Seminole deserves induction into our Hall of Fame for two reasons. First, although closely followed by the biggie Swift Kon-Tiki and the Elddis Emperor, the Auto-Trail Seminole was (by a few weeks) the first from a UK volume manufacturer to offer ‘six appeal’, courtesy of Al-Ko’s fully galvanised and independently sprung tandem rear-axle chassis.
Second, it was the pioneer production Auto-Trail (who are celebrating their 40th year of production) equipped with a separate ‘walk-in’ rear bedroom with a permanent double bed, in this instance a low-level transverse one. Also located within that cleverly designed rear bedroom is a vanity basin.
The well-equipped, centrally placed kitchen is on the nearside, opposite which, the wardrobe and palatial washroom, with another basin, a cassette toilet and the shower, are located.
The forward lounge in the Auto-Trail Seminole is best described as ‘traditional Auto-Trail’, with plenty of floral pink Dralon, ‘feature’ pleats and buttoning, plus its signature RV-style tub swivel chairs.
The Luton overcab coachbuilt body is of traditional aluminium-clad construction, with acrylic double-glazed windows and a wind-out canopy awning. The colour-coded front grille, bumper and spoiler, with contrasting full-length side stripes, confirmed the Seminole as the flagship of the Talbot Express-based ranges, and made it instantly recognisable as an Auto-Trail.
Auto-Trail Seminole on Talbot Express Al-Ko tandem-axle. Manufactured in Immingham, North Lincolnshire. Length: 8.33m (27’ 4”); drivetrain: 2.0-litre petrol driving front wheels via five-speed manual gearbox, 2.5-litre diesel and turbodiesel variants available at extra cost. Furniture finish is American Cherry
Looking for a more modern Auto-Trail ‘van instead? Then take a look at our guide to the best motorhomes, which includes the Auto-Trail Grand Frontier GF 88.
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