For Sale Toyota Hiace Devon caravanette, 1982

[messerschmitt owner]

I’ve owned this Toyota Hiace Devon caravanette since 2006 when I bought it sight unseen off Ebay with almost a year’s ticket. Didn’t use it after the end of the summer of 2006 and its replacement is a Mercedes 416cdi coachbuilt motorhome.

 

It runs well, has the 16R 1600cc engine, and is a SWB Hiace Devon caravanette. Everything works as it should in the caravanette conversion and I renewed the hoses (both water and gas) and had the fridge checked over when we bought the van.

 

Despite being ziebarted when new, the van is a Toyota and it does have rust issues. Pretty major, I would say but I doubt a decent home welder couldn’t cope with the van as is and turn it into a very nice camper. As can be seen from the pictures, she needs a lot of work but the basic mechanicals and camper van parts are good. Let down by a tired body. She will drive, start and stop and has a multitude of spare parts included, as well as manuals, owner’s handbook, etc.

 

I have tried to take pictures showing the good parts and the bad of the van, and do have others that I can send by e-mail if desired. Certainly, I wouldn’t do what I did and buy it sight unseen – come and have a view, and we can chat about Toyotas – this is my second Devon caravanette and they make a practical and infinitely better camper than a VW ever does.

 

She’s a four berth (the seats downstairs make up a double) and there is space for a double up top. There is a leak in the metal of the roof and she does let in water, but the fibreglass roof and the stripey canvas are in good condition. There is a two ring burner with grill, enclosed in its own cabinet, which does hinge out so you can cook alfresco or inside the van, she has her table (big enough for four), a sink with running cold water (using a whale electric pump) as well as an Electrolux fridge, which runs on gas or 12v. She also has a towbar and 240V electrics inside with a couple of plugs. There is a wardrobe over the offside arch at the back, which holds enough clothes for three for a weekend. More storage space is found under both seats. We use the storage under the bench for duvets, etc., and underneath the small seat is space for a portapotti.

 

All in all, an honest, if rusty, van which needs restored and used – Hiaces are rare now but extremely good vans – did I forget to mention the column shift gear change – it works smoothly and is great fun. She comes with a selection of spare parts, including some mechanical and service parts as well as lights and a good front screen (which is probably as well, as the current screen fitted does have a chip). I can’t find the logbook, which I can’t remember seeing since 2006, so you will need to send off to the DVLA for a new one. It says 65000 miles on the clock – and I would reckon that that really means 165,000 miles. These Toyota engines do go on for ever and the 1600 will give a fuel consumption in the high 20s and cruise comfortably at 60mph but will give almost 80 if pushed. She rides very well and is a relaxing drive. Too many projects is the main reason for sale. Given the choice, I’d rather spend the money and time on my Messerschmitt or Berkeley.

 

£500 ono, sold as seen with no warranty. Tel 07768 268919 or e-mail me at janette.mccutcheon at btinternet.com . Viewing welcome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Torsten2001]

What a gorgeous thing! Where does it need welding exactly?

[wuvvum]

I've always liked this shape of Hi-ace. I had one of the previous shape, which was a coachbuilt camper but would have been mechanically pretty much the same, and I was surprised with how well it went for what it was - it would buzz along at 70 if needed, even with a bloody great luton body on it.

[messerschmitt owner]

everywhere is the short answer! Seriously, she needs some underneath, especially around the steps at the front doors, the roof needs done along the gutter on the passenger side and the roof at the rear - bottoms of the two front doors could do with a little work as could the A posts. Hatch at the back is frilly along the bottom too. It wouldn't be a weekend's work is all I'll say.

[messerschmitt owner]

I love this model of Hiace - this is my second and I would have another again!just checked the engine no and it is 12R 2657752My old one was the lwb with the 18r engine - I have an official Toyota 12R manual too included in the sale and there are lots of things in the cupboards that will stay, including cutlery, two gas bottles (one half full or so) and other odds and sods that will complete the camping experience!