Andrew

Great guests. They have been very accomodating so thanks for that!!

Booking experience very easy - owner Nicholas on hand via text or What's-ap both during period before hire and during rental. Vehicle had some very minor issues but for a 50 year old camper-van was in very good condition and very clean inside. Everything needed for the trip was included in the van from plates and cutlery, cleaning equipment, drying cloths etc through to the important things like a corkscrew and wine glasses. Also a toilet roll which was quite important on the first day of the trip before we'd gone shopping.

As noted there were a few minor issues with the van, 2nd gear coming down through the gears was quite difficult to locate and reverse gear sometimes 'popping out' but the owner Nicholas had advised us of this prior to leaving on our trip.

Fuel gauge float not fully functional and would only show 1/2 full tank when fully topped up. Again advised of this before commencing trip and in one respect ensured we filled up tank 'just to be sure' more than needed.

Other than that the van ran very well and coped with hills (mountains) and hair-pin winding roads very well.

Of note to any future hirers please remember that due to the age of the van out does not have power steering (I now have muscles I didn't know existed) and has a top speed of about 80km / 50 mph. So plan times and distances accordingly.

It is really more about taking nice relaxing journeys, taking your time and stopping off for lunches and beaches etc - than quick sprints from A to B. For this it is perfect.

It also attracts a lot of attention, people waving, coming over to chat when parked and in one instance being told our van was "so cool" (from a younger person who looked more like they should be driving it that we did !!)

Overall once you accept the slower lifestyle and less amenities than a modern camper van 'Lenny' is a very enjoyable, fun experience and way to travel.

The owner Nicholas is very helpful and available at all times we tried to contact him regarding either pre arrival, airport drop-offs and during the trip. He also contacted us regularly to check we were enjoying our trip.

Top tips for enjoying 'Lenny'

1) It does not have power steering and therefore you simply cannot park in tight spaces - you need a little bit of momentum (speed) before you can turn the steering wheel so parking up close to another vehicle involves a lot of small forwards / backwards manoeuvres to get in and out. Much easier on the arms and steering to find a space that is drive in & drive out.

2) It has pad brakes (not disc or power assisted) and so has a much longer stopping distance than modern vehicles - start braking a lot earlier than you would it a modern vehicle (better to brake early and slowly than hear your passenger start panicking !!)

3) It is a geared vehicle / stick shift (not automatic) so unless you've driven vehicles with a gear stick it is probably not for you.

4) It is old - unlike modern camper vans it does not have tv's, satellite dishes, toilets or wifi - etc........ take along some good books, board games for the evenings and enjoy sitting out with a glass of wine or a beer.

5) It has a small fridge - go food shopping in small amounts more often, don't buy food for a week and then realise you can't fit it in the fridge.

6) Acknowledge that everyone else will be driving faster than you - don't sweat about the car behind being on your tail. They will pass when its safe to do so and in most instances give a wave / thumbs up as they pass because the van is so old and cool.

7) Any queries on the van simply text or call Nicholas who we found to be ultra helpful throughout the trip.