Rare 1971 Dormobile Camper Ready for Adventure Travel
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The Dormobile campervan, with its signature elevated roof hinged on one side, first appeared across the pond in 1957. The clever British van conversion—complete with gas stove, sink, and beds—was the UK’s leading motor home solution in the 1960s and 1970s.
A rare, well-equipped 1971 Land Rover Dormobile camper, now located in Arizona, recently sold on eBay.
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Two-Fold Out Cots and a Skylight
According to the seller, the Martin-Walter company is the builder of this Land Rover Dormobile. That firm and Dormobile has a long history - opens in new window or tab., dating back to 1773 when it built harnesses for horse-drawn vehicles. More than a century later, Martin-Walter shifted to making bespoke car bodies for early Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce motorcars.
After the Second World War, Martin-Walter refocused again—on ambulance bodies and then popular camper conversions of Bedford vans. By the late 1960s, those vans equipped with the Dormobile design became well known as Bedford Dormobile vans.
The Land Rover has plenty of room for overlanding adventures.
The Dormobile was applied to models from British Motor Company, Commer, Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen—and even the small Fiat 850T van. Martin-Walter only built about 830 Land Rover Dormobiles. The vehicle on eBay is a primo conversion of the capable Land Rover Series IIA. The series IIA is widely considered the hardiest of Land Rover's series of classic off-road vehicles.
The seller describes the potent combo of Land Rover and Dormobile:
All the seats can lay flat, making one giant bed. The front seats can also tilt into a reverse position to create a nice dining area. A table is mounted to the rear door.The Dormobile fiberglass top opens and closes with ease and has two fold-out cots and an opening skylight. This Dormobile sleeps four comfortably with great use of storage.
The novelist Anthony Burgess - opens in new window or tab., best known for "A Clockwork Orange," reportedly owned one—living in it for travels across Western Europe in the late 1960s.
Well-Preserved in the Southwest US
Before the eBay example made it to the US, builders swapped in a Chevy 4.3-liter V-6. That matches up to a four-speed manual transmission. Despite its arrival to the US, it’s still a right-hand drive - opens in new window or tab..
The seller had it repainted in Bahama Gold. He maintained its mechanical condition and had the trim pieces painted rather than refinished. The tires are new, along with shocks and parabolic springs. Those springs helped raised the height of the Land Rover.
The seller has owned it in Arizona for three years. Before that, the Dormobile resided in the desert lands of New Mexico for seven years.
Off-Road Capable—and Cozy
The Dormobile features two single cots.
Have no fear of going off-road in this Dormobile. The front end is equipped with a Warn winch - opens in new window or tab. and a spare tire mounted on the hood. An extra fuel can is on the back to extend the range of this Land Rover. If in a jam, there is a Hi-Lift jack - opens in new window or tab. for extrication. A roof rack - opens in new window or tab. over the cab expands the cargo space.
The Dormobile unit includes a roomy wardrobe cabinet, a sink basin, overhead bin, and other storage areas. The seats are multi-position for max functionality. A gas stove is present but currently not hooked up to propane.
The rooftop tent pops - opens in new window or tab. out with ease to reveal two cots and a skylight.
This Land Rover which sold on eBay Motors had a Buy-It-Now price of $72,500. That reflects how this Dormobile is both a capable overlanding machine and a handsome show-worthy example of automotive history.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.