Model history …
Throughout its long history, la strada has gained experience with almost all common small vans. The first conversion took place in 1986 based on the Volkswagen T3. The successful models were called HD 60 and HD 85. They were available with an attractive Sirius high roof made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). From 1986 to 1990, la strada built 73 of these models. In 1989, la strada added the Pronto and Primavera models based on the Ford Transit to its range. By 1995, 160 vehicles from this series had left the factory. During the same period, la strada sold the Siena and Torino based on the Mercedes MB 100. These became bestsellers and 480 units were delivered. la strada's current commitment to four-wheel-drive was already hinted at in 1989 with the special model la strada Dolomiti based on the VW T3 Syncro.
In the 1990s, the company was very keen to experiment. In search of new models and higher production volumes to utilize the capacity of its new plant in Echzell, la strada launched a model offensive. This led to the creation of further bestsellers for the brand. The Avanti, based on the Fiat Ducato, for example, is still the Hessian manufacturer's volume model and is currently available in six layout variants. With the model change at Mercedes, the MB 100 models also disappeared from the la strada portfolio. They were replaced by the V3, V4, and Carat on the short wheelbase of the Mercedes Sprinter and by the V6, V6E, and Regent on the long wheelbase of the Sprinter. The name Regent remains synonymous with la strada's Sprinter models to this day.
But unusual paths were also taken: Used MB 208s were overhauled in 1994 and converted into the la strada Magellan model. This meant that a price of DM 42,800 could be offered, around DM 15,000 less than the cheapest new Mercedes vehicle from la strada at the time. This was followed by models based on the Citroën Berlingo, Ford Transit, Renault Master, and Mercedes Vito, which were also quite successful on the market. The la strada Due models based on the LDV Convoy, of which only eight were built in 1997, remained rather exotic, as did the la strada Kia Mobil based on the Kia Pregio, which found 91 buyers in 1999 and 2000. In the 1990s, wet rooms also found their way into la strada's panel van motorhomes. First introduced in the MB 100 models in 1990, the 1996 Avanti L model also featured a shower, cassette toilet, and sink. This comfort feature has become standard, and today there are no longer any la strada motorhomes without a bathroom.
The introduction of the la strada Nova in 2000 marked a turning point in la strada's history. With this model, la strada ventured beyond the realm of classic panel van motorhomes for the first time. At the same time, the Nova laid the foundation for a renewed focus on the premium segment, which is now consistently reflected across all model series. The most luxurious model in the la strada range is a monocoque motorhome. Here, a completely new living area is mounted on the ladder frame chassis of the Mercedes Sprinter. Unlike conventional semi-integrated motorhomes, however, the exterior walls of the la strada Nova do not consist of three walls, a floor, and a roof that are connected to each other. The living area of the la strada Nova is made from a single piece of glass fiber-reinforced plastic. Hatches, doors, and windows are inserted into the designated recesses. The result is good insulation, high robustness, and durability. With this elaborate construction, the la strada Nova is still unique in the German motorhome landscape today. The 2000s brought a new model policy due to a change in ownership and management. The range was reduced in favor of the most popular models with high quality standards. The Avanti series on Fiat Ducato and the Regent and Nova series on Mercedes Benz were supplemented until 2011 by the Trento series on Ford Transit and the Fano series on Renault Master.
With the model change at Ford and Renault, the Trento and Fano series were discontinued in 2011. Ten different models in the three series Avanti, Regent, and Nova have brought la strada an increase in production to 325 vehicles per year over the past five years.
