Description
Jan Ames and Cor Scheffel, Volkswagen dealers based in Dordrecht (Netherlands), began building their motorhomes in 1967. The AMES dealers had a large stock of used vans in their premises and could not find a buyer, until they had the idea of equipping the vans with a motorhome interior and reselling them. A new trade was born, and they dubbed their new motorhomes “Amescador”. This name, which may seem exotic, is in fact the abbreviation of AMES CAmper DORdrecht. Besides the different colours, the unique selling point was that each van could accommodate four adults. This was possible thanks to a small tent hung at the back of the van. AMES delivered around 800 Amescadors between 1967 and 1984. Today, they have become rare and sought-after classic motorhomes.
This example was delivered new in 1978 to its first owner in the Netherlands, in the Marinogelb colour with an optional Dormobile roof. The VW travelled a lot during its motorhome career, the best proof being the Swiss road-tax vignettes from 1989 to 2009 stuck on the windscreen with no interruption. The current owner bought the car in 2015 because it was in a completely original condition. About 50% of the paint is still original, but the interior was a little worn. He decided to renovate the motorhome interior with proper materials, and installed a new fridge and a new sink. The front compartment is still original, with its brown vinyl seats and rubber floor mats. The VW was then registered in Belgium, but it stayed in its summer house in the south of France, where his family used it for romantic countryside excursions.
It is a very pleasant motorhome to drive. It starts up immediately without issue, with the typical VW Boxer growl, and the gear lever is easy to use. It actually drives very comfortably with its soft suspension and high seating position, and gives each journey the feeling of heading off for a short holiday.
Perhaps you will be the next lucky owner of this very practical and attractive classic car? A visit to our showroom can only help to achieve that….
