1985 Classic Hymer 534 – 4 Berth, Solar, Original Interior, Left-Hand Drive & Ready for Its Next Adventure

There is something about an old Hymer that newer motorhomes just don’t quite replicate.

This 1985 Hymer 534 has been part of our family for years and has given us some genuinely wonderful memories: family trips, weekends away, long journeys and all the little moments that come with travelling together.

The van belonged to my stepdad, who sadly passed away. We have a lot of affection for it and for the memories attached to it, but we now feel the time has come to let it go to someone else who can enjoy it and continue its story.

In many ways, that is what we would most like for it. It has already had one chapter as part of our family, and we would love to see it become part of someone else’s adventures rather than simply sit unused.

Inside, it still retains much of its wonderfully original 1980s Hymer character. There is wood cabinetry throughout, distinctive patterned upholstery, a huge panoramic windscreen and that unmistakable classic European motorhome feel.

It is not a newly renovated Instagram camper, and we don’t want to pretend that it is.

What it is, however, is a proper, usable classic Hymer that runs and drives well, has been used by our family until recently and gives the next owner a brilliant starting point.

Mechanically, it has a 2,428cc engine, manual gearbox and is left-hand drive. The odometer currently shows approximately 170,000 km, equivalent to around 106,000 miles. It has continued to run and drive well for us, and there are no major known mechanical faults that we are aware of.

Being left-hand drive also feels very natural once you point it towards France and the rest of Europe, which is exactly the sort of travelling a Hymer like this feels made for.

The layout makes excellent use of the space. Up front is the classic Hymer drop-down double bed above the cab, while there is additional sleeping space towards the rear, giving approximately four berths in total.

It also has the kitchen, bathroom, seating, storage and living space you would expect from a proper motorhome rather than a basic converted van. One of the things we have always liked about it is just how much usable living space Hymer managed to fit into a relatively compact vehicle.

Over the years we have continued to look after it rather than simply leave it standing. It has had recent welding completed, replacement windows fitted and a solar panel installed.

The bodywork is in fair condition for a vehicle of this age. It naturally shows signs of its 40+ years on the road and it is not a fully restored example, but it is complete, usable and honest.

The same is true inside. The interior is dated because it is original in character, not because it is unusable. Someone could quite happily enjoy it as it is and embrace the retro look, or gradually update and personalise it over time.

We can imagine it becoming a fantastic European touring van, surf camper, festival vehicle or simply a characterful family motorhome.

As a historic vehicle, it is currently MOT exempt subject to the relevant UK historic-vehicle requirements, although, as with any vehicle of this age, it remains the owner’s responsibility to keep it roadworthy.

We do not have a complete documented service history, so we would rather be transparent about that. What we can say is that it has been maintained as required during our ownership and has remained in use until recently.

It is an old motorhome and naturally shows its age in places. We would much rather say that openly than try to present it as something it is not.

Anyone looking for a pristine modern motorhome will probably want something different.

But if you appreciate older vehicles, original interiors and the idea of travelling in something with genuine personality, we think this Hymer has an enormous amount going for it.

There is also something quite special about buying a vehicle where the story has already started.

You don’t need to build a camper from scratch.

You can pack your things, make it your own and carry on where the previous family left off.

For us, this is more than simply selling an old motorhome. It has been part of our family, and we hope the next owner gets as much enjoyment from it as we did.

We would genuinely love to see it go to someone who appreciates what it is, enjoys the character of an older Hymer and gives it another chapter of adventures.

Key details
1985 Hymer 534
2,428cc engine
Approximately 170,000 km / 106,000 miles
Manual gearbox
Left-hand drive
Two-axle rigid-body motorhome
Approximately 4 berth
Drop-down double bed above cab
Additional rear sleeping area
Kitchen
Bathroom
Original-style Hymer cabinetry and interior
Solar panel
Replacement windows
Recent welding work completed
Runs and drives well
Used by our family until recently
Historic vehicle / MOT exempt subject to the normal UK rules

What we love about it

The panoramic front windscreen is one of the defining features of these older Hymers and gives the cab a huge amount of character.

The original interior also gives it a warmth that newer motorhomes often lose. It feels much more like a little home on wheels than a converted commercial van.

There is also a surprising amount of usable space inside for the size of the vehicle, with proper sleeping, cooking, bathroom and living areas all built into the original Hymer layout.

And perhaps most importantly, it has personality. It feels like something you take on an adventure rather than simply a vehicle you travel in.

What isn’t perfect

It is over 40 years old, so it does show its age in places.

The bodywork is not pristine, the interior is original rather than modernised, and there are cosmetic areas a future owner may choose to refresh over time.

We also do not have a complete documented service history.

None of that stops it being usable, but we want to be open about what it is: a genuine, running classic Hymer rather than a fully restored show vehicle.