any sportsmobiles in europe?

mikestef · 09-10-2008, 04:18 AM

I`ve been reading alot about sportsmobiles and they sound like just what we want,does anyone know of any for sale in europe?or maybe some advice on importing one?thanks ,stefany

AndrewST · 09-10-2008, 05:06 AM

There might be some in the northern part of europa as I seen lots of american vans up there but I don't have any specific links or data for it.
Did't see a sportsmobile in europa yet

In Switzerland we have lots of Ford ambulances with diesel engines.

I am also looking over the US van for long time, visited Sportsmobile Indiana in 1995 and ordered one but had to cancel it unfortunatelly.
Now it is time to get one in, should happen mid 2009.

Regarding importing one to europa, the problem might be with the pollution regulations if it is a diesel with gasoline engines less problems.
One month back I talked about US diesel engines with a french dealer importing US cars, he told me that it can be hard but not impossible to register actually. But with the futur european pollution rules no idea yet...

Check with your local autorities, they are the best to help out.

mikestef · 09-10-2008, 10:39 AM

thanks for your reply.yes the engine sizes are just a little bigger in america!that is one thing that bothers us.we would like to get one with a diesel engine that we could convert to run on vegtable oil!any thoughts on that?i think i will post the question and see if its been tryed(good chance it has)are you going to get a new one or second hand?we will try and get a nice second hand one but first have to find a buyer for our landcruservx.dont supose your interested!!!....

cellularSTEVE · 09-10-2008, 03:06 PM

How about a Sprinter on the Dodge/MBZ chasis? Not sure if the engines are different or you can order one with the European specs.

Just a thought.

steve

AndrewST · 09-10-2008, 06:00 PM

Steve you pointed out one detail that I didn't pick up.

My answer was mainly focused on the Ford van, if it is the Sprinter that is of interest, you are better off looking into the Mercedes Sprinter that is available in europa new or used.
Then if the Sportsmobile set-up is what you want, you may ask one of the factories if they would sell the set-up not mounted and have a workshop near your place mount it!!! How to complicate things.
Have you checked out the european camper outfitters? They have similar build up based on the sprinter.

Regarding vegetable oil, I think I seen a post on that subject in the forum.

Regarding your landcruiser, no not interested as I am selling mine also... to buy a new 2009 4x4 Ford. If validated after trial.

Greggd · 09-10-2008, 10:27 PM

Their is one in Kent England a White two wheel drive UK License Plate's and I saw a Red one in Biarritz France 4X4 with Penthouse , Hella Lights , Aluminess Bumper's with Florida Plate's . I waited for the person who I thought was the owner to come out of the water but never did see him .
Greggde

mikestef · 09-11-2008, 03:16 AM

maybe the one in france is still waiting to be claimed!!!i dont fancy the sprinter.but thanks for thought. andrew hope your 2009 one turn out to be the one for you .cheers stefany

Greg In Austin · 09-11-2008, 04:51 PM

When they experimented with Class C versions, I know that some of the major components came from Europe. Did any of the Class C's return to Europe?

AndrewST · 09-15-2008, 04:17 PM

Thanks Stefany, time will say. All the best for your project.
Andrew

oldgoat · 09-23-2008, 12:54 PM

Sportsmobile has been exporting to Russia for a few years. There are few restrictions in Russia.

The socialistic beaurcractic system in Europe is similar to Canada, where I have not been able to register my SMB.

The incomplete vehicle from Ford and unapproved secondary manufacturer is the issue with the Cdn DOT.

Good luck, the SMB is World Class!