Morris Sherpa
This is an Autosleeper Campervan version of British Leyland’s workhorse van, the Sherpa. This one, which appears to have been converted to a good camper spec from new, is badged as a Morris, and has BL’s robust two litre O Series SOHC petrol engine with an SU Carburetor, driving the rear wheels through a four speed manual gearbox. The odometer is showing about 103000 miles (approx: I’ll check this).
Included in the sale price is an overdrive gearbox taken from an MGB, which could probably be fitted to the van to give it a faster and more economical motorway cruise on the way to music festivals or the beach.
At present, the van will do a noisy 70 mph and deliver 20 MPG (it’s a brick). It sits happily enough at 60 to 65 mph on motorways, and will overtake VW campers and lorries going up hills.
I bought this van in 2017 to go to festivals, and I also toured it around Ireland. Its only snag on that occasion was that it needed new points and condenser (an easy and cheap fix at a rural garage). Fitting electronic ignition to the van would be an easy upgrade.
The van has been up and down the UK to various gigs and events. The van has an MOT until September 2020, and it starts, runs, drives, and stops quite well for an old van. It’s actually quite enjoyable to lurch about in. A recent charging issue has now been resolved by a change of alternator. The fuel gauge is not working but there is a new in box Lucas fuel sender ready to be fitted. I have not found the absence of a fuel gauge a problem – I just fill the tank and note a mileage point at which to refill. The famously noisy indicators make the famously noisy late BL indicator noise, also found in the Princess IIRC.
It may perhaps go without saying, but this is a classic vehicle that uses 1970s technology. A basic understanding of how 1970s vehicles work, and a degree of mechanical sympathy in using them, are helpful if you are to run a camper of this age. This is not a modern van with fuel injection, power steering, aircon and so on, but that is part of the fun. The steering is not as heavy at low speed as you might expect, not least perhaps because of the small wheels and tyres, but Googling suggests that a power steering conversion for this van might be a feasible and not unduly expensive project.
The van is in my view more practical and more fun to drive than more expensive VW rivals. On the inside, the Sherpa has a lot more camper space than a VW has. The roof pops up, and you can stand, cook, and so on inside the van. The cooker and sink work. The fridge, powered by camping gas, has not worked during my ownership, but might be fixable.
There is an unused cube chemical portaloo with the van, and various bits and bobs of van stuff such as kettle and mugs, fire extinguisher, and so on. The van has the usual power hookup for use on camp sites.
There is a dining table and seating for four, and a double bed that is assembled from the seats. In the pop up roof are two stretcher style bunks that could be used by small children, but the van works better for four people when paired with an awning or tent. The van has its own small fabric awning that fits to its side. There are sensible cupboards and what not inside the van – Autosleeper did a good job of making the space usable. The seat cushions are in good nick for their age.
The paint is a bit tatty, and there are signs of rust and filler here and there, but the van appears, to my non expert eyes, to be sufficiently solid to give continued use, and to be a good platform for cosmetic improvement if so desired. I would recommend that you give it a good checkover to spot any developing rust issues. Most such issues should be fixable with patience. Please note that I am not a mechanic or a vehicle trader, so I do not give any warranty as to the van’s condition. It’s an old van.
The van has a lot of character and is quite a rarity. The two litre petrol engine is, I think, the best variant of Sherpa to have as a camper.
Autosleeper – appears to have been converted from new. Pop up roof. Cooker, sink, fridge, cupboards, table mounting etc.
Double bed made from the seats – good for two adults.
Two stretcher style bunks in the pop up roof – suitable for children or thin adults.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
