Devon Conversions began life back in 1956 in Sidmouth, under the name of JP White. The converter, which is among the best van conversion companies in the UK, saw a change to the current ownership in the early 1990s saw the factory relocating to County Durham, where they also offer direct-to-customer sales and support.
Ford’s Transit has (in common with most cars and vans) grown steadily since its inception in 1965. This ‘range drift’ left a hole in its light commercial line-up between the diminutive Transit Connect and the full-size Transit.
It was subsequently (admirably) filled by the Transit Custom range, a base vehicle which, alongside the Ford Transit, is one that we consider to be two of the best vans for a camper conversion. This has become not only Britain’s consistently best-selling van, but also on occasions, Britain’s best-selling vehicle, stealing the crown from Ford and Vauxhall cars.
Few – if any – UK converters have used a wider range of base vehicles, so it was unsurprising when Devon turned its attention to the Custom.
Both short- and long-wheelbase Firefly models share a similar layout, featuring a forward lounge consisting of swivelling cab seats plus additional forward-facing seats, one either side of the central aisle.
Moving towards the rear, the kitchen base unit is on the nearside, opposite which is the fridge, the half-height wardrobe and the toilet compartment. The latter has a bifold door, which extends across the ’van as a room divider to make a private ablutions area which includes the sink.
Long-wheelbase variants add an additional full-height wardrobe and more kitchen storage/work surface immediately behind the lounge.
Devon’s kitchens are usually a great place for culinary creating, something which could be a dealbreaker when deciding between a campervan or motorhome. This one is no exception. It is well laid-out and contains useful design features, such as crockery storage within the wall trim behind the worktop., very useful when kitting out a campervan Standard equipment in the galley includes a stainless-steel two-burner hob, plus a sink with pumped cold water.
Original buyers were offered a choice of coolth providers, either a gas/12V/230V absorption fridge or a 12V/230V compressor fridge. For those after a campervan heater system, a diesel-fired space/water heater was a cost option.
Standard specification included metallic paint, colour-coordinated bumper/spoiler, alloy wheels, cab air-con, driver and passenger airbag, leisure battery and hook-up, spare wheel, and a fire extinguisher.
The dedicated LPG locker will house two 3.9kg Calor cylinders. Underfloor fresh and waste-water tanks complete the impressive inventory.
Most Firefly conversions sported Ford’s own high-top with full-height rear doors. However, some purchasers of the short-wheelbase Firefly chose the optional front-hinged canvas-sided elevating-roof. This makes the Firefly multistorey car park and domestic carport ‘friendly’, as well as boosting the campervan fuel economy.
Interiors in Devon motorcaravans are always practical and easy to live in, an important factor when choosing the best secondhand campervan. User-focused, built in-house furniture feels solid… because it is! Well-chosen, durable furnishing fabrics add interest without looking vacuously overstyled.
Ford launched the Custom in 2012 and despite a few ‘nips and tucks’, has maintained its easily recognised exterior appearance.
Mechanically, the story has been one of incremental improvements, with more safety and infotainment systems included as standard with the passing years. The most significant change took place for the 2018 model year, when Ford replaced its highly regarded but ageing 2.2-litre DCI engine with the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue unit, and also offered its latest automatic gearbox across the range.
Devon wants to continue producing the Firefly, but is finding it trickier to source high-top variants of the base vehicle. As a result, it is currently offering a new conversion on a barely used, pre-registered base vehicle at a considerable saving on standard RRP.
What to look out for in a used Devon Firefly
The base vehicle
Well, this is a Ford, thus spares and mechanical expertise will be easy to find, and should remain so for decades to come. The only faults reported with any frequency concern the turbocharger actuator, the EGR valve, and blocked injectors.
For all three potential problems, the tell-tale signs to look for are uneven idling and/or hesitant acceleration.
Note too that servicing should have been carried out to time intervals, not on mileage covered.
Conversion
The chosen layout had already been a huge success in the similar-sized Renault Trafic, so it is well proven. Devon’s furniture has shown itself to be extremely durable. Walk away from any that aren’t in absolutely A1 condition.
If you are considering going for a pop-top, make sure the elevating-roof raises and lowers smoothly, also that there aren’t any mould stains on the canvas… a result of it being stored wet.
Be aware that some ‘pretend’ Devon conversions have been offered for sale, where unscrupulous types have just copied its exterior graphics.
Our pick for a used Devon Firefly
Short-wheelbase elevating-roof variant as an ‘only vehicle’. Long-wheelbase high-top for extended touring.
Standard 128/130bhp engine is very flexible and simply eats up the miles on long journeys.
Alternatives to a Devon Firefly
Devon produced the SWB Discovery on the (previous) SWB high-top Transit for years. Examples for sale with full MOT and ready to roll from £7000. Alternative conversions of the Transit Custom offered for sale pre-owned: Wellhouse Leisure (various models), Auto-Sleepers Air, Swift Monza.
Used Devon Firefly essentials
- Firefly by Devon Conversions on SWB and LWB Ford Transit Custom
- Built 2015 – present in Ferryhill, County Durham, UK
- Elevating-roof and high-top five-door panel van conversion
- Overall length: SWB 4.97m (16’ 4”); LWB 5.4m (17’ 8.5”)
What we like about a used Devon Firefly
- A ‘proper’ multipurpose vehicle
- Practical conversion
- Choice of SWB and LWB
- Individual rear travel seats add usable floor space
- British built and well built!
What we don’t like about a used Devon Firefly
- Scarcity of early examples with automatic transmission
Are you looking for a gift for the ‘van owner in you life as we approach the festive period? Then take a look at pick of the best gifts for campervan owners, where we share our favourite options we’ve spotted.
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