I've had a High-top T25 camper for over 7 years, which has been a great project, and we've had many great adventures in it. However with the limited speed of the old van, I've found it frustrating wanting to go further a field, also being a high-top was restrictive as a daily driver.
The van where it first started:
After a few years and a lot of money:
So several moths ago while at Busfest I was wandering around having a look a the traders and I spotted a fantastically converted T5 SWB, I guess this was the starting point for it all. Later that evening sat in the van talking with Sam (my better half) about the potential benefits of having a newer, and possibly larger van.
Infact below is the van that first sparked my interest.
Over the following months the desire for a T5 grew and grew, and I'd picked up several T5 magazines along the way. I'd mentally decided what I wanted on the new van, it definitely had to be a long wheel base van, preferably with a tailgate and electric windows. Air-con was a nice to have if possible, but not a deal breaker, as I'd managed for years without it in the T25.
One weekday evening I was browsing around eBay, and spotted a LWB T5 in metallic blue with a tailgate and air-con, but it was in Bristol, some 3 hours from Manchester. This didn't put me off, and I called the garage and arranged to test drive the van a few days later. The seller at the garage said the van was great condition, but a small small marks on the wing mirrors and one arch, but it does drive flawlessly.
So one very early morning, and several coffee stops and I was at the garage in Bristol ready to test drive the van, and all being well, drive home. However excited I was soon disappeared when test driving the van it couldn't get over 25 mph, and stunk of diesel fumes when sat idling. Needless to say I walked away, and with a very long face, set off home.
All in all a wasted day, and dampened spirits, and a very sulky Chris.
So the search continues..