Classic commercial vans rarely start life with luxury in mind, yet the right builder can turn one into something genuinely special. Supertramped Co. has done exactly that with Juno, a beautifully restored Mercedes-Benz 508D transformed into a handcrafted home on wheels.
The British company specializes in turning older vans and buses into highly personalized motorhomes, and Juno may be one of its most ambitious builds yet. The project combines extensive mechanical restoration with a warm, nature-inspired interior and a serious off-grid electrical system.
Rather than hiding the van’s age beneath an ultra-modern redesign, Supertramped deliberately preserved much of its original character. Even the exterior color was chosen from Mercedes’ period factory palette, helping the finished camper retain the visual identity of the classic commercial vehicle underneath.
Inside, however, almost everything has been reimagined around comfort and long-distance travel. Handmade cabinetry, solid oak surfaces, cedar cladding, solar power, large water tanks, and a private bedroom turn this old Mercedes into a compact house capable of spending serious time away from conventional campsites.
The Original Mercedes Character Remains
Juno is based on a Mercedes-Benz 508D from the first-generation T2 commercial vehicle family. Supertramped Co. carried out substantial restoration work before tackling the camper conversion, including metal repairs, chassis restoration and protection, mechanical servicing, and suspension upgrades.
The van now uses a custom-engineered suspension lift with heavy-duty dampers and rides on restored steel wheels fitted with new commercial tires. A bespoke roof rack and ladder, custom aluminum access steps, and a Thule Omnistor awning add useful touring equipment without overwhelming the old Mercedes styling.
One unusual decision was to install windows on only one side of the living area. Supertramped says this creates a more sheltered and private atmosphere inside while allowing the solid rear doors and clean exterior proportions of the original van to remain largely intact.
The Interior Looks Nothing Like A Work Van
The cabin was designed around a palette of terracotta, muted green, soft yellow, and natural wood tones. British Western Red Cedar covers the walls and ceiling, while handmade oak parquet flooring and solid oak countertops give the interior a far more residential feel than most camper conversions.
Handmade dovetailed cabinetry appears throughout the living space, accompanied by bespoke upholstery, antique brass switches and lighting, and rustic iron fittings. Even the paint was carefully selected, with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint finishes helping reinforce the understated, earthy theme.
An L-shaped seating area provides space for relaxing, dining, or working, while built-in drawers make use of the space underneath. A solid oak dining table and carefully placed shelving add practicality without making the interior feel overloaded with camper-specific furniture.
There Is A Proper Kitchen And Bathroom
Juno’s kitchen is equipped for considerably more than basic campsite meals. Equipment includes a domestic-style oven, CAN gas hob, Thetford fridge-freezer, Belfast sink with antique brass fittings, and an Ariston LPG hot-water system.
A fold-down oak extension provides additional food-preparation space, while a large remote-controlled Velux roof window brings daylight into the interior. That skylight becomes especially important because of the intentionally limited side-window layout.
The bathroom includes a tiled shower enclosure and a stone-resin shower tray, giving the van a dedicated washing space instead of relying on an outdoor shower. Heating and LPG equipment are mounted underneath the vehicle, freeing up valuable room inside.
Juno Is Designed For Proper Off-Grid Travel
Behind the handcrafted interior sits an extensive electrical system centered around a 460Ah lithium leisure battery bank. A 400-watt solar array feeds the system through Victron equipment, including a Phoenix 12/1200 inverter, MPPT solar controller, DC-to-DC charger, mains charger, battery shunt, and isolation hardware.
Water capacity is equally serious, with approximately 264 liters of fresh water stored beneath the van and a separate underslung waste tank. Comprehensive insulation and sound deadening should also make the Mercedes considerably more comfortable when temperatures drop or when occupants want some separation from road noise.
The rear sleeping area uses a custom mattress on a ventilated base and is intentionally separated from the main living space. Curtains can create additional privacy, while opening the rear doors gives the bedroom a direct connection with whatever landscape happens to be outside.
A Classic Mercedes Built For A Slower Kind Of Travel
Juno demonstrates why older commercial vehicles continue to appeal to specialist camper builders. Their simple shapes, mechanical character, and generous interiors offer an entirely different starting point from today’s polished factory-built motorhomes.
Supertramped Co. has managed to modernize the 508D without turning it into something visually disconnected from its original purpose. Underneath the restored vintage exterior is a remarkably capable tiny home, while inside, the handcrafted materials and restrained design make it feel genuinely personal rather than mass-produced.
Would you choose a beautifully restored classic van like Juno over a brand-new luxury camper? Let us know in the comments.