Talbot Express 1300P 2.0L petrol Campervan Motorhome very low millage project

£3,500.00 0 Bids or Best Offer 2d 4h 15m 0s, Click to see shipping cost, eBay Money Back Guarantee
Seller: markm3212 ✉️ (1,044) 100%, Location: Southampton, GB, Ships to: GB, Item: 196309006364 Talbot Express 1300P 2.0L petrol Campervan Motorhome very low millage project. Welcome to my auction of our campervan Roxy.  she is a 1989 Talbot Express 1300 P. 2.0L Petrol  the MOT expired on 23 June 2023 and has not been on the road since. Roxy has only done 630 miles since her last MOT and as such i do not believe that it would take a great deal to get her through her next MOT. she starts and runs/drives as expected no major mechanical issues. the only issue is 2nd gear needs adjustment on the linkages to stop it from crunching having had a reconditioned gearbox fitted two years ago.  underneath the van has very little rust and was commented on by a couple of mechanics how clean she is on the structural side of it, however, the body does have some of the usual rust patches as to be expected, but structurally sound.  i have own the camper for approximately 6 years and in that time i have done a lot of work on her. however due to changes in circumstances, she is no longer required and we have purchased a smaller camper van that suits our current needs better. 
  • below is a list of some of the work that has been completed in the time that i have owned the van (see below for greater description):
- new reconditioned gear box - Painted (2022) 2k pint on cab and 2 pack lacquer - new high flow water pump + pipe from tank to tap.  - rotten framework ripped out and replaced  - new faux leather linings (White on ceiling and cream on walls)  - new ply linings and insulation behind.  - removed joining for exterior panels and replaced with angle iron and sealed with sikaflex  - new Lino floor  - new curtains all round - new hub caps  - all windows and skylights removed and resealed using Sikaflex (marine standards)  - door step replaced and made good  - new LED lights fitted all round (Save power)  - split charge system fitted and new leisure battery  - new door cards with pockets to hold your cup of tea whilst driving lol - new sealing system on outside where plates join to stop future leakage  - draw runners replaced and draws lined  - rewired lighting and added double socket.  - circuit breaker overhauled and checked out  - new high flow water pump and water pipe (not hose pipe) from tank to tap - new tap in kitchen  - 3 point seat belts fitter to rear seat  - and more that i probably have forgotten
  • some of the benefits of the Merlin camper and specifications of this particular one. 
- wind out sun shade awning (Fiamma F45) quality awning and easy to wind in and out.  - fully enclosed awning that fits onto the wind out sun shade. stored behind number plate in a secret compartment.  - twin Fiamma bike rack  - 2 double beds (One above cab, one behind drivers seat)  - swivel seats, (Drivers and passengers seats)  - double grill and oven (Fully working and with isolation switches)  - amazing amounts of storage, cupboards above seating area, wardrobe at rear, plenty of draws, kitchen cupboards, underseat storage, exterior cupboards for gas and dirty stuff you dont want inside.  - windows with built in blackout blinds and fly nets  - thetford toilet and pull out (Exterior) cassette  - shower  - mains hook up - zig power unit (not to be confused with cheaper alternatives) - water level indicator  - double oven and grill  - vanity unit and stool with storage  - gas heater  - rear side door and not the door out the back like some have.  originally purchasing the campervan as what was described as a simple project that just had a small patch of damp, i found out the hard way, that when you see a small patch of damp it means that there is extensive damage to the wooden frame and major work that has to be completed to get it back into safe working condition. by the time the damp has travelled through the frame and linings it has spread and you will not know how far until you take it apart and start inspecting properly. was later told that if you see damp it usually mean its wrecked, no matter how small. be careful when looking at other vans that show any sign of damp as it can mean that the wooden frame behind is rotten and requires replacing.  finding out that the frame in the van was rotten, i stripped the van of its interior (cupboards, linings etc) so that i was left with just the frame and the exterior metal plating left. i then replaced all the rotten wood with new hard wood, not soft cheap pine that would rot out quickly. new insulation (polystyrene) was then fitted to remove any further traces of damp. at this point, i decided to replace the walls and fitted new marine ply and covered with faux leather (White on ceiling and cream on the walls). new flooring (lino) was installed and the cupboards were refitted. little did i know that this was just the start of it...  whilst the walls were off, i decided to install 3 point seat belt frames into the rear seat as my young son would be travelling in the van and i didn't like the standard lap belts currently fitted. i have a friend who is a welder fabricator and i commissioned him to make me up a frame work that was installed behind the linings (so they couldn't be seen, also doubles up as crash protection) and installed a 3 point seat belt on the passenger side. i have not fitted a seat belt to the drivers side rear seat as was not needed, however the frame work is there and will only require a seat belt to be purchased and bolting in.  it was at this point that we went on holiday to France and drover her over 1000 miles not missing a beat. it was only when coming off the ferry coming home and running up the bumpy ramp that i stupidly said to the wife, 'this will be a good shake down test' to go round the next left hand corner to hear the exhaust rubbing on the ground. we had managed to break the old perished exhaust rubbers. a quick cable tie and we made it home and new rubbers were purchased and fitted.  