1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
FOR SALE
A condition three Martin Walter Bedford Roma Dormobile. EBAY NO RESERVE!
Item Number: 281148040352
Listing Starts: Thursday 8th August 21.00
Listing Ends: Sunday 18th August 21.00
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EQUIPMENT
Integral steel body, glass-fibre tailgate, elevating roof, third bunk in roof, fold-away single burner and grill, wardrobe hanging space, two individual aircraft style tables, fluorescent 8 watt strip light, 4lb Gaz cylinder storage, hinged moulded Perspex basin, lockers, shelving, ashtray
EXTERIOR
A presentable rare example finished in Grecian White with the De Luxe only bodyside flash in Pageant Red. A clean, structurally sound and true to the original Martin Walter conversion based on the Bedford Viva HAV-Series 8 cwt van. All the chrome is bright and shiney. The famous Dormobile elevating roof is moulded in glass fibre and still has the original terylene P.V.C red candy-stripe canopy in fabulous condition. The opening air vent catch is broken so is presently secured using tape. The rear extension allowing sleeping accommodation is again original and in excellent condition. Historic remedial repairs have been carried out and now show signs of ageing. Most noticeable are the bottom of the passenger door and rear tailgate hinge area. The chrome coach line strips have dings and some fresh tidying is evident. This is a sound, usable example but in condition 3 very worthy of continued preservation.
INTERIOR
A marvel of innovative design makes this Dormobile conversion a practical caravan in which you really can sleep and live on a short holiday in reasonable comfort, even for three adults! The interior fixtures and fittings are largely original from the woodgrained melamine faced timber to the moulded perspex basin. The extendable double bed has been reupholstered in red velvet and no curtains are fitted. The driver and passenger cockpit is clean with the black carpeting tight but small tears to the original vynide material on the side of the driver’s seat can be seen. All the glass remains in excellent condition including the swivelling side panel sections although the rubbers are dry and perished slightly. The original kitchen area stove and grill has not been safety tested. Wonderful, quirky and very sound but not perfectly new.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The simple 1159cc engine is a home mechanics dream with brilliant parts availability. With only 35bhp at the drivers disposal progress is a relaxed affair provided there is no hurry! 0-60 is despatched in 49.7 seconds and the top speed is 70mph but realistically 55mph is the happy cruising limit. A combined cycle of 28mpg can be expected. The splendid short gear change of the Viva with well spaced ratios can be enjoyed. First gear can sometimes be difficult to engage until familiarity sets in.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Steel disc type with 4J X 12 standard rims and perfect chrome wheel trims are fitted. Four new Nankang 155 R12 tyres are fitted. Hydraulic brakes with two leading shoes up front and leading and trailing shoes at the rear require a firm application compared to modern standards.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new in May 1972 this Bedford Roma changed mobile caravanning for many as Martin Walter appealed to those who want to make only occasional use of camping facilities but enjoy a vehicle that handles like a car for daily use without massive expenditure. A rare survivor due to being enthusiast owned this original example can be enjoyed in its current condition but hard use will result in an eventual and inevitable easy restoration.
MOT June 2014, Tax exempt and HPI Clear.
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www.flickr.com/photos/kgfclassiccars/sets/72157634974075656
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1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
1972 BedfordDormobile Roma by KGF Classic Cars, on Flickr
