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Test of the dormobile You might not know it, but

21st March 2013, Page 34
21st March 2013
Page 34
Page 34, 21st March 2013 — Test of the dormobile You might not know it, but
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the 1976 Sherpa dormobile was environmentally friendly decades before it was fashionable to worry about the environment — whenever our test driver took his foot off the accelerator, the engine would cut out! We like to think of it as an early anti-idling device. And to make sure the driver knew it was working, the bonnet "constantly quivered" while the engine was running.

By this, we mean there was no radio fitted and the horn was broken! And no need to worry about light pollution either, as the interior light and high beam didn't work.

It was technically advanced too, sporting an early version of ABS. No unsightly skid marks were left on the tarmac because after a couple of emergency stops not only did the wheels not lock up, but they barely slowed the van down.

Our test driver noted that the mirrors were in such an awkward position that the driver couldn't see out of them — but we like to think of that as anti-dazzle!

And yes, the sun visors did "entirely obscure the driver's view of the road ahead", but surely that's better than being blinded by the sun.

One thing you certainly couldn't fault was the heater — that provided an abundance of hot air. Too bad it was jammed in the 'on' position — but it was January after all!

Our tester said he needed a "double-jointed ankle to be able to hold the accelerator in a position about two inches off the floor" to allow him to travel at a steady 40mph. Well slow down then, it's not an issue!

We have to agree that it's a bit alarming that a brand new van had numerous rust spots on it — but we can only assume that the 'tin worm' had jumped off of one of those cheap Japanese vehicles that it had been parked next to.


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