Festelle was originally conceived as a conversion specialist. Unlike mass-production giants that built complete vehicles from the chassis up, Festelle focused on one specific, brilliant niche:
In the sprawling, diverse world of recreational vehicles, certain names rise above the noise to achieve cult status. For enthusiasts of classic coachbuilt motorhomes, few names evoke as much nostalgia, respect, and curiosity as Festelle . festelle
Here is why the modern market is obsessed with Festelle: In an era of white, plastic, app-controlled motorhomes, the Festelle stands out with its boxy charm, chrome mirrors, and simple dials. Owning a Festelle is like owning a piece of rolling art deco from the camping golden age. Ease of Restoration Because the base vehicle (Bedford CF or early Ford Transit) has a massive classic parts network, restoring a Festelle is far easier than reviving an orphan brand. Engine parts, suspension bushes, and brake components are still manufactured by specialist suppliers. The Campervan Tax Loophole (Historic Vehicle Status) In the UK, many Festelles are now over 40 years old, qualifying for Historic Vehicle (Tax Exempt) status. Owners pay zero vehicle tax, no ULEZ charges (in most cases), and benefit from cheap classic insurance. Simple, Reliable Systems Unlike modern campers with complex electrical management systems (EMS), a Festelle has a simple 12V leisure battery, a manual water pump, and a non-electric fridge. There is nothing to break that a competent DIYer cannot fix with a multi-meter and a spanner. Tips for Buying a Used Festelle If this article has sparked your interest, you might be hunting for a Festelle of your own. Be warned: demand outstrips supply. When one appears on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a specialist classic dealer like Caravan and Motorhome Club , it sells quickly. Festelle was originally conceived as a conversion specialist
"The best part?" Sarah adds. "You can park it anywhere. It fits in a standard parking space. It drives like a van from the 80s—heavy steering, bouncy ride—but that's the charm. It’s honest." Will we ever see a new Festelle? Unlikely. The tooling is long gone, and the original founders have retired. However, a small cottage industry of specialists now exists purely to support Festelle owners. Here is why the modern market is obsessed
"We call her 'Ethel'," James laughs. "She does 0-60 in about 20 seconds, and you can hear every gear change. But when you park up at a seaside site, people flock to you. They take photos. They ask questions."
Furthermore, the modern "van life" movement has inadvertently revived interest in the Festelle. Young nomads, tired of $100,000 Mercedes Sprinters, are discovering that a £6,000 classic Festelle offers infinitely more character for a fraction of the debt. The keyword Festelle is not just a brand name. It is a badge of honor. It represents an era when campervans were simple, robust, and full of personality. It stands for the freedom of the open road without the complexity of modern electronics.
Finally, the company faced financial pressures. The cost of Type Approval regulations increased, and by the early 1990s, Festelle had ceased production, leaving behind a finite number of vehicles—estimated by enthusiasts to be fewer than 800 still on the road or in storage. Fast forward to 2025, and Festelle is experiencing a quiet renaissance. Vintage camper prices have skyrocketed, but Festelle remains a relatively accessible entry point for classic RV collecting.