Michael Schumacher’s motorhome goes up for sale

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We’ve seen Valentino Rossi’s bus for sale on Caravan Selecta and now it seems that Michael Schumacher’s former bus is taking up too much room for it’s owner too. This is one of the main lots at the RM sale in Battersea on the 26th of October.

The coach itself is based on the Iveco Domino HDH but has been sent to the legendary Italian design studio, Pininfarina for some extra touches. Although there’s no reserve in place, it’s estimated that it will fetch between £200,000 and £300,000. Ferrari used the bus between 2001 and 2005, the same time frame that Michael Schumacher won four of his seven World Championships, for all European events. As it stands, it only has 53,000 miles on the clock.

As you’d expect, Red is the dominant colour both inside and outside. The leather upholstery is red and features wooden furniture and stainless steel trim. There’s two separate apartments, each with it’s own entrances and living areas which include tables, massage beds, minibars, telephones and the obligatory flat screen TV.

The bathroom is plush as you’d expect. In addition to this, there’s independent air conditioning and heating systems and a 220V diesel generator to provide electricity wherever you are. Iveco maintained the motorhome up until 2009 when it was sold to its current owner. If you’ve got some spare cash and want an extremely large piece of F1 memorabilia then this could be for you…

The World’s Most Expensive Motorhome

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These are pictures from what is now the most expensive motorhome in the world, coming with a price tag of a cool £1.9million. That much money for something this, errrr ‘striking’ is definitely going to raise some eyebrows but if you’ve got that much money to spend on a motorhome then why not?

 

It’s called the eleMMent and is made by Australian company, Marchi Mobile. The feature list is extensive and includes a bedroom with en-suite, complete with rainfall shower, 40″ TV and separate toilet. Do you fancy relaxing on your own 215ft sq roof terrace? Well you’ll be needing this one then. There’s also underfloor heating and a bar for the terrace, dubbed the Sky Lounge. Other features include mobile internet, a working fireplace and full video surveillance. The driver’s cab has it’s own bunk bed and as you can see it’s probably the most striking bit of the whole motorhome. There’s certainly good visibility.

As you’d expect, there’s pop out areas which provide over 80% more living space. In fact, the whole motorhome has 430ft sq of living space which means that it costs more per square foot than the average house in Hampstead.

Unsurprisingly, the £1.9million is just the starting price and Marchi Mobile will provide you with anything you want. The sky’s the limit when it comes to the price. If you want the whole thing covered in diamonds,  it can be done. One of the most striking features is the optional glow in the dark paint which is sure to please those that are pitched next to you. This supposed to be for night safety but I think it’s more the fact that if you’ve paid nearly £2million for a motorhome, you would want other people to know that.

 

If you’re after something more modest, don’t forget to check out the motorhomes for sale on Caravan Selecta

Bentley Indigo Wins Design & Drive Competition

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After weeks of prodding, driving and testing, The Caravan Club Motor Caravan Design and Drive Competition 2011 announced the Bentley Indigo as the overall winner of motorhomes.

Bentley Indigo Motorhome

The Indigo also won its category (coachbuilts between £43,000 and £54,000). The Bentley Indigo is based on a Renault Trafic. With an end kitchen and washroom in its nearside rear corner, a comfortable seating area and a softer ride due to fantastic suspension, the ‘van flew into first place – not bad for a company that has only been around for a year.

 

Other winners of motorhomes include:

Van conversions up to £40,000 – East Nuek Fifer Touring S
Van conversions over £40,000 – Murvi Morello
Coachbuilts up to £43,000 – Elddis Majestic 145
Coachbuilts over £54,000 – Auto-Sleeper Marquis Worcestor LP
A Class – Hymer Star Edition 514 SL

Catalytic Converter Thefts On The Increase

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Leading motorhome insurance broker, Comfort Insurance, has said that it has seen a rise in the number of thefts of catalytic converters from motorhomes which can sometimes cost up to £3000 to replace.

Catalytic converters form part of the exhaust system and their purpose is to clean up the emissions and remove some of the harmful gasses. They’ve become a target for thieves though because they contain metals such as palladium and platinum which fetches a high price as scrap.

The fact that motorhomes tend to have a higher ground clearance makes it easier for a thief. It takes only a few moments to saw off or unbolt the catalytic converter and the only time the owner is likely to notice is when they go to drive it.

Not only is it the cost of a replacement part that is the issue for motorhome owners but also that they’re currently in short supply. It’s not unheard of for spare parts to take weeks or even months to arrive which can put holidays in jeopardy.

A few things that can be done include fitting a clamp or lock to the cat or welding the bolts. Also, parking or storing the motorhome somewhere safe will clearly be helpful. Making it as hard as possible for thieves to get under the motorhome without being seen is one of the best options.