Rare Alfa camper fetches big bucks

The Alfa Romeo brand is best known for its sporty cars, but the Italian company also built a number of more practical vehicles over the years including the 'Autotutto' ('all purpose') small commercial delivery van; some of which have been turned into RVs.

One of these delightful looking 'camping cars'; a fully restored 1955 Alfa T10  'Autotutto' campervan, recently changed hands at a Bonhams’ auction in Paris, for a cool €75,900 ($125,000) plus premium.

The front-wheel drive T10  'Autotutto' ('all purpose') Romeo, was Alfa's first commercial vehicle built in left-hand drive, and came standard with a de-tuned version of the classic 1.3-litre twin-cam four that powered the Giulietta sports car. Suspension was independent all round, sprung by transverse torsion bars at the rear.

However, the auction vehicle had the optional twin-cylinder supercharged two-stroke diesel engine fitted at the factory, and had been fully restored in the 1960s including being fitted out for camping trips.

According to the Bonhams blurb, the "interior features a bench which folds out to form a double bed; a foldable table; multiple storage units; a sink with both fresh and used water reservoirs; and a gas stove complete with gas canister. Additional features include a picnic hamper and a foldable camping table with incorporated seats".

Presented to appeal as much to collectors as camping enthusiasts, the Autotutto campervan was sold with its Certificate of Origin; older Italian registration documents; and a photographic record of the restoration.

Meanwhile, for those seeking a characterful camper closer to home, there's currently a very stylish and rare, twin-berth 30ft long, 1957 Ansair Flxible Clipper motorhome for sale on caravancampingsales.

Described as a "rare piece of Australian transport history," the Ansair Fixible Clipper 111 is one of 131 Clipper buses manufactured in Australia during the 1950s; of which only 30 still exist, according to the current owner.

Asking price is $260,000, or about the same price as a similar sized but far less attention grabbing new one.