Motorhome dealers - SMC Motorhomes of Newark

PEOPLE local to the Newark area will be very familiar with the name of the Seventy Seven Motor Company, a family run business that originally began in the motor trade, performing servicing and repairing accident damage, with commercial vehicles included.

The repair work is where the company really comes into its own, priding itself on its ability to restore classic vehicles, where the owner is keen to preserve the model’s integrity. Any level of repair can be carried out, from the tiniest scratch, to a complete re-build.

All work is carried out in-house and the workshop has a computerised paint mixing system that can reproduce any shade of paint for an invisible repair. High-tech, infra-red curing and drying systems are available in both car and motorhome sizes to ensure a long lasting finish.

SMC can supply parts for both caravans and motorhomes from all the major British and continental manufacturers, which is why they are able to display such a wide range of vehicles in such excellent condition. The expert repair work has led to approval by all major insurance companies and they enjoy NCC Approved Workshop.

Motorhome sales began as a sideline, but these fully serviced used vehicles soon acquired a reputation for reliability and word began to spread.

The business grew to the extent that it needed a separate identity and SMC Motorhomes was set up as the dedicated motorhome sales division.

This season, SMC Motorhomes has taken another step forward by being appointed as main agents for CI, Roller Team, Globecar and Tribute. Apart from selected models from these brands, you will also find around forty used vehicles on display at anyone time. SMC doesn’t employ pushy sales people, but it does make advisers available to advise you about anything from the motorhomes on display, to servicing and repairs.

I had no problems in picking out a representative used motorhome, as this Hymer I found was truly exceptional.

Hymer B524 - £26,995

Have you have always dreamed of owning a German A-Class motorhome, but have never been able to afford one worth buying? If so, you should move heaven and earth to see this one before somebody else gets there first. This may be a 1999 model, but it is beautifully clean and equipped to the hilt with extras.

It has two fixed double beds (one the drop-down cab bed), but only travel seats for three people. I suspect this motorhome is most likely to be bought by a couple though, with ideal sleeping arrangements if they tend to argue a lot!

This really is a very sociable lounge, with the two cab seats swivelling to the L-shaped sofa, so that up to five people can sit around the island table and still have room to stretch their legs out.

The previous owners left a fair bit of kit inside as well, so you already have a radio tuner, a dvd player and a wall-mounted LCD television.

The kitchen doesn’t have a gas oven, but it does have a built-in microwave and twin sink, as well as a large refrigerator. The washroom is the usual Hymer fitting; high quality, wipe-clean plastic with plenty of storage facilities.

Outside, there is garage storage under the rear bed and there is also a Towsure tow bar fitted.

Globecar Trendscout RD - £32,295

This new Trendscout high-top van conversion has an immaculate interior, that really sets it apart from the crowd. It is certainly a more masculine décor than you will often find in British conversions, almost like a high quality car finish, but remains extremely hard wearing and practical, without ever looking too industrial.

The woodwork is outstanding, as is the upholstery, which in a mixture of grey shades, looks far more attractive in real life than it sounds when described on paper.

The U-shaped rear lounge has good under-seat storage, but also allows you to remove the centre part of the rear seating and gain access for loading through the rear doors.

The Ford cab is very highly specified, with a 5-speed manual gearbox, ABS, ESP, twin air bags, cruise control, cab air conditioning, remote central locking, a steering wheel controlled radio/cd, a trip computer, electric windows and mirrors.

Globecar Trendscout EKB - £34,895

This layout is being trialled in the UK at present to gain customer feedback.

The cab seats do not swivel, but with a sever seat lounge immediately behind them, they hardly need to. The interior on this model could best be described as being in various shades of suede-effect chocolate, enhanced by a dark wood patterned floor and matching lockers.

The kitchen facilities are not exceptional in terms of the equipment provided but it is the sheer quality that draws your attention – and you do at least get a Smev oven.

It is the rear washroom that makes this conversion unusual, because unlike some of the rudimentary ones often found in van conversions, this one is rather splendid. Do go and have a look and tell SMC what you think about it.

Contact:

SMC Motorhomes
Northern Road
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET

Tel: 01636 670760

Web: www.smcmotorhomes.co.uk

• This profile was first published in Caravan Motorhome & Camping Mart's Summer Special issue.

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