The Adria Van Win/Twin (2003-Present) makes it into the Practical Motorhome Hall of Fame because it did more than any other to popularise a particular type of motorhome – this time it’s a panel-van conversion with a fixed bed.
The first Adria caravan was launched in 1965 by Industrija Motornih Vozil (IMV), based in Novo Mesto, then part of Yugoslavia, now in Slovenia. The company built light commercials and assembled Austin cars under licence. Government-owned IMV was always short of capital for buying parts from the UK, and the Adria caravan was produced to ameliorate the problem. Adria launched its first two coachbuilt motorhomes – named Adriatik – in 1982.
At the turn of the century, MD Sonja Gole oversaw the development of the Adria Van Win on LWB Ducato. Back then, permanent beds were rare in coachbuilts and almost unknown in van conversions.
At its 2003 UK launch, competitors poured scorn on the concept, claiming that they wouldn’t sell. Demand outstripped supply, and the rest is history.
Competitors scrambled to build look-alikes, although many feel that Adria has stayed ahead by constantly refining the basic design, adding alternative lengths of base vehicle and upgrading equipment to appeal to new market sectors. Van Win became Twin for the 2005 model year.
Thinking of buying a van conversion but want to see some newer models? Then take a look at our best campervan round-up, where we share our standout picks on the market.
This Adria Van Win/Twin pictured above was built in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. It’s a Fiat Ducato high-top LWB five-door panel van with an overall length (launch model) of 5.599m/18’ 4.5”.
Find out how the Bluebird Highwayman did more to popularise coachbuilt motorcaravanning than any other motorhome. You can also see what I have to say about the Jurgens Autovilla (1974-1985), a rear-lounge ‘van also known as the ‘Skilpad’.
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