Sterling Europa 540 2006 6 berth fixed bunk bed touring caravan for sale at North Western Caravans

Sterling Europa 540 2006
Sterling Europa 540 2006
Continental style
sets this caravan apart from other UK brands, so Andy Jenkinson gives advice on how to find the best Sterling Europa caravans for sale
The Sterling Europa stood out from the crowd, with its trendy interiors that especially suited younger owners

The Sterling Europa was Swift Group’s trendy portfolio of tourers. It slotted in below the Eccles line-up, but – despite its moderate prices – it appealed to aspirational caravanners.

Breaking away from the traditional interiors of its sister line-up, the Swift Charisma, the Europa had more modern soft furnishings, wood finishes that verged on being Continental and curtains that hung from poles – not rails. Its layouts, though, mirrored the Swift Charisma’s, from an end-kitchen two-berth to a twin-axle six-berth.

The Europa was equipped with blown-air heating for year-round caravanning. Other kit includes a shower, aerial, loose-fit carpets and quality upholstery. The kitchens got a stainless-steel sink with clip-on drainer, a separate oven and grill, and a dual-fuel hob.

The 500/5 is a five-berth but instead of a rear dinette an L-shaped rear lounge area leaves more floor space for children.

Model history

The precursor of the Europa range was Bluebird Caravans’ Europe, which was launched in 1964, the year after the Poole-based manufacturer merged with Sprite to create Caravans International, or CI. In 1971, the line-up’s production was moved to Sprite’s plant in Newmarket and its name was changed to Europa.

Modern inside and out, the vans were produced until 1984. The name was reinstated nine years later as part of Sprite Leisure, only to join the Sterling catalogue in 1994, when Swift bought Sprite. The last Europas were produced in 2011.

Large families were catered for with the five-berth Europa 500/5 and the six-berth, fixed-bunk Europa 540/6. The twin-axle, six-berth Europa 600/6 had offside fixed bunks and a large end washroom.

Body and Exterior Equipment •
NEW overall body width 2.23m / 7’4″ or 2.29m / 7’6″ (see specification table) • AL-KO galvanised steel chassis with Euro-Axle • AL-KO Euro overrun device with two-way assisted handbrake • AL-KO AKS 3004 Stabiliser • Hitch and A-frame cover with plug tidies • 14″ Alloy wheels • Spare wheel (steel) and underslung carrier • Moulded front panel with three opening windows and door with gas struts • Moulded rear panel with rear light clusters and high-level brake light • NEW one-piece, high gloss, thick gauge aluminium sidewalls • Heki large tilting panoramic roof window with flynet and blind • NEW fully double-glazed opening windows (no single-glazed cold areas) with silver finished edges • NEW exterior two-part door with interior moulded liner, window, blind and waste bin • Exterior access battery box with mains electric inlet (battery not included) • Flush fitting awning light • Fixing points for rear-mounted cycle rack • 25mm ‘sandwich’ sidewalls with HD polystyrene insulation core • 32mm semi-’sandwich’ roof with HD polystyrene insulation core • 44mm ‘sandwich’ floor with Styrofoam insulation core.

Living Area •
NEW solid ash worktop edges • Large upper lockers with spaceframe construction • Seat bases with spaceframe construction, full front access and space for larger items • Fixed beds with aluminium frames to maximise strength and storage space • Hinged seat and bed tops supported in open position for easy access • Mattresses and seat cushions supported by beech slats for extra comfort • Sprung interior mattresses, seat and backrest cushions • Seat and backrest ventilation boards • Long front beds 1900mm (6’3″) (model specific) • Chest of drawers with occasional table (except 470) • Free-standing table with dedicated storage location • 2 x scatter cushions • 2 x bolster cushions • Twin curtain track for improved hanging and ease of use •r woodblock effect vinyl flooring • Analogue clock