Description
Bedford CA Dormobile | 1969
Highlights:
- Restoration with 2K Glasurit finish in a period-inspired three-colour “candy” scheme
- Interior rebuilt using Dormobile original parts and fittings, including refurbished Dormatic seats
- Rebuilt 1.6-litre petrol engine and 4-speed gearbox
- New windshield and window rubbers, restored safari rear windows and renewed seals throughout
The seller offers for sale a 1969 Bedford CA Dormobile, a compact classic camper that has been restored with attention to period-correct details and practical usability. Power comes from a 1,600 cc four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, the engine and gearbox were rebuilt by a specialist approximately six years ago. The restoration was carried out frame-off: chassis and frame were media-blasted and refinished before the bodywork received a complete strip inside and out. Corroded sections were cut out and replaced with repair panels, then the vehicle was finished using two-component products, including a Glasurit epoxy-chromate primer and a solvent-based 2K topcoat. To avoid the appearance of over-restoration, the topcoat was lightly matted for a subtle sheen. The colour concept was inspired by a Dinky Toys model, aligning the vehicle’s exterior with a playful period aesthetic.
Inside, the Dormobile layout has been reconstructed using original hardware and fittings wherever possible. Cabinetry was accurately rebuilt, and materials were sourced to echo period finishes, including 1960s-style wood décor laminates. The distinctive Dormatic seats were disassembled, with frames blasted and repainted, new spring cassettes fabricated, and leather covers sewn by a master upholsterer. The folding roof bed coverings were replaced with new Dormobile parts, and roof and side linings were remade in body-card and white artificial leather. The enamel cooker with oven and grill was carefully restored. Floors and coverings are new. The glazing has been renewed where needed, with a new laminated windscreen installed, safari windows restored, and window rubbers replaced to protect the fresh interior. Fibreglass components were inspected by a specialist and re-laminated as required. Lighting has been updated with new halogen headlamps, rear lamps and bumper corners re-chromed, and original tread plates retained and refurbished. Documentation from prior ownership accompanies the vehicle, along with period camping accessories.
Technically, the engine starts and runs smoothly with an agreeable sound, and the gearbox shifts well with no reported noises. The 1600 cc petrol engine and 4-speed transmission were rebuilt and sealed by a specialist 6 years ago. Since then, only approximately 1,100 kilometers have been driven. The cylinder head was converted to unleaded petrol, new valves were ground in. New radiator, new starter, oil pump replaced, and alternator overhauled. New starter battery.The braking system was renewed around four years ago with new lines and cylinders; due to the vehicle’s recent inactivity, the system builds pressure but would benefit from bleeding. The vehicle currently has no valid inspection, with the lack of recent use cited as the reason, and it has seen little movement over the past two years.
The Bedford CA Dormobile offered here is presented as a time capsule that connects directly to the early growth of recreational camping. The seller’s approach was guided by a strong period sensibility, including a paint scheme inspired by a Dinky Toys miniature, turning the camper into what they describe as a “1:1 scale toy.” The rebuild aimed for authenticity without an overly glossy appearance, hence the lightly matted topcoat to keep the visual tone appropriate to its age and purpose. The interior speaks to the ingenuity of its original concept, with the Dormatic seats and the side-hinged pop-top arrangement attributed to Martin Walter, offering flexible use of space within compact dimensions. This combination allowed a small camper to achieve notable versatility, and the restoration has focused on recreating that experience with original-style materials and fittings.
The documented work extends across key systems: engine and gearbox were rebuilt, the cylinder head was converted for unleaded fuel with new valves, and the cooling system was refreshed with a new radiator core. Supporting components such as the starter and oil pump were renewed, and the alternator was overhauled. The wiring harness remains original but was converted by a previous owner in England to negative ground. The braking system was thoroughly renewed, and the handbrake cable was fabricated anew. Regular service items like engine oil, cleaned oil filter, and coolant have been addressed. New window rubbers protect the refurbished cabin, and the glass includes a new windscreen. The vehicle also comes with period camping accessories—cups, cutlery, cookware, a suitcase radio, and cushions—which enhance the period atmosphere communicated by the colour concept and materials. The seller remarks that this camper tends to invite conversation and attention in everyday use and presents it as suitable for relaxed drives rather than long-distance continental journeys. It is accompanied by documentation from previous ownership and, according to the seller, even featured shortly before purchase on the TV programme “Grip Motormagazin,” for which a DVD is said to be available.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
3. Good Condition: May need some mechanical and cosmetic repairs, but can drive.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Bavaria state, Germany.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a German registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
