Pop-top campervans ready for a comeback

MERCEDES-BENZ has reintroduced the “pop-top” campervan made famous by the Volkswagen Kombi in the 1960s and ’ 70s — and the first examples have arrived in Australia.

The Mercedes Marco Polo camper — which is built from the factory with an extendable roof and two double beds — costs more than most fourwheel-drives and caravans.

But the $65,000 price tag for the starter pack hasn’t stopped cashed-up buyers, with almost 100 orders for the “turn-key” ready-to-go camper in only its first month on sale.

Computer software technician Bill McCarthy took delivery of his Marco Polo last week, then took off on his first trip within the first few days, driving from Geelong in Victoria to Noosa in Queensland.

Mr McCarthy, 53, previously owned a Honda CR-V but had rented campers in recent years.

“When I saw the Marco Polo I just had to have it,” Mr McCarthy said.

“I’d rented campervans of different sizes over the past few years and some are too big, this one is just the right size.”

He said that aside from saving on accommodation by al- lowing him to camp in his car, it helped him cover long distances because “when I get tired, I just pull over and sleep”.

The pop top, which comes with two LED reading lights and a high-quality mattress, is raised by releasing two simple latches. “I’ve got a bad back after being hit by a car two years ago, so climbing up the top can be a bit tricky sometimes because there’s no ladder,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Sometimes it takes me two goes to get up to the top bunk, but I’m getting the hang of it.”

The Mercedes Marco Polo is the only factory-built campervan sold in Australia.

The Volkswagen California camper sold in Europe is currently not available in Australia because the sliding door opens on the traffic side of the vehicle, whereas the Benz has sliding doors on both sides.

Mercedes spokesman David McCarthy (no relation to the owner) said Kombi-style campervans were ready to make a comeback: “As cheap motels in quiet country towns have closed over the years, there is more demand from travellers who are bringing their own accommodation with them, either with caravans or campers.”

Meanwhile owner Bill McCarthy said he was already planning his next big trip — across to Perth and up the west coast.

Meanwhile, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries figures show SUVs and utes (often used to tow caravans) are posting record sales.