Crossway Premier Cars quickly sold the vehicle to a local gentleman for £7650 and the camper remained with him on the Essex coast for the next 15 years covering just 6, 000 miles. Over this period, the history file documents regular maintenance to include a full service and cambelt change at 82, 898 miles, bodywork repairs with minor welding and painting and a new set of tyres. In 2014, with around 85, 500 miles, the camper was sold to a lady in Hertfordshire who used it sparingly covering around 1, 000 miles a year for the next 2 years with annual maintenance undertaken by a specialist in Rickmansworth. Notable work includes a further cambelt replacement together with water pump in July 2016 at 87, 873 miles. Shortly afterwards, the camper was sold again to a gentleman in London who whilst evidently had it serviced and sold it again within a year to a lady in Nuneaton. Whilst in her ownership, the vehicle benefitted from a full brake overhaul, pump rewire and full service. Within a few months, the camper moved to Spalding, Lincolnshire where it remained until 2019 and was maintained by a local specialist in Spalding with details on file for drive shaft replacement and full service. Mileage at this point was 109, 872. In October 2019, the camper moved to Norwich where it was to remain until December 2022 when it was sold to a lady in Colchester - back where it had started some 30 years previous. Whilst in her care, it has benefitted from yet another cambelt replacement and new leisure and drive batteries as well as general servicing. Ill-health has now forced a rather reluctant sale and hence the availability of the camper today. Since it`s arrival, we have undertaken a good clean and thorough check-over, but it is evidently immediately ready for it`s next adventure.

The van presents just as the photographs show. The original C15 body is very tidy with just a few stone chips and age-related blemishes whilst the rear composite coachwork is in great condition with no evidence of damage or any significant marks. Inside, the cab benefits from original grey cloth 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. All soft furnishings are in excellent condition. To the rear is a compact kitchen featuring a small sink with cover tray, 2-ring Vanessa Calor gas burner and grille, Electrolux refrigerator 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 am completely sold on it and a weekend away is already planned - that is if it doesn`t find a buyer in the meantime!

The van comes with extensive service history from the original supplying dealer literature including a full colour sales brochure and price list, full Citroen Book-Pack with stamped-up Maintenance Book (15 stamps in total of which 13 are Citroen Main Dealer)and Owners Handbook, a ring-binder file of bills and receipts covering the past 20 years, old MoT Certificates from 1999 to the present day, the original Romahome Owners`s Handbook and Guide issued in 1992 and specific to this vehicle, contemporary road test reports and magazine reviews and former owner information. The camper has a current MoT Certificate to April 2024 and we are happy to offer a fresh Certificate at point of sale. In addition, it comes with multiple sets of keys and a current V5C.

A cool, quirky and superbly maintained 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.