
An 80-year-old motorhome believed to be the first ever built in Britain is expected to fetch £40,000 when it goes up for auction.

The unique vehicle was created by naval aristocrat Captain Dunn, from Bexhill-on-Sea, who shipped a Pontiac Six chassis over from America in 1935 and tasked local coach builders to build a home on the back.

He then set off into the British countryside behind the wheel but it has remained untouched since Dunn died in the 1940s.

Classic: An 80-year-old motorhome believed to be the first ever built in Britain is expected to fetch £40,000 when it goes up for auction

Driving innovation: The unique vehicle was created by naval aristocrat Captain Dunn, from Bexhill-on-Sea, who shipped a Pontiac Six chassis over from America in 1935 and tasked local coach builders to built a home on the back (pictured)

Modern living: The sophistication of the amenities on the inside is staggering. Food and drink preparation is carried out from the humble kitchen, where there is a gas oven (pictured, right), stove and two-litre water filter

The sophistication of the amenities on the inside is staggering considering it was constructed 80 years ago, boasting the same facilities as a 21st century campervan.

Food and drink preparation is carried out from the humble kitchen, where there is a gas oven, stove and two-litre water filter.

Sleeping quarters are located at the rear, where the sofa pulls out in to a double bed.

There is even a lavatory, although no plumbing, meaning wastage drops from the bottom of the vehicle.

The interior is clad with elegant mahogany wood.

Experts say this cutting-edge incarnation was the first of its type to ever grace British shores.

‹ Slide me › Frozen in time: Even 80 years after it was built, the motorhome looks almost exactly the same as it did when Captain Dunn took it on holiday in the 30s and 40s

Pioneer: The motorhome was created by Captain Dunn (pictured, with his family), who contracted polio while honeymooning with his wife, which left him paralysed - but he adapted the coach so he could drive while in the chair

Perfectly preserved: The 80-year-old vehicle stands as a time-capsule in the 21st century, with original cutlery and crockery while brands from pre-war Britain are dotted around

Time capsule: Empty tins of grapefruit and oxo cubes (pictured) from the 1930s can be found inside the cupboards and a box of 'Borwick's' baking powder is perched on top of the oven

Reliable: The four-litre motor (pictured), which tops out at 50mph, was well maintained by Mrs Dunn, who turned it over every few months until she died in 1991

Like new: The motorhome has done less than 10,000 miles (pictured on the dial, left) since it was made 80 years ago

Great drive: Despite its age, the motorhome still drives well and looks as it did the day it was made thanks to a rennovation

Crafted: Those who see it are always impressed with the craftmanship of the motorhome, which people fawn over whenever it is taken to shows. Pictured is the badge on its front

The 80-year-old vehicle stands as a time-capsule in the 21st century, with original cutlery and crockery while brands from pre-war Britain are dotted around.

Empty tins of grapefruit and oxo cubes from the 1930s can be found inside the cupboards and a box of 'Borwick's' baking powder is perched on top of the oven.

The renovation was carried out by Russell's Coachworks of Bexhill, who were more accustomed to constructing horse drawn fire engines.

Mechanics today are dazzled by the work, especially the trailing edge of the front wings, where a thin line of perfect welding altered them to fit around the corners of the cab.

The blend of American and English styles is clear to see when looking at the finished product, the front end adopting Art Deco, while the rear exemplifies old English.

The four-litre motor, which tops out at 50mph, has done under 10,000 miles.

Capt Dunn initially made good use of the motorhome and his travels through southern England in the late 1930s are documented in four photo albums that come with the purchase.

Family holiday: Capt Dunn initially made good use of the motorhome and his travels through southern England in the late 1930s are documented in four photo albums that come with the purchase

Staycation: The travel guides he is thought to have used to plan his journeys in the motorhome (pictured) are also contained within a drawer in the living area

Inheritance: During WWII Capt Dunn was evacuated to Wales on account of his disability and in 1946 he died from the disease, leaving everything, including the vehicle (pictured), to his widow.

Wartime: The van (pictured on one of the trips) could have been lost forever, as it is thought to have been available for commission during WWII

The travel guides he is thought to have used to plan his journeys are also contained within a drawer in the living area.

Some time in the late 1930s or early 1940s the military man contracted polio while honeymooning with his wife, which left him paralysed and requiring the use of a wheelchair.

During WWII Capt Dunn was evacuated to Wales on account of his disability and in 1946 he died from the disease, leaving everything to his widow.

At this time the van could have been lost forever, as it is thought to have been available for commission during WWII.

Until 25 years ago it was splashed with green paint by way of camouflage so it could be deployed as a make-shift ambulance or troop carrier.

The van is said to have been placed in a barn in the 1940s, raised on blocks with the spark plugs removed and oil tipped into the cylinder bores.

Reborn: Until 25 years ago it was splashed with green paint by way of camouflage so it could be deployed as a make-shift ambulance or troop carrier

Off the road: The van is said to have been placed in a barn in the 1940s, raised on blocks with the spark plugs removed and oil tipped into the cylinder bores

Every few months, until she died in 1991, Mrs Dunn would turn the engine over, which explains why it's in such good condition - despite being off the road for so long.

With no children to speak of, Mrs Dunn left the vintage motorhome to her financial advisor, who sold it on to Ron Saunders, owner of a caravan dealership, for £6,000.

Mr Saunder's son, Andy, restored the aged vehicle, making necessary amendments such as fresh paintwork and a new battery.

Until now the vehicle was on display in a purpose-built showroom at the family's business in Poole, Dorset, intermittently hitting the road to be enjoyed at motor shows.

Ron Saunders has since died and the change of circumstances means that after 23 years, his son reluctantly has to say goodbye.

Passed on: With no children to speak of, Mrs Dunn left the vintage motorhome to her financial advisor, who sold it on to Ron Saunders, owner of a caravan dealership, for £6,000

He said: 'This is considered to be the first British motorhome and therefore the beginning of the campervan industry.

'It was the creation of Capt Dunn, who had the vision as well as the money, to bring his dream to life.

'He was incredibly ahead of his time when you look at some of the amenities included within the vehicle.

'Great credit must be given to the builder too, Russell was able to construct the body without any previous motorhome experience.'

He added: 'It's a truly magnificent vehicle and I'll be terribly sad to see it go.

Sitting pretty: The motorhome (pictured) was a piece of motoring history, believed to be the first ever created in Britain

Restoration: Mr Saunder's son, Andy, restored the aged vehicle, making necessary amendments such as fresh paintwork and a new battery

'I have never seen a vehicle generate so much attention at car shows, it blows people away.

'Not only is it absolutely beautiful but is also drives like a dream, which is staggering considering its age.

'Although I am reluctant to take it out because it's so pretty and I don't want any damage to be done.'

A spokesman from Bonhams said: 'This a wonderful opportunity to acquire a true time capsule.

'The perfectly preserved interior remains just as it was when the motor home was first purchased an incredible 80 years ago.

'It takes us back not only to an earlier era of motoring but to a time when life was almost unimaginably different.'

Auctioneers Bonhams expect it to make £40,000 at their Goodwood Revival sale on September 10.