Highlights
- A very rare find outside the USA
- Undersealed chassis in superb visual order
- Original paint in very good condition for its age
- Recently fitted with new Trojan 115 amp leisure batteries
- Only 75,000 miles from new
The Appeal
When you hear Winnebago, you probably think of the oh-so boxy D22 from the late '60s, or maybe you imagine an enormous modern RV? Either way, we'll bet you haven't seen one of these - a Volkswagen T4 Transporter-based Winnebago Rialta QD. A very rare sight outside of the United States where these campers enjoy a cult following, this van is quite unique here in the UK. It boasts exceedingly comfortable living quarters and, as the photographs show, it's in very good condition for its age.
The vendor tells us:
"I bought the van in August 2024. It was exported from new to Japan where it stayed until 2018. It was then imported to the UK by someone who was going to use it as a food van but never did (there is a letter in the paperwork folder detailing this - a nice bit of history to go with the vehicle).
"The Winnebago was sold to new owners who travelled through France; they had it undersealed and spared no expense on vehicle maintenance (lots of paperwork in the folder in the vehicle, bills etc). I bought from the next owner who had treated the vehicle well, owned for 2 years and used for family holidays. I have been informed that the automatic gear box oil has been replaced (receipts in the folder), bearings replaced, new airbags on the rear suspension and generally well maintained mechanically.
"Since owning, I have fitted a new shower draining pump and new appropriate Thetford toilet and upgraded the exterior with new decals all round keeping the feel and look of the original decals. They look amazing.
"I love most, its unique looks, the fantastic drive and the great size for exploring - lots of space but not as cumbersome as a large 4 berth European motorhome. I.e. you can drive pretty much anywhere in it because of its great size!"
The vendor tells us:
"I bought the van in August 2024. It was exported from new to Japan where it stayed until 2018. It was then imported to the UK by someone who was going to use it as a food van but never did (there is a letter in the paperwork folder detailing this - a nice bit of history to go with the vehicle).
"The Winnebago was sold to new owners who travelled through France; they had it undersealed and spared no expense on vehicle maintenance (lots of paperwork in the folder in the vehicle, bills etc). I bought from the next owner who had treated the vehicle well, owned for 2 years and used for family holidays. I have been informed that the automatic gear box oil has been replaced (receipts in the folder), bearings replaced, new airbags on the rear suspension and generally well maintained mechanically.
"Since owning, I have fitted a new shower draining pump and new appropriate Thetford toilet and upgraded the exterior with new decals all round keeping the feel and look of the original decals. They look amazing.
"I love most, its unique looks, the fantastic drive and the great size for exploring - lots of space but not as cumbersome as a large 4 berth European motorhome. I.e. you can drive pretty much anywhere in it because of its great size!"
The History and Paperwork
- MOT until 16th August 2025
- 75,000 miles
- Acquired by the vendor in August 2024
- Exported new to Japan where it stayed until 2018; subsequently imported to the UK
- Sold to new owners who used the van to travel through France; undersealed and well-maintained throughout their ownership
- Owned by the last owner for 2 years and used for family holidays
- Parked on driveway and used regularly around the UK
- Selling due to the vendor's focus on caravanning
- Lots of paperwork in folder of invoices and original manual
The Condition
- Underneath has been undersealed and the vendor has been unable to spot any corrosion issues
- Original paint is in very good condition for the year
- New decals applied in the period-correct style
- No dents or scrapes reported; habitation sides recently wrapped in quality white vinyl wrap
- Tyres are hardly worn; wheel trims in good condition
- All equipment is original and in very good order for the van's age
- Front seats have age-commensurate wear; minor stitching repair may be advisable
- Padding in the seats is very comfortable throughout. No lumps or bumps anywhere
- Air condition in habitation area works as does the LPG habitation area heater
- All the interior upholstery is original and complete including removable bed sections
- Cab air conditioning and habitation area air conditioning both work well and blow cold
- The original heating furnace, fridge and LPG cooker top are all present and working
- A new extractor fan with remote control fitted by previous owner
- Everything in the bathroom works is original other than new toilet
- All the Pullman aspects work in the bathroom as does the shower
- Water heating is all present and working
- Original blinds in good condition and working
- Windows all undamaged and seals are good
- Retains some original Winnebago labels and metal plates and some are in Japanese
- Suitable for a couple, family of 4, or larger group up to 8 (with 8 seatbelts fitted)
The Mechanics
- Mechanically original and unmodified
- 2.5-litre petrol
- Four-speed automatic gearbox
- Automatic gearbox oil replaced; bearings replaced; new airbags on rear suspension
- Recent tyres (last owner)
- Wireless reversing camera fitted by current owner
- Central locking does not work - a common Rialta issue due to faulty Habitation door wiring- doors can be locked and unlocked manually
- Original Onan generator onboard and working
- Electrics have 240v electric hook-up through 110v transformer - the vendor used a plug converter
- New engine start battery added in October 2024
- Fitted with 2 new Trojan 115 amp leisure batteries by the last owner
- Just one MOT advisory for minor oil leak
- Reportedly in excellent running, driving order
- The vendor notes: "It is the smoothest and quietest motorhome I have ever driven!"
- No known mechanical faults to report
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
