Martin Walter begins a family business making harnesses for horses. They evolve into skilled coach & carriage builders
As an established name at the dawn of the motoring age, Martin Walter forges links with Rolls Royce, Bentley & Vauxhall. The Martin Walter ‘Wingham’ Vauxhall is launched in 1933. The cabriolet could transform from closed saloon to open top tourer, and in doing so, tips its hat to what Dormobile would become
The design evolution gathers apace, and the Utilecon multi-purpose vehicle is born. This ingenious motor turns from flat panel van to a 7-seater passenger saloon, all in a staggering 5 seconds, according to adverts of the time. The seed is sown for the Dormatic seats!
Not only do they provide munitions, but the adaptability of the Utilecon proves extremely useful. From Red Cross Ambulances to Royal Navy utility vehicles, the Utilecon ‘does its bit’.
The Bedford CA launches, and with it we first see the Dormobile; ‘Bedroom on Wheels’. The motorhome’s success means Martin Walter quickly outgrows the old premises on Cheriton Road, Folkestone, and production moves to Tile Kiln Lane.
A new incarnation of the Bedford CA Dormobile is launched, complete with seating for 4, a bed for 2, and the real star of the show, a side elevating roof. This Dormobile Caravan is an instant hit, with mountains of headroom throughout.
Volkswagen & Land Rover join the growing list of base vehicles being converted into Motor Caravans. That iconic candy stripe canopy & roof bunks on a Volkswagen split screen would go on to become a sought-after classic.
Dormobile Ltd is created, taking care of the ever-growing Motor Caravan side of the business. The roof is immortalised front and centre, in the new company emblem.
Dormobile Ltd launch a host of vehicles ranging from the Fiat Dormobile D4/8, to the top selling Freeway, available as both Bedford CF & Ford Transit.
After unprecedented success, the tail end of the millennium sees a rapid decline in Dormobile’s fortunes. Rising costs of raw materials, competition & the modern package holiday are all contributing factors. The factory finally closes its doors.
Dormobile Ltd becomes available for purchase. Now operating on the South Coast of England, Dormobile Ltd aims to keep these classic vehicles looking as pristine as the day they rolled out of Folkestone. Genuine parts, restorations & modern camper conversions. We are custodians of this great name and are determined to keep the legacy going.
The original Camper Van
converters & suppliers of
genuine Dormobile parts.
