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Used Caravan of the Week: 1985 Rapido Pop-Top

The Pop-Top gets its name from of its extendable roof

by Chris Jefferies

With lightweight caravans coming back into fashion, this cute 1980s Pop-Top could prove to be a real bargain for the successful bidder. Touring couples looking for a super-compact trailer may be tempted by the low running costs of this two-berth caravan, which weighs just 630kg.

Rapido is a French company that was set up in the 1960s. Nowadays they only make motorhomes, but the used versions of its 1980s folding and pop-top caravans remain highly popular among second-hand buyers.

History

This model has been with its current owner for four years, and it has seen action across Europe, including being towed along the Autobahns of Germany at up to 70mph without any wobbles.

The seller describes the Pop-Top as ‘ready to tow away and start camping’ and he claims that it boasts ‘much more luxury than an Eriba Puck’. Despite being well into its 20s, this mini-tourer has been kept in pretty good condition.

Furthermore, the surprising amount of interior space has led the seller to describe this ‘van as a ‘Tardis’, with the simple pop-top extension offering extra headroom ‘within seconds’.

Kit and caboodle

Certainly all the fittings are included, with an Electrolux three-way fridge freezer and a two-burner hob unit. A knob is missing from the grill, but a frying pan is thrown in to seal the deal.

Storage is provided by several cupboards and a cutlery drawer, while the original wipe-clean flooring is also included, along with a mirror and a smoke alarm.

The double-glazed windows should help make your touring experience that little bit cosier, although there doesn’t appear to be anything in the way of heating.

Meanwhile, bedding is provided in the form of a table conversion, which makes for a ‘massive’ double bed, according to the seller. The interior is decorated with red curtains and some slightly dated pastel pink velour furnishings, while the kitchen area comes with a fold-down blind.

All the lights and the hand brake are in working order and there are four grab handles on each corner for easy manoeuvrability.

  • Price: £265 (bidding not yet ended)

  • Gross vehicle weight: 630kg

  • Overall Length: 13′ 5″

  • Width: 5′ 4″

  • Berth: 2

  • Axle: Single

Click here to view more details of the 1985 Rapido Pop-Top for sale


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rapido-Pop-Top-Retro-Caravan-Puck-Style-Ideal-VW-T4-T2-/360378277972

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