Very Small Camper. Yay or Nay !?

[digger the goat]

Hi folks.
Sorry to disturb you you ( probably mentally too ), but I am thinking of buying something along the lines of a Bedford Bambi.

Ok..... now stop laughing.

My wife and I are seasoned campers, tent only, and she has got into her head that we require something to bugger off in at the weekend.
To be honest, I am with her.
Something this small would be ideal as we could put it in the lock up, drive there on a friday and drive away !

My only concerns are that ;

1. I am 6' 2". Will I fit.
2. We have 3 VERY small dogs..
3. How comfortable are they to drive and stay in etc etc..

I know that there are different levels of trim and fittings and these can be altered.
I'm just looking for some cheap summer fun with the possibility of keeping and upgrading.

Oh... and what are the nasty bits to look for on this type of van ??

Thank you in advance

[ImpossiblyDaft]

I'm going off memories a bit here - I think you'd be able to stand in the kitchen area (which hangs off the back of the chassis) but I don't think there's enough headroom in the main part of it, it's probably only 6ft tops.
While comfortable to stay in, other than the lack of a bathroom/shower, they are anything but on the road.
It's not just that they're slow and (very, very) noisy - The tiny wheels and big slab sides make them terrible in crosswinds, really top heavy and unstable under braking. The (0.9? 1.0?) engine can't really handle the weight so you'll be thrashing it everywhere (low 30s MPG, indicated 75 max speed with a reasonable motorway speed being 55-65); if you're uncomfortable with the idea of being in a tin box with absolutely zero safety in/around HGVs with the same cruising speed whenever you hit the motorway, then it's a non-starter.

In terms of what to look for; rust, mechanically I seem to remember the rear axle being a problem and the gearbox not liking the stress it gets put through. In cold, wet weather you'll need a can of WD40 with you because condensation forms on the engine electrics and it won't start without a blast of that on them. I think in terms of the camper bit, it's got a lot of plywood in the construction so it's probably worth giving a poke around to make sure it's not rotten or anything.

If you can find something similar on a more modern base it would probably be good.

[digger the goat]

So a bit like a Morgan but taller !!

I guess, like all things automotive, I am best off looking at a couple.
The thing is, they seem fairly rare. I imagine that there is a reason for this !!

[nagsheadwarrior]

Had a lovely trip delivering a Bambi from Devon to East Sussex years ago, I think they actually drive ok and for such a tiny thing they're quite spacious.

Don't forget the even rare Elddis Nipper which is the same idea, the trader we sell pxs to has one in at the mo, his website is www.motorlands.co.uk

[digger the goat]

Some good info there folks... Thank you.
Are there any web sites that you could recommend for sales please.
I am looking on the 'bay and they seem to come up at around £1200 for a useable example with t+t.