Different badge, different layout
VAUXHALL has never really been a name that’s been linked to campervans, nor has Opel (its German cousin), and, although those with very long memories might cite Bedford (Vauxhall’s former commercial vehicle arm) and its popular CF, that’s delving back into the history books. Not that, more recently, Vauxhall hasn’t had suitable vans – its Vivaro and larger Movano have always been badge-engineered versions of LCVs that we know better in the leisure sector under other brands. The Movano has long been a derivative of the Renault Master, but no more. This Movano is the latest sister to the Citroën Relay/Jumper, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer (the Sevel vans, all from Stellantis Group marques). It was launched in 2021 and is made in Poland.
Griffin on the grille aside, then, this is another familiar van, seen here in medium-wheelbase (L2) guise with factory high roof (H2). It comes with the 140PS engine as standard, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (no automatic option).
This example is unusual (for a campervan) in being finished in metallic black – a colour scheme that merges with the tinted glass side windows. In fact, with steel wheels and sparse graphics, its leisure role would be discreet in the extreme were it not for the pop-top fitted here. Of course, that roof – from Denby Campervans and adapted to fit the Movano – is not for standing room but simply to provide a roof bed, making this ’van a full four-berth.
Seen at the Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show, Harrogate, the conversion is by Custom Built Campervans of Rotherham – a company that does exactly as its name suggests, building bespoke conversions, usually on vans supplied by its customers. It says it can convert any van of any size and, as a general rule, every one of its campervans is different to the last. The one shown here is certainly different to what you might expect to see in a ’van of this size.
Initially, it might look like the sort of side kitchen layout that you’d find in a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom, just with more space, but glance towards the rear offside corner and you’ll see full-height furniture and a tall, silver tambour door. Inside, there’s a walk-in toilet compartment with a swivel cassette loo, giving this Vauxhall a real USP in comparison with smaller campers. A shower could be incorporated here, too, if the customer required.
Alongside this facility is an M1-tested rock ‘n’ roll seat system from Vulcan Beds. Its backrest incorporates taller sections to act as a pair of headrests, it has two
