They’ll be gone in a year,” was (rather dismissively) opined by some established British converters in the early 1990s, when Derby-based Don Amott unveiled several Italian budget coachbuilt ranges in RHD and with an OTR price undercutting competitors by 25%.
They didn’t disappear, but continued to find favour with British purchasers (especially young families) to such an extent that early in the new millennium, Swift, one of the best motorhome makes, produced a range to compete head-on with the hugely popular Italian imports.
Monikered Ace Novella, these coachbuilts did just that and then some. They were exciting, appealing, and sold by the shedload. Now, two decades later, they make a savvy purchase for those looking for the best secondhand motorhomes.
Unveiled at the October 2001 NEC show, Novella’s launch offer numbered four – all Luton overcab coachbuilts, and all named after well-known, iconic, Italian cities.
Torino, just 5.53m (18’ 2”) long, but with four sleeping berths and three travel seats, packed a lot of accommodation into a little package. The motorhome layout featured a front lounge ahead of the wardrobe, plus the kitchen and washroom at the rear.
Milano featured what was then the most popular ‘6m’ coachbuilt layout – a forward lounge consisting of a double Pullman dinette on the offside, opposite which was a long inward-facing settee. Next a centrally located wardrobe, and finally a rear kitchen and washroom, similar to the Torino.
The good news for those thinking of buying a used motorhome but looking for a six berth is the range also delivers on that score too. The Six-berth Verona’s two double beds plus twin bunks were clearly aimed at mob-handed motorhomers. Milano and Verona were actually a tad over 6m, stretching the tape to 6.1m/20’ 0”. Another six-berth was the flagship Roma, the longest at 6.93m/22’ 9”, and the only launch model to feature a permanent double bed. It’s located transversely at the far rear, and because it is above a spacious garage, it has to be a high-level one.
Despite competitive pricing, the standard specification was generous and very much tailored to British purchasers, a key component in making the Novella range a successful synergy of Italian style and British practicality. Initially, motive power was provided by a 1.9TD unit, except in the Roma, which was fitted with a 2.8TD motor.
Fiat refreshed the Ducato for the 2003 model year, including many incremental upgrades and improvements; the most significant was the development of a new range of common-rail turbodiesel engines at three different displacements: 2.0-litre/84bhp (in Capri, Milano and Napoli), 2.3-litre/110bhp (Modena) and finally 2.8-litre/127bhp (Roma).
A year later, Swift made the decision to reconfigure the Novella line-up. Torino and Verona were dropped and replaced with Luton overcabs Napoli and Firenze. At 6.16m/20’ 3”, Napoli boasted an L-shaped rear lounge. Longer Firenze emulated the Roma, but replaced its high-level rear bed with a U-shaped lounge.
Significantly, low-profile motorhomes (both two-berth) also joined the gang. Capri (5.59m/18’ 4”) was shorter than many PVCs, and slightly longer Modena became the shortest Novella to offer a permanent double bed. Another plus for Modena was its large washroom with full-size walk-in shower cubicle.
The 2005 model year saw a new exterior high-level rear moulding and removable bound-edge carpets as standard. Firenze also gained an extended wheelbase, enabling a longer body, which in turn facilitated the inclusion of longer side settees in the rear U-shaped lounge.
These added some flexibility to the sleeping arrangements, providing two easy-access single beds or a huge all-over double bed.
Novella was so successful that when this Ducato was replaced by the new X/250 generation for the 2007 model year, all models were transferred to the new underpinnings.
What to look out for in an Ace Novella coachbuilt motorhome
Base vehicle
Well sorted by then: 1.9-litre TD unit might sound puny, but was an absolute bell-ringer, spirited and frugal on fuel. The replacement 2.0-litre unit was a bit lacklustre in comparison, but can easily be upgraded by after-market tuning. Look for a full service history, plus a recent change of engine belts.
When it comes to driving a motorhome, all models except most Roma and the Firenze can be driven on a normal car licence. These ‘biggies’ will require group C1 licence entitlement.
Conversion
Look for a recent habitation service and body integrity report.
If the latter is missing, carry out your own inspection using a damp meter with a percentage readout, not just an audible warning.
Budget for updating smoke/LPG alarms and firefighting equipment. Check age of LPG regulator and connecting hose.
Novella’s attractive duck-egg blue skirts did suffer from UV damage, resulting in a furry, yucky grey finish. Any good body shop that can accept the height of a ’van should be able to refinish these for a modest sum.
What we like about Ace Novella coachbuilt motorhomes
- Italian style
- British practicality
- Wide variety of layouts
- User-friendly washrooms
- Many under 3500kg
What we dislike about Ace Novella coachbuilt motorhomes
- No automatic transmission option
Ace Novella coachbuilt motorhome essentials
- Ace Novella on Fiat Ducato X/44 chassis-cab
- Built 2002-2006 by Swift Group in Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK
- Low-profile and Luton overcab coachbuilts
- Overall length: 5.53m/18’ 2” (Torino) to 7.5m/24’ 7.25” (Firenze 2005 onwards)
Our pick
For all with Group C1 driving licences: later Firenze with the longer rear lounge/single beds option. For couples: compact and natty low-profile Modena is worth a second (and third) look.
What to pay
Plenty are available at approachable prices, usually ranging from £15,000 to £25,000. Motorhome Depot (Pontypridd) has a 2003 Modena fitted with a 2.3-litre TD engine, 58,000 miles, at a sensible asking price of £16,995.
Scanning the classified adverts on the AutoTrader website revealed the private sale of a 2002 Verona, for just £13,500. Looked worth travelling to view from the accompanying photographs. Nearest brand-new equivalent would be a Swift Escape 674 at £84,495 OTR. Potential saving of £70,000, then!
Alternatives to consider
One option to consider is the Bessacarr E400 series, ‘vans that were released at an entry-level price yet came surprisingly well-equipped. See what I made of a used Auto-Trail coachbuilt too, ‘vans which make a good option and are available in a choice of layouts and lengths.
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