the van did have the common 2nd gear crunching gearbox and i was jumping gears (1st to 3rd could still select 2nd but crunched) where i could. in approximately 2021 i purchased a reconditioned gearbox (not a second hand one) however when i took her in for her last MOT, i required a new engine mount and the 2nd gear crunch returned. when taking it back to the garage and informing them that the gearbox now crunched, he stated that it was a synchro mesh that had gone. i do not believe this to be the case, and believe that it merely requires adjustment on the gear linkages (not something that i can do myself) as the gear box has done less than 2000 miles since being fitted. but the mechanic was not prepared to even look and had i been keeping the van i would have taken to a different garage and had it looked at.  whilst the linings were off, i decided to remove all windows and skylights and refit them with marine grade sikaflex to prevent any issues further down the line with water ingress and the need to go through all that hassle again.  unbeknown to me, i was later informed that the trim around the outside of the van (joining the metal plates outside together) was held on with screws. these are a serviceable item and should be replaced every 5 years max. the screws rust and then cause a leak path into the frame and rot the frame work out. this has all been removed and replaced with 25mm angle. i then sikaflex'ed this onto the van and screwed it on as well using stainless steel screws so that i would never need to worry about that issue ever again (screws cant rust and thus no leak path). its not normal or common, but being an engineer, i thought up a different way to do it and in my opinion made it better, but isn't the most tidy and is only noticeable up close, but doesn't look out of place or like a bodge job.  with the water not running, i decided to buy a high flow water pump and water hose (drinking grade and not common garden hose) linking the onboard water tank to the kitchen tap. i haven't got round to linking it to the bathroom, but is a simple job, just a length of hose and some jubilee clips and your done.  the gas was in good condition and has isolation taps for each appliance, this has not been touched as was in good working order and left as is. it works as expected and is safe.  the kitchen has a 3 ring gas hob and a double gas over/grill that works as expected, having made some quite elaborate meals in it over the years, or just useful for knocking something up for the lids when hungry. above the hob is a small extractor that works and helps keep the steam out of the van, its slightly squeaky, but works and is on a switch with a light there also.  the electrics were a bit of a hodge poge of what someone else had tried to do. so i took it all apart and found the wiring diagram online and rewired the Zig power unit (not to be confused with a cheaper alternative). the zig power unit works well and are still expensive to purchase second hand today. whilst i was doing that, i run new wires and fitted new LED low power consumption lights everywhere (one either side of seats, one in upper bed, kitchen, toilet, vanity unit etc.) the fuse box was checked out and found to be working well and a double power socket was fitted above draining board (wires need a bit of trunking to hide them again easy fix)  the old gas boiler was removed (not a gas man and dont know what i am doing) it will be supplied with the van when sold, but my intention was to replace it with a new cheaper one from China that i have heard are very good and work well at a fraction of the cost. so no hot water at present, but we just boiled a kettle.  i made up some new door cards to match the interior of the van and fitted door pockets to them (dont come as standard in the van). it made a world of difference to be able to store maps, phones, drinks, CD's and all that stuff that you put in your car door pockets that you take for granted especially on long drives  a new CD player was fitted so that i could listen to music whilst driving and not just the crappy old tape player that was originally in there. again if i was keeping it i would replace the speakers, but again another easy fix.  the fridge was tried and found to be not working (smell of ammonia when running) but was perfectly good to be used as a cool box and kept a pint of milk cool for a couple of days and especially if you had some frozen meat in there, kept it cool for prolonged periods. i was going to install a new fridge if keeping it. i have purchased a new fridge and have it here and will include it in the sale if the price meets my valuation. if not the purchaser will get first refusal to buy it. it is slightly larger than the one fitted at present, so would need the top draw to be removed. but with all the storage in the van, was not a worry, its only one small draw and meant more space for food and more importantly beer lol.  all draw runners have been replaced with wooden runners, the old plastic ones were brittle and breaking. so all draws work and run smoothly now.  the thretford toilet is not working at present, no water connected to it. but again like the tap and shower in the bathroom, it just needs a hose running to it. we have used it and just manually flushed with a bit of water and chemicals. the toilet has the removable part on the out side in a locker and so doesn't need to be carried through the van. nice and easy to take out and replace again.  the gas fire does work, but is tricky to light (my mate seemed to be able to do it okay for some reason, could just be me lol) and the pilot light glass is foggy and hard to see through. again i have a replacement gas fire with upgrade with hot air blower attached creating a hot air system if wanted and on switch and have all parts. will include if sale price meets my valuation or will be offered to seller for first refusal if not, comes with frame, controls and all. easy replacement as same fittings and same position, just additional fixtures on back, so could just be a heater if wanted.  all locks work and have two sets of keys for every single one. some locks have been replaced by me in my ownership.  