Highlights
- Rare sight on British roads
- Good fuel economy
- Fully equipped with lots of appliances
The Appeal
Built on a VW Transporter chassis, the Rialta was produced by the Winnebago company in Forest City, Iowa from 1995 to 2005, with a range of four different floorpans. This example is the ‘QD’ version, with two additional seats behind the driver and passenger seats.
With a reputation for fuel economy and manoeuvrability compared to many campervans, and a range of creature comforts only usually found in bigger models, the Rialta has a keen following and is a rare model in this country, having been imported in small numbers by Dudley’s American Motorhomes in Oxfordshire.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5
- MoT until July 2023
- Full Winnebago owner’s manual
- Manuals for all appliances
The vendors acquired the vehicle in 2018 and have used it on a number of UK excursions, and have also been to France in it. Recent health issues have led to the decision to sell, as they no longer feel able to use it as they previously have.
The campervan has an MoT valid until July 2023, and comes with a comprehensive Winnebago owner’s manual, and a thick folder of paperwork including all the manuals for the toilet, shower unit, air-conditioning unit, microwave and all other appliances.
The Interior
- Luxurious interior space
- Air conditioning
- Double and single beds
- Microwave
- Electrolux refrigerator
- Three-ring gas hob
- Sink
- Pull-out toilet and shower cubicle
- Two ‘captain’s’ seats behind front seats
- Plenty of storage space
- Refillable gas cylinder
- 240v mains sockets
- Screen door
Despite its relatively modest exterior dimensions, the Rialto’s interior space provides a comfortable and well-appointed living space, with a sensible and efficient layout. Large windows make a for a bright and unconfined feel.
The generous seating area and table at the rear of the living area convert readily into a double bed, with space underneath that the vendors report as having served as sleeping quarters for their two labradors! Meanwhile the two luxurious ‘captain’ seats (which have plenty of legroom) situated behind the driver’s and passenger seats convert into a single bed, making this a three-berth living space.
The toilet and shower compartment has an ingenious ‘pull-out’ design that helps to maximise the living space, and inside this there is another nice touch – a pull-down sink. The ‘Thetford’ toilet is a flushing design with an outlet valve situated beneath the vehicle.
There are useful storage lockers throughout the living space, and while we left the plates, cups and so on in place for the photographs, to provide scale, these are not included in the sale but may be negotiated.
The cockpit area is functional rather than luxurious, although the fabric upholstery on both driver’s and passenger seats has held up well and is in great condition. Similarly, the carpets and ‘Rialta’ branded mats are in very good condition, and there’s a generous glove box as well as door pockets.
The campervan’s lack of recent use was apparent at the time of our photo shoot and the interior had a rather damp aroma, and some areas would benefit from thorough cleaning, but everything was in good order. We were not able to verify the operation of the hob, refrigerator, microwave or air-conditioning but the vendor assures us that these all work as they should.
The van benefits from an inbuilt gas-tank that can be refilled at any LPG point, while there are two sizeable accessory batteries located under the floor between the two captain’s seats.
The van also has a TV point and rooftop aerial but this is an ‘analogue’ rather than digital set-up and so would need to be upgraded to modern specs.
The Exterior
- Aerodynamic shape
- Bodywork in very good condition
- Mains hook-up
- Storage lockers
- Spare wheel
The Rialta has been designed with good aerodynamics, no doubt a key factor in its reputed fuel economy, and its smart lines still look contemporary despite having been styled nearly thirty years ago. The bodywork here presents very well, with no visible blemishes beyond a few stonechips on the front bumper. The smart, colourful decals are well-preserved.
The roof-mounted air-conditioning unit has some superficial damage but this doesn’t affect its operation.
There are handy exterior storage lockers on the outside, which contain a spare wheel, mains connection points, a warning triangle and wedges for levelling the vehicle when on site.
All four wheels are showing signs of corrosion but the tyres all have good tread. The vendor had removed the wheel trims before cleaning the vehicle but these will be refitted before sale (see pictures).
The Mechanics
- 2.4-litre diesel engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Healthy engine note
- Good fuel economy
- Left-hand drive for Continental touring
At the time of our visit the vehicle had a flat battery, no doubt a consequence of a lack of recent use, but when started with a jump-start pack the engine sprang readily into life, and idled with a healthy note. The vendor assures us that it drives well with no issues, and there are no visible faults in the engine bay. The mileage is presumed to be genuine and the vendor has covered only around 5000 miles in it since acquisition.
With left-hand drive, the vehicle is ideal for Continental excursions.
The Rialta is renowned for fuel economy, with users reporting figures of 18-22 mpg – way above what one would expect for such a spacious and well-appointed vehicle.
Beneath the vehicle there is some evidence of corrosion but nothing beyond what one would expect of a vehicle of this age and mileage.
Summary
The growth in popularity of campervans in recent years has been remarkable, no doubt fuelled by the hassles of foreign travel during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Good quality, well-appointed examples are both sought-after and hard to find. This one has everything in place for self-sufficient ‘off-grid’ adventures and is ready to be driven and enjoyed, just as summer appears on the horizon!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
