Used van buyer

Vanmaster Accolade 520 from 2012

Looking for a tourer with plenty of panache? The hand-built luxury Vanmaster might be just right for you, says Andy Jenkinson

YOU’RE UNLIKELY TO see many pre-owned Vanmasters for sale, because most owners keep them for years – they are expensive, so a substantial investment.

It’s easy to see why. From its foundation as Vanmaster in 1995, the former Vanroyce luxury tourer team began producing no more than one model a week.

They took on board plenty of input from buyers, and many were built off the standard models. Vanmasters won awards for their quality and practical design.

Purchased new, they did tend to lose their inital value quicker than some other tourers, but that makes buying a pre-owned model even more of a shrewd move.

Built on upgraded Al-ko chassis, the Vanmaster comes with a high spec, including super pitch-side connection. Being as well made as they are, these tourers are heavy, but owners love them.

The company no longer builds new, although a custom-built model could be an option. They carry out refurbishments and recondition models for selling on.

All mouldings are made by Vanmaster, so quality is well assured.

Model history

The two-berth Accolade was one of the first models produced, some 23 years ago. The profile has remained virtually the same, with the occasional design tweak, although the last models built did see a new front and rear panel.

The interiors also underwent some alterations over time, but the 2012 Accolade remains pretty much as it was from 1996.

Alde heating was standard, as were a full oven, mains front lighting, an AKS hitch and ATC. The front of the Vanmaster has twin gas storage lockers, plus a locker for the road light cables/plug.

In this model, the hob is gas only, but that was probably the customer’s choice. There’s a smart TV cabinet and the firm’s signature drinks cabinet, holding glassware engraved with the Vanmaster logo. The spacious layout provides an end washroom, plus loads of living area and storage.

LAYOUTS AVAILABLE IN VANMASTER 2012 RANGE KEY Seats/beds Kitchen Washroom Fixed bed Table/cupboard OUTSIDE EDGE GRP mouldings are of excellent quality and add a stylish touch

SITTING PRETTY Luxurious upholstery not only looks good, it wears well, too ELEGANT INTERIORS Bespoke décor isn’t necessarily to everyone’s taste, but this understated colour scheme hasn’t dated

SOLID STYLE Vanmaster exterior is distinctive and build quality is simply rock solid ON THE MOVE Another plus point is the mover fitted by the first owner. Alloys were also like new

ROOM TO MANOEUVRE Clever design gives you loads of floor space, and if you love real wood veneers, the Vanmaster has plenty COOKING WITH GAS Excellent kitchen has ample worktop, stainless-steel sink with drainer, four-burner hob and a full oven COCKTAIL HOUR Huge dresser offers plenty of storage. Drinks cabinet should hold glassware engraved with Vanmaster logo