Mercedes T1 208D, Apache Auto Trail
Absolutely beautiful vintage Mercedes T1 campervan.
I absolutely love this van and am very sad to be selling it, but I’m moving back to the city and need to swap for a daily commuting vehicle (boo).
This camper is a Mercedes T1 with super low mileage only 76000. And is an engine which is super simple and super reliable.
I have fully refurbished the living space since I bought it a year ago and spent a year living in the van on and off, travelling from my base in Manchester as far North as Skye and as far south as Devon.
Base vehicle:
New MOT recently, lasting until 11th Aug 2025.
76000 on the clock.
I have been using the vehicle all year and haven’t had any driving issues what so ever.
I’ve had a few bits and pieces fixed too, new tail lights, refitting the passenger door latch, securing the wing mirrors which were a bit loose.
Otherwise the van has given me no problems at all.
Quirks –> the gear box in these vans is fitted backwards, so you’ll need to be comfortable adjusting to a slightly different driving experience. But it’s got loads of character and I actually find it surprisingly easy to manoeuvre due to a pretty tight turning circle.
You’ll need the van moving slowly whilst turning as power steering came later. So expect improved biceps as an added perk 🙂
Mostly this is to say this is a gorgeous classic vehicle, so do expect something a little different to todays driving experience.
Exterior:
It has ladders up the back and a huge roof rack.
It also has a boot box fitted in which I store outside essentials (hook up cables, wood chopping bits, extra blankets e.t.c).
Super stylish vintage exterior which I have left all original.
Since purchasing I have totally redecorated the interior making it much lighter/brighter and more comfortable. See below for full details 🙂
Issues:
There’s a small issue with the caravan door (habitation area). This will easily be fixed by fitting a new latch, I just haven’t quite got round to it as it still locks perfectly from the inside, so I tend to just lock from the inside and go out a different door. But this may need fixing.
The slider on the drivers seat is not working. I took it to a local garage and it took them a couple of minutes to fit it in the right position for me. I can recommend a garage who can do this for you nearby if you purchase.
I never got round to sewing curtains for the bedroom pod, so you may want to do this before next summer.
Extras:
The van also comes fitted with a wind out awning and a full tent bit which zips onto this. I have never used or even opened either of these features, but will pass onto you at purchase for you to enjoy.
It also has some giant levelling ramps.
And an adorable space reservation sign, which has a matching number plate and you can use on campsites if you’re out for the day.
Sold as seen £10500, ONO.
I’m happy to answer any and all questions about the vehicle so do reach out if you have any.
I’m still using the van until sale so the mileage may creep up ever so slightly, not going far though just to the peak district and back.
Much appreciated,
Effy
Interior:
I have fitted a wood burner and appropriate heat shield in the vehicle and it’s so cosy with the fire going.
It has a wood store underneath which can be accessed from both inside and outside the van.
Fitted new fire alarm and CO detector too.
I have also fitted a new gas bottle system to the original vintage stove and it’s a 4 ring burner suitable for cooking much like at home.
The original water heater and gas fridge were out of action before I bought the van, so I have opted to use a cool box and now just have cold running water with a water pump powered by the leisure battery. (I did get some quotes for a new water heater and an electric fridge but in the end felt I didn’t really need these additions) Plenty of space under the sofas if you did want to fit features such as these.
Loads of storage space under the sofas and in overhead cupboards around the entire living area.
Original Autotrail extractor fan still working.
Leisure battery charges whilst driving and powers all the lights, the water pump and the extractor fan. This has never run out, even when I’ve been on campsites for a number of days.
The van also works on hook up and then you can make use of the mains power sockets and the TV (included). This has been great when I’ve needed to work from the van.
It has a composting loo.
And cold shower with proper shower tray under the bathroom floor.
Huge fresh and grey water tanks filled and emptied from the outside of the van.
I have also installed an additional water carrier for drinking water which I’m happy to sell with the van.
It has a double bed above the cab, so no messing around converting beds every night.
I’ve even had guests and had two adults asleep upstairs and another two adults stay on the huge convertible bed in the lounge.
It has the original insulating blinds on all lounge windows, and I’ve made some extra privacy curtains for the windows too.
I’ve sewed curtains to separate the cab and the bedroom (included).
Double bed above the cab, almost a full size double. It’s a proper household memory foam mattress which I’ve trimmed down by about 8 inches to fit into the space.
Down stairs there’s a U-Shape sofa which converts into another enormous bed, most adults can sleep comfortably either widthways or lengthways on here and it easily fits two, would probably fit 3 adults.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
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