The Sherpa sleeps 2 with an extra hammock type single berth in the roof which is more suitable for a child. There is plenty of room to stand up with the roof raised which is a very easy process taking about 30 seconds. It may be possible to fit another berth in the roof. There is also a table which fits on a single leg between the side facing seats. The rear seats can take 4 people when facing sideways or can be arranged to face forwards. There are 2 rear seatbelts for use when they are facing forwards only. A water container in the wardrobe supplies an electric pump and there is a two burner gas cooker. There is also a point to connect a gas fire to. The gas supply is isolated by a switch above the sink so that it is not left on while travelling or sleeping.

There is a simple split charge system supplying an extra battery so that prolonged use of the 2 flourescent lights won't leave the main battery flat.

We have owned this vehicle for the last 4 years. It had 2 previous owners and has been a well cared for vehicle throughout its life. The paintwork is original and the bodywork has never been welded. The interior is in original condition and the upholstery is good with no holes. After we bought the Sherpa we completely overhauled the engine, fitting hardened valve seats to the exhaust valves so that it is happy on unleaded petrol. The van was converted to also run on LPG and comes with a certificate from Tinley Tech who are a recognised supplier of quality systems. The conversion is completely unobtrusive with 3 tanks being concealed beneath the floor. One of these also supplies the gas cooker so there are no separate cylinders to change as it is kept topped up when the vehicle is refuelled.

On completion of the work my partner and I undertook a 4500 mile trip to Morocco and back which took us through a wide variety of driving conditions from snowdrifts in the Pyrenees, floods in Southern Spain, and some fairly high temperatures too. The Sherpa proved enjoyable to drive and never missed a beat, not a single problem of any kind. It cruised on the motorways for hour after hour at 60mph and achieved an average consumption of 22mpg on LPG. Running on petrol (LPG can be hard to find in Spain and unavailable from the pump in Morocco) consumption was around 26mpg.

Since then we have used the van for holidays each year and it now shows a mileage of 48,000, up from the 34,000 that it registered when I bought it and which I believe to be genuine, judged by the vehicle' condition and history.

LPG is currently between 61 and 68 p per litre at the pumps, and considerably less at the many gas depots who sell it during working hours. If you have have not used a dual fuel vehicle before, this conversion is superb, the engine runs sweetly and smoothly. There are no hesitations or flat spots and emissions are lower than when running on petrol. The system has the added refinement of an exhaust sensor that adjusts the gas/air mixture to the correct ratio. The vehicle starts on gas hot or cold, and changover to petrol is made by a small switch which also displays the fuel level.

Parts availability for the Sherpa is good- this model has a 1.8 'b' series engine similar to the MGB. These engines are torquey, simple and robust with no timing belt to snap. This one benefits from electronic ignition. It's 4 speed gearbox is also related to the MGB. Unfortunately it does not have the optional overdrive fitted which would improve fuel consumption and provide a higher and more relaxed cruising speed. However I recently bought an overdrive gearbox which I would be willing to sell with the van at a reasonable price.

I fitted a towbar to the autosleeper and for the past couple of years have towed a small 1972 caravan on holidays which is the reason we have reluctantly decided that we don't really need the Sherpa anymore.

The overall condition is very good. This is not a bodged up vehicle- you'll find no stripped threads, dodgy electrics or hidden nasties that come to light the first time the vehicle is serviced. Paintwork is showing its age and this is one area that we would address if we were keeping the van, but that is only to be expected after 34 years. However it still looks respectable and has not had a 'blow-over' respray that would conceal (temporarily) the true condition of the bodywork. The van is MOT'd until May 2011. The chassis has been waxoyled from new, doors close nicely, and everything feels as it would on a modern van that had covered this sort of mileage. It has a locking fuel cap and two sets of keys. It has servo brakes which pull up well, but lacks power steering, Since parking presents no problems to both the not-so-young owners (one who is also a grandmother!), I don't think anyone should find driving difficult. The vans has spent most of its life undercover so that seals have not deteriorated in the sun- there are no leaks!

1977

1798cc

£2900

Phone Tim on 01775640412

email: crossingpoint@btinternet.com