ACE motorhomes were produced by the Swift Group as an entry-level to mid-range brand, offering many of the same core features as mainstream Swift models at a more accessible price point. Built in Swift's Cottingham factory in East Yorkshire, ACE motorhomes shared the same production standards, supplier relationships and base vehicle platforms as their Swift-branded siblings.

The range included coachbuilt models on Fiat Ducato chassis in various layouts — from compact two-berth designs to family-friendly six-berth configurations. Popular models included the ACE Capri (a compact low-profile), the Firenza (mid-range coachbuilt), the Milano and the Airstream (a larger, well-equipped model).

Although the brand is no longer in production, ACE motorhomes remain excellent value on the used market. They offer genuine Swift Group build quality — with all the parts availability and dealer network support that implies — at prices that are often lower than equivalent Swift-branded models, simply because the ACE name carries less recognition.

For buyers seeking an affordable, well-built used motorhome from a major UK manufacturer with good parts availability, ACE represents one of the best value propositions in the market.

ACE was founded in 1962 by Terry Reed in Hull, East Yorkshire. Reed had previously worked for Astral Caravans and partnered with joiner George Kemp to establish Ace Caravans on Clough Road, Hull. The company quickly gained a reputation for building durable, stylish touring caravans.

In 1969, ACE expanded into the static caravan market. By 1972, ACE had merged with Belmont Caravans to form Ace Belmont International, becoming the second-largest UK caravan manufacturer. The merger produced popular ranges including the Monza tourer line and the Brooklyn and Manhattan touring models.

The company later became part of ABI Caravans in 1978. In 2001, the ACE touring caravan name was sold to the Swift Group, who began producing ACE-branded motorhomes as entry-level and mid-range vehicles alongside their main Swift range.

ACE motorhomes were manufactured by Swift in Cottingham, East Yorkshire, sharing production facilities and many components with mainstream Swift models. Popular ACE motorhomes included the Capri, Firenza, Milano, Airstream and Roma.

The ACE motorhome brand was discontinued by Swift Group as part of a brand consolidation exercise, with production ceasing in the early 2010s. However, ACE remains a popular and affordable name on the used market, with many examples still in regular use.

Affordable Swift Group quality — ACE motorhomes were built on the same production lines as mainstream Swift models, using the same components, suppliers and construction methods. The ACE badge simply denoted a more value-oriented specification level, making them excellent used buys.

Practical, sensible layouts — ACE motorhomes were designed with real-world touring in mind. Layouts prioritised usable space, adequate storage and comfortable sleeping arrangements over flashy features. Models like the Capri and Firenza became favourites for couples seeking no-nonsense touring vehicles.

Good dealer and parts support — as Swift Group products, ACE motorhomes benefit from one of the largest dealer and service networks in the UK. Spare parts remain readily available through Swift and the wider aftermarket, which is a significant advantage when buying older used vehicles.

Solid used market value — while ACE models don't command the premiums of Swift-branded equivalents, they hold their value reasonably well for budget-range motorhomes, reflecting genuine build quality and brand trust within the touring community.

If you want a first motorhome at an affordable price — ACE motorhomes are among the best-value used purchases in the UK market. You get Swift Group engineering and construction at prices significantly below equivalent Swift, Bailey or Auto-Trail models.

If parts availability and servicing matters — being a Swift Group product means virtually any Swift dealer can service an ACE motorhome. Parts are the same as mainstream Swift models, so availability is excellent and costs are competitive.

If you want something straightforward and reliable — ACE motorhomes were designed as honest, practical touring vehicles. There are no exotic components or complex systems to fail — just solid, well-proven British motorhome engineering.

If you're buying for occasional use — the lower purchase price of an ACE makes it ideal for buyers who tour a few times per year rather than full-timing. The depreciation hit is smaller, running costs are modest, and the vehicles are robust enough for seasonal use without demanding constant attention.

Brand is discontinued — ACE motorhomes are no longer produced, which can affect resale confidence for some buyers. However, Swift Group parts support continues and the vehicles are mechanically identical to their Swift-branded equivalents.

Floor delamination on pre-2006 models — a well-documented issue with the laminated plywood used in floor construction on some model years. Carefully inspect the floor of any pre-2006 ACE motorhome for soft spots, bouncing or visible delamination around the entrance step area.

Electrical system limitations — some owners report insufficient wiring capacity, with circuit breakers tripping when running multiple appliances simultaneously (heater and boiler, or boiler and electric hob). This is typical of budget-range motorhomes of the era but worth checking.

Interior specification can feel dated — ACE motorhomes were value-oriented when new, and interiors have aged accordingly. Expect functional but uninspiring soft furnishings, basic worktops and utilitarian fittings compared to premium brands.

Damp susceptibility on older models — like all UK-built motorhomes of the era, ACE models can suffer from damp ingress, particularly around roof joints, rear panels and window seals. A thorough damp check is essential before purchase.

Drop-down bed mechanisms — the electric drop-down beds fitted to some ACE models (shared with Swift) were known to malfunction when loaded with bedding. Later models switched to manual mechanisms, but check operation carefully on any ACE with an electric bed.

Check the floor thoroughly — this is the number one concern with used ACE motorhomes, particularly pre-2006 models. Walk across every area of the floor feeling for soft spots, bounce or unevenness. Inspect underneath the vehicle for signs of delamination, rot or water damage to the floor structure. Pay particular attention around the entrance step, which is the most common failure point.

Conduct a comprehensive damp test — use a damp meter on all walls, around every window, the rear panel, roof edges and around any roof lights or vents. ACE motorhomes of 2000s vintage can suffer from seal deterioration, and damp damage is expensive to repair properly.

Test all electrical circuits under load — turn on the water heater and space heater simultaneously, then add other appliances. If the circuits trip, the electrical system may need upgrading. Check all 12V lighting, 240V sockets and the control panel for correct operation.

Inspect the Fiat Ducato base vehicle — check cam belt replacement history (due every 36,000 miles or 4 years on most Ducato variants), clutch operation, gearbox synchros (particularly 2nd and 3rd), and look for oil leaks. Check for excessive tyre wear indicating alignment or suspension issues.

Verify habitation service history — annual habitation checks and gas safety certificates should be up to date. Gaps in the service history can indicate neglected maintenance and reduce the vehicle's value.

Test the drop-down bed if fitted — operate the bed mechanism several times with bedding in place. Check for smooth, even operation and ensure the safety catches engage properly. Electric mechanisms are more prone to issues than manual ones.

Check for rear panel cracking — inspect the rear exterior panel for hairline cracks, particularly around the corners and near the bumper line. This is a known Swift Group issue that can allow water ingress if not addressed.

As a discontinued brand from the Swift Group, ACE motorhomes no longer carry any manufacturer warranty. However, the vehicles are mechanically identical to their Swift-branded equivalents, and any competent motorhome dealer can service and repair them using readily available Swift Group parts.

Given the age of most ACE motorhomes now on the market and the potential for electrical, plumbing and damp-related issues, an independent warranty backed by the RAC is strongly recommended. Even routine repairs on a motorhome can quickly exceed £500, and more significant issues like floor repair, damp remediation or electrical rewiring can run into thousands.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing essential peace of mind on a used vehicle where the original manufacturer warranty has long expired.

When buying a used ACE, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.