Dormobile is one of the most iconic names in British campervan history. The brand that invented the elevating roof campervan in the 1950s continues today from the New Forest, producing modern conversions that carry forward decades of heritage.

Historic models include:

The Bedford CA Dormobile — the original 1957 campervan that started it all, with the iconic Dormobile elevating roof.

The VW Dormobile — Dormobile conversions of VW Type 2 vans were hugely popular alongside the competing Westfalia conversions.

The Debonair — a more luxurious motorhome offering from the Martin Walter era.

Modern Dormobile produces updated campervan conversions maintaining the brand's tradition of practical, well-designed camping vehicles.

The Dormobile story begins with Martin Walter Ltd, a coachbuilding company founded in Folkestone, Kent in 1773 — originally as harness makers. The company evolved through horse-drawn carriages and eventually into motor vehicle coachbuilding.

The first Dormobile campervan conversion appeared in 1957, based on the Bedford CA van. The iconic elevating roof — the 'Dormobile roof' — became so synonymous with campervans that 'Dormobile' became a generic term for any campervan, much like 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaners.

Through the 1960s and 1970s, Dormobile converted Bedford, Commer, Austin and VW vans, becoming a household name in British camping culture. The company also produced the Dormobile Debonair and Landcruiser motorhomes.

Martin Walter ceased trading in 1994. The Dormobile name was revived in 1997 and the company now operates from the New Forest, Hampshire, producing modern campervan conversions that honour the brand's heritage.

The iconic elevating roof — the Dormobile roof became so famous that 'Dormobile' became a generic term for campervans in British English, demonstrating the brand's cultural impact.

British campervan pioneer — Dormobile was instrumental in creating the British campervan culture of the 1960s and 1970s.

Heritage spanning centuries — the Martin Walter coachbuilding lineage dates to 1773, giving Dormobile one of the longest histories in the motor industry.

Bedford CA conversions — the original Bedford Dormobile is now a highly collectible classic vehicle.

If you want a piece of British campervan history — classic Dormobiles are iconic collectibles with strong enthusiast communities.

If heritage matters to you — few brands can match Dormobile's place in British camping culture.

If you want a modern conversion with a historic name — the revived Dormobile brand produces contemporary campervans.

Classic models require specialist maintenance — vintage Dormobiles need experienced mechanics and sourcing period parts.

Brand discontinuity — the gap between Martin Walter's closure in 1994 and the 1997 revival creates a disconnect between classic and modern Dormobile.

Limited modern production — the revived company operates on a small scale.

Classic model values vary wildly — condition, originality and provenance significantly affect values of vintage Dormobiles.

For classic Dormobiles — provenance and originality are paramount. Verify the vehicle's history and confirm the conversion is genuine Dormobile.

Check the elevating roof mechanism — the iconic roof is the most important feature. Check canvas, hinges, seals and operation.

Inspect for corrosion — vintage Bedford, Commer and VW bases are prone to rust. Thorough structural inspection is essential.

Verify conversion authenticity — genuine Dormobile conversions command significant premiums over imitations.

Classic Dormobiles are sold as-is with no manufacturer warranty. The age and collectible nature of these vehicles means buyers should budget for restoration and maintenance.

Modern Dormobile conversions may carry a conversion warranty — confirm directly with the company.

For any Dormobile purchase, an independent pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is highly recommended.

When buying a used Dormobile, 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.