I'm not an expert on Eribas but I can answer some of your questions:
Not sure when the Eriba Touring Gt came in so I'm guessing around 2000.
Up till 2009, all Tourings were designated GT.
In 2009 a 'Special Edition' Model the 'Forever Young' was introduced which is 60 mm higher at 2260 mm.
From 2010 onwards, all models are this higher height and GT became an 'optional extra' package. The model you were discussing at Lowdhams is 2013, thus was available with or without the GT package.
According to the 2009 Brochure, the Troll 530GT and the 540GT were both 200 cm wide, but the 550GT and the Pontos 660GT were both 210 cm wide.
We have a 2009 Triton 430GT which suits us perfectly. As you sleep across the van, it is fine if you are 5' 10" tall or less, unless you can have the double bed to yourself and can sleep diagonally.
It has been said that the single bed is only suitable for children, but I have used it when I have been away on my own and is fine for me (5' 10" tall and under 12 stone).
If you have any further questions that can be answered from the 2009 Brochure, please ask.

This is the second time I have posted this but the first one disappeared, not sure why, don't think I said anything that warranted deleting it!

Brian

Basically as Brian has said.
A regards the 210cm width, the 55 series Trolls [550, 552, 554, 555] have I believe always been 210cm in width. When the newer height vans appeared, firstly as "Forever Young" in 2010 and from about 2012 in the new livery of all silver GT or white stucco the 530 and 540 also increased in width from 200cm to 210cm.
If buying a non GT white van then you need to check the specification carefully. I ordered a white van for collection in Feb 2017. Apart from colour it exceeds the standard specification of a GT model so ask lots of questions to ensure you know what to expect if you went to view or buy.

Colin

Germany took over production in about 2010. You will recognise the German vans as they are taller at 226cm and no longer sport the white top 1/2 over silver bottom paintwork.
These later vans seem to van two main problems, poor quality timber in the cabinet work resulting in hinges working loose and dodgy touch lights that now seem to have been rectified. More though has gone into them and in other areas they do seem better. Other electrics spring to mind as the French seemed to have a Friday afternoon approach to wiring vans.
The cabinet work on vans built prior to the Germany move are better, but some unlucky folk have experienced damp issues and rusted frameworks.
Earlier vans from 80's and 90's seem to be the best built, although the could be due to owners having sorted everything out over the years.
My 2003 van was probably the best put together, the 2006 Familia had a few gripes easily solved and the 2007 Troll likewise.
If I was venturing into Eriba ownership now i would try and buy a van from around this period with the highest axle rating you can get. Give it a very good going over for rust around the bottom edges and any water stains on the inside wall board around windows and in line with outside waist trim and gutter/awning track . A useful tip as to how the van has been stored is to look at the condition of the outside rubber trim. If clean and bright it implies it has been stored under cover or been cleaned on a regular basis.

Colin

> So what year did they start building in France?

From this website: https://www.hireahymer.com/about-us/the-history-of-hymer-motorhomes/

Hymer France SA was set up in 1970 at Thann in Alsace and moved two years later to a newly-build factory in nearby Cernay, where it remains today.(Sic.) With a large part of the caravan manufacture transferred across the border, it was time to expand once again into the motorhome business.

Hope that helps and that it is accurate!
Brian