there are two external lockers in the van, great for storing gas bottles and all the dirty stuff you dont want inside the van like BBQ's and extension leads etc and able to leave in van all the time meaning you have them when you go away and dont have to worry about leaving anything at home and forgetting it. have built up what i wanted over the years and was great.  the van has a Fammina wind out awning attached to the side of the van and is great for a bit of shade on a nice sunny day. 2 seconds to wind out and stick the legs out. however, it also comes with a awning that attaches to the wind out part and makes a fully enclosed awnings for those not so good days, has been great when camping in windy or overcast conditions and has had 4 adults around a table with chairs inside it and still space to move and store stuff. this is stored behind the rear number plate in a secret compartment and means that its doesnt need to be stored inside and is always with the van for when needed. again i have changed the elastic straps that were rotten with webbing straps and clips to make it long lasting and easy to clip together.  on the back is a twin cycle rack that can carry two adults bikes and is nice and stable and great for transporting your bikes around and giving you transport when parked up or around the campsite as we have done in the past.  i have fitted a split charge system that charges the starter battery first before charging the leisure battery. i have also fitted a large leisure battery, all in the engine bay and so no battery inside the van.  the van was painted two years ago, to get away from the old beige color and make it look more modern. the cab was painted in 2k paint (Mercedes polar white and Suzuki green) with two pac clear lacquer over top so can be polished and t-cut in future, i also stuck the decals on myself and is a true one off in color and design. not wanting it to be like the rest and to stand out and look good. some of the rust is starting to come back through again and the bonnet is the worst part. again had i been keeping it, i would be purchasing a new bonnet and readily available from campervan shops. the rust on the drivers arch is just starting to bubble. but this is a 35+ year old van and to be expected and if looked after will last for more years to come.  being this old it wont be long before she is MOT and tax exempt, making it more valuable and not having to worry any more about MOT's running out. i was tempted to keep it and wait, but would rather see it being used for what it is and should be. my wife did suggest putting it in the garden as a den for my son, but far to good for that.  i will be sad to see it go, as i love the van, but two campers is just excessive in anyone's eye's, so am letting this one go.  i am sure that there is so much more that i have done that i haven't written down, i could talk for an hour and tell you everything that i have done to the van, knowing it inside and out very well, having done lots of the work myself.  please remember that this is a project and will need a few bits and pieces doing to it to make it perfect, but all the hard work, the rotten wood and things like that have been done and could be used as is like we have. we have had some amazing trips in her and enjoyed it a lot, having been round Europe, up to race weekends, down to Cornwall and many many other places. as i have said, i am selling as our needs have changed and we dont use her and have now brought a smaller one as we take it out with the dog for  a walk and can make a cup of tea in her or i can get changed after kayaking and paddle boarding, meaning that it gets used more and thus the reason for the sale of this. had it not been for that, we would be keeping her.  any questions please ask, and i will do my best to respond to them. pass me your number and a time to call and i will more than happily call you and talk you through it and answer any questions. i can also do a video call if you live far away and want to see more and can direct me to what you want to see and so forth.  any more phots as limited to 24 on here can been emailed over to you on request if wanted.  i would recommend coming and viewing the van as to be seen is best and you can then see for yourself what you are getting.  please no silly offers without seeing it and speaking to me. they will just be ignored.  i have been as honest as possible in my write up and listed as best as i know, detailing all the good and the bad parts as i dont want you to be disappointed or upset and us to end up in a debate lol  final bid will be sale price and i will not renegotiate on arrival as you can view before hand, and more info available if wanted in calls and photos etc.  i know that i will not get my money back what i have spent on her over the years or the time and associated costs, but we have had some great holidays and memories in her and am realistic about their values.  good luck and who ever wins her, i hope you have as much fun and enjoyment with her as we did and many great adventures. 
  • Condition: Used
  • Condition: the campervan is 35 years old, it is being sold as a project and requires work. pleas see full description for full details.
  • Mileage: 35354
  • MOT Certificate: MOT Expired
  • Sleeping Capacity: 4
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Wheel Base: LWB
  • Year of Registration: 1989
  • Vehicle Sub-Type: Coachbuilt
  • Water temperature: Cold Water
  • Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Axles: 1
  • Colour: White
  • Safety Features: Back Seat Safety Belts
  • Fridge/ Freezer: Fridge
  • Type: Campervan
  • Model Year: 1987
  • Drive Side: Right-hand drive
  • Equipment: 12V Lighting, 240V Lighting, Awning, Blinds, CD Player, Central Heating, Central Seating Group, Cooker, Double Glazing, External Side Lockers, Grill, Hand Washbasin, Mains Hookup, Oven, Radio, Sink
  • Features & Equipment: 12V Lighting, 240V Lighting, Awning, Blinds, CD Player, Central Heating, Central Seating Group, Cooker, Double Glazing, External Side Lockers, Fridge, Grill, Hand Washbasin, Mains Hookup, Oven, Radio, Refrigerator Freezer, Sink
  • Engine Size: 2
  • Manufacturer: Talbot
  • Model: Merlin
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
  • V5 Registration Document: Present

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