Sterling
Eccles Topaz (2008)
The Eccles range remains a very popular choice, a decade on. Andy Jenkinson finds out why these tourers retain their appeal
ECCLES CELEBRATES ITS 100th year in 2019, making this pioneering brand one of the oldest names in the business. Since Swift took over the brand in 1994, they have developed it further, with new, innovative styling, and the Eccles was, and is, a strong part of the firm’s line-up. Renamed Sterling Eccles for 1995, the range has been a solid success ever since. From the early 2000s, the interiors kept up a modern and trend-setting appearance, and by 2008, a new look was given to the whole Eccles line-up. But how has the range retained such a loyal customer base? We decided to check out the pluses and minuses of this wellequipped line-up, still a great used buy. The 2008 Eccles range was given a new wider bodyshell, full-height GRP moulded back and front panels, and new alloys. The excellent spec included a walk-in shower, dual-fuel hob, oven and microwave, blown-air heating, alarm system and upgraded radio/cd player. Overhead-locker ambient lighting was brought in for 2008, along with corner mains lights in the front lounge.
Model history
Back in 2008, the five models in the line-up were named after gemstones. Some names, such as Moonstone, reached back to 1963! The Topaz we found at Select Caravans, in Nottinghamshire, also had a model name first used on a two-berth back in 1968. The Sterling Eccles Topaz saw the light of day in the mid-’90s and was relaunched for 1999. It was originally designed as an end-washroom two-berth offering good spec for a couple, with weights remaining low despite the extra kit. The spec included an Al-ko chassis and AKS hitch stabiliser, spare wheel and Status TV aerial. Four other floorplans offered a five-berth and three four-berths, with two being fixed-bed layouts. The Topaz featured a front lounge, side kitchen with dresser opposite, and that roomy end washroom, making it an ideal choice for touring couples.