A Classic Camper with a twist
The Fiat 238 van first appeared in 1967 and proved so popular that it’s 1974 replacement, the 242, didn’t stop sales increasing for the 238, which then stayed in production until 1983. The original 238 vans were fitted with a standard 45bhp engine but performed well due to its 975kg kerbweight. Yet, this example, as it is an ambulance variant, was fitted with an output of 51bhp engine which paved the way for faster response times as a working vehicle.
Whilst the 238 vans sold successfully, there are very few examples out in the world. Many have become rusty or passed from owner to owner without care for condition.
This Fiat 238 was purchased from new in 1974 by the Italian ambulance service. Though, despite being a working vehicle, it saw very little use in Macerata where it was stationed. Whilst the ambulance service eventually moved on to using newer models, this 238 remained “tucked away in a quiet corner of the station for years”.
In 2015 the van was brought out of hibernation and it had travelled less than 7,000km.
The current owner set his sights upon the van when he found it on the internet. He bought and imported the van into the UK, before he then recommissioned the mechanical components of the vehicle, as those were the most affected parts.
The bodywork/paintwork remains mostly original to standard and is in good condition. Work was completed by Sussex Sports Cars who refurbished and replaced parts to bring it back to life. The ambulance camper is very well-presented as a result and runs with absolutely no issues.
The van has remained in the current owner’s care for the past three years. It is accompanied by a lot of paperwork, which not only details the restoration of the vehicle but also includes the original owner’s handbook and some information regarding the time spent in Italy. It is registered in the UK with the appropriate number: CDM 669M.
