A seemingly humble van could be the solution for those that want to travel in state, but without drawing unwanted attention to themselves.

The Carisma Viano is perfect for those who like to travel first class but hate the often crass statement that arriving for an engagement in a less than subtle Rolls-Royce Phantom or (soon to be defunct) Maybach makes.

And while it may start out life as a Mercedes van, on the inside the attention to detail and the scope of bespoke touches and luxury features is limited only by a client’s imagination.

Its makers, Carisma Auto Design, claim that, as such, no two of its Viano conversions are the same and that discerning customers are equally likely to specify their vehicle as a mobile office as they are for traveling in complete unbridled comfort.

The leather interior on each conversion is sourced from barbed-wire-free countries and each installation is designed, hand-built and fitted by master craftspeople who learned their trade restoring classic cars to concourse condition.

Recent client requests have included solid crystal ashtrays and champagne flutes; integrated fountain pens and ink wells; and a 42-inch TV and refrigeration units.

But as well as old-school luxury, the Carisma Auto Design Viano comes with the latest technological innovations.

Clients can specify a Windows or Apple on-board operating system, paired with a Bang & Olufsen sound system for optimum multimedia enjoyment.

And if a van, even one built by Mercedes is too utilitarian for some clients’ tastes, Carisma also does an equally subtle but luxurious line of Land Rover conversions.