Highlights

Comprehensively restored by Dragon Classics
Professionally fitted modern conveniences include EZ power steering and 123 electronic ignition
Equipped with solar panel and dual battery system for off-grid camping
Travelled afar, including trips to Latvia via Poland, returning via Sweden and Denmark
Well-known to the H Van community as "Chicolinni"

The Appeal

It seems every country has its go-to van. Britain has the Ford Transit, Germany has the Volkswagen Type 2, while France is, of course, represented by Citroën's HY. With its staunchly rectilinear silhouette and trademark corrugated panelwork.

This 1979 example has been transformed into an exceedingly groovy camper van, with thousands spent at marque specialists. Several memorable trips around Europe have been completed during the vendor's ten-year tenure.

With modern enhancements such as EZ power steering, 123 electronic ignition, and a solar panel system, this van is well-equipped for adventure and ready to enjoy.

The vendor tells us:

"Bought 10 years ago from H vans in Dorking. The van has been run regularly for work and pleasure. It was fitted out as a camper, previously having been an ambulance and then a minibus in France. The gas appliances were fitted professionally. She has been regular serviced, much of the work being completed by Dragon Classics in Abergele. 123 Ignition, EZ powered steering and a water temperature gauge are fitted. These are not standard. Three years ago any rust was cut out and replaced by Dragon Classics."

The History and Paperwork

64,022 km indicated
Exempt from road tax and MOT
Regularly serviced, with significant work completed by Dragon Classics in Abergele
Gas heater serviced two years ago; fridge is due for its annual service

The Condition

Completely restored by Dragon Classics
New nose panels fitted with thicker gauge steel
Enamel paint used for minor touch-ins, mainly the lower bodywork as HY van bodywork flexes during normal use
Canal barge coach enamel paint applied to the roof (red)
Tins of red and beige paint are in the van, plus the Eaton Mess interior paint
20 litres of Dinitrol applied for rust prevention
Interior hand-fitted with a comfortable 6” sprung mattress
Functional gas heater, cooker, and fridge (also runs on electric)
All lights and power points are 12V, powered by two large leak-proof batteries
Solar panel with control box and illuminated information panel
Wooden floor with non-slip carpet and lift-up panel for maintenance
Rust professionally removed and replaced with fresh, thicker gauge steel three years ago
Window frames replaced with leakproof designs
The vendor has the original bumpers; custom-made items currently fitted

The vendor says:

"New nose panels have been fitted with a thicker gauge steel than the originals. Due to the design and manufacture the body does flex, so an enamel paint has been applied for better protection. 20 l of Dinitrol has been applied.

The Interior was hand-fitted. It includes a bed made of a 6” mattress on a flexible base. The gas heater, gas cooker (I just use the top 4 rings) and gas fridge ( fridge also being run on electricity) with all lights and power points are 12 v and served by two large leak sure batteries. These are charged by the engine, plus a Photonic Universe solar panel fitted to the roof. This panel has a control box plus an illuminated information panel in the cab that indicates the strength of charging plus the state of the three batteries. A wooden floor with a non-slip carpet is fitted. Within the floor is a lift-up panel, thus allowing further Dinitrol to be applied to the inside of the corrugations in the van."

The Mechanics

Original 1.9-litre petrol
Three-speed manual gearbox
123 ignition fitted (£500)
EZ power steering and water temperature gauge installed (£2000)
Gas appliances professionally fitted and serviced as necessary
Regularly run throughout the year for work and pleasure
Rear camera fitted
Isolator switches for engine and leisure batteries
There is a water temperature gauge fitted in the radiator, no way of measuring this as standard
The fuel gauge doesn't work, a common H van issue

The vendor informs us that the van runs and drives very well. It has taken them on several long-distance road trips, during which it is said to have performed admirably. Exempt from MOT and road tax, it's ready to enjoy

BEFORE YOU BUY

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