It is neither the first British demountable motorhome, nor the first on a micro base vehicle (that was the Mini-based Wildgoose), but the Romahome did become the most popular micro motorhome ever! In 1976, imports began of a tiny twin-cylinder 354cc pick-up truck, the Honda TN7.
Subsequently, innovative auto and marine designer Barry Stimson built a demountable pick-up campervan body for it. The design was modified and it gained an overcab for the slightly longer and more powerful Honda Acty. Isle of White-based boatbuilders Island Plastics bought the design and mass production of the moulded GRP Romahome commenced. The product was further developed by MD Brian Bailey.
A small child could sleep in the overcab, but it was more often used for storage. Two long inward-facing settees converted into single beds (all-over double also possible). USP for the Romahome was the dropped kitchen floor in the rear overhang. This enabled full standing room in a vehicle just 2.34m (7’ 8”) high.
Production transferred to a variety of other Japanese micro pick-ups and then to the Citroën C15. The body was built to high marine standards and so outlasted the underpinnings. Quite a few are now on their third base.
If you’re interested in a more modern ‘van, take a look at our best campervan guide, where we share our top picks that are currently on the market.
- Base vehicles: Honda Acty (2cyl-545cc), then Bedford Rascal/Suzuki Supercarry (4cyl-970cc) and finally Daihatsu HiJet (3cyl-993cc). Converted in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
- Overall length: 3.97m/13’ 0” (1989 Bedford Rascal)
You can find out about another model from Romahome as I’ve taken a look at the Romahome on Citroën C15, a ‘van that is clever, compact and affordable.
If you enjoyed this, you can catch up on previous entries into the Hall of Fame here:
- Auto-Trail Seminole on Talbot Express Al-Ko (1991-1995): this inductee deserves its place for a couple of reasons, as Gentleman Jack explains.
- JP White Caravette (1956-1967): this model started life as a DIY exercise.
- Auto-Sleeper prequel on Morris J2 1961: this model had a canvas rear annexe tent that folded upright for travel.
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