BÜRSTNER ELEGANCE

Each month Gentleman Jack focuses on a great secondhand mainstream motorhome, then tells you which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look for

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Several motorhome manufacturers started out either as furniture manufacturers, coachbuilders or as specialist cabinet makers. Bürstner is no exception. Just over a century ago Jakob Bürstner started an independent furniture workshop in the city of Kehl, on the Rhine in southwest Germany.

The company diversified into trailer caravans in 1958 and began motorcaravan production in 1986. Although still based in Kehl, Bürstner is now part of the global Erwin Hymer Group. Our featured timespan starts with the launch of the X/290 series Fiat Ducato.

Three classes (ranges) of Bürstner A-class motorhomes (integrals) carried over from the X/250 Ducato: the entry-level comfort class named Viseo, mid-range premium class called Aviano, and finally, the flagship deluxe class called Elegance.

With similar layouts over all three ranges, Elegance had to be noticeably superior to justify its higher cost. Its success both in mainland Europe and in the UK suggests that they achieved that goal... and then some!

Unsurprisingly, because they are well specified and spacious, all except the shortest model are over 3500kg, resulting in most drivers requiring Group C1 on their driving licence.

The launch offer consisted of three models. These featured a forward lounge, a centrally placed kitchen, and a dedicated rear bedroom with facilities that can be made ensuite.