Bedford Dormobile

Campervans began to appear in the 1950s as disposable incomes grew rapidly in post war Britain. Dormobile converted Bedford CA vans benefited from a purchase tax concession and began to be produced in large numbers from 1957 in Folkstone, Kent.

This Dormobile Romany has a great local story. Farm worker James Stuart of Strathdon had recently passed his driving test and was saving to buy his first car when he entered an Aberdeen Press and Journal competition to win a Dormobile in March 1963.

He won the van and £100 towards their first family holiday causing much excitement in Strathdon. Mr Stuart and his family, including three sons, then used the camper continually until he died in 1998. It took them on holiday at least once a year and ventured as far south as Blackpool.

The Dormobile is still owned by the Stuart family and is in unrestored original condition with all its equipment intact. It never once broke down and returned 25mpg with its three speed gear box and 35mph cruising speed.