ARCA Motorhomes

Arca have manufactured motorhomes in the town of Pomezia, Italy, since 1961. The first was the Arca Noč - in English translates as 'Noah's Ark' -  based on a Fiat 1100. Series production began in 1968 with the Arca Superjolly. The company logo is a clinker-built Noah's Ark mounted on wheels. Always considered as the pinnacle of quality and innovative design, they continue to enjoy an enviable reputation to this day. The company is now part of Groupe Trigano. Please note this site has no connection with the company. I happen to own an Arca motorhome and I am enthusiastic about its qualities. Current models may be viewed at: http://www.arcacamper.it  or http://www.cusmai.com/arca.htm 

Here is an Arca Europa 530 'A'-class, year 1986, LHD and 5.56m long. This design was constructed on a Peugeot J9 2.3ltr turbo-diesel with 4-speed gearbox and Al-Ko chassis extension, a concept used on the best current FWD designs. This example is fitted with a 5-speed gearbox. It also features 125 litres of inboard fresh water, 50 litre tank for waste water, RV-type toilet with 50 litre holding tank, 16-litre storage type water heater, Trumatic space heater with Trumavent blown air; 2 fan-assisted roof vents for washroom and for kitchen area; a drop-bed with width of 141 cm. and a dinette double bed. An amazing level of space and equipment for a vehicle which will fit in most supermarket car park spaces! Panoramic view from the driving seat!

I have placed technical information relating to the Europa 530 on a separate page: CLICK HERE  to view this

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A longer version, the 6.07mtr. Europa 610 [Photo courtesy of Terry Owen], was based on a Peugeot J5 (Talbot Express) chassis with 2.0ltr. petrol, 2.5ltr diesel or turbodiesel engines. The 1986 example shown is RHD with 2.0ltr. petrol engine and features 92ltr. fridge and an underfloor gas tank.

ARCA have produced a wide range of Motorhomes in the last two decades, here are some Coachbuilt models:

Arca Scout this LHD example dates to 1982 and is based on a Ford Transit Mk.II chassis [Photo courtesy of Derek Sheppard, Lancashire]. It has been fitted with a Ford Granada cylinder head to allow the use of Unleaded petrol, and a Weber carburettor substituted for the original.

Arca America 401 this 1987 LHD example is on a Fiat Ducato 2.5 litre Turbo-Diesel chassis.  [Photo courtesy of Duncan Moore, Lancaster] It has been fitted with a gas tank and awning, and provided with new upholstery and curtains.

Arca have also produced motorhomes based on Iveco and Mercedes chassis and, I understand, on Bedford CF base. Current models use Mercedes Sprinter and Fiat Ducato as base vehicles, in both 'low profile' and A-class configuration. They have maintained the company's excellent reputation for attention to detail and quality of construction. A small dealer network exists in France but none are currently [2005] imported into UK.

During my ownership I have built up information about mechanical servicing, parts and equipment for the Peugeot J9 base vehicle -- if you have a question, please ask, I may have the answer, or you may have information which I am seeking.

If you are considering the purchase of a motorhome, or would like to join an e-mail group of motorhome users, this link will take you to the 'Motorhome-List' http://www.motorhome-list.org.uk  

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