Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

gillberry · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 702 Location: Norwich

We were having a discussion at work about old caravans and our cheltenham someone said that in the 60s - 70s they had a Car Cruiser and that was the Rolls Royce of caravans. I was lead to believe that the Carlight held that title, what do you think? does any one have a picture of a Car Cruiser so I can see

old van man · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 384

hi, the term rolls royce of caravans was used by Bertram Hutchings in the 1930s, in adverts for his Winchester caravans , if you have watched the short video clip on this forum, caravan man ? Mr Dod gives a tour of his pre -war Winchester and you can see the quality ,lovely vans !

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

That title surely belongs to Royale Caravans!!
(not that I'm biased or anything)

Brian M · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject:

No - it belongs to Safaris and yes I am completely biased!
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

moggy · Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 174 Location: MIDDLESBROUGH

I always thought the Westmorland-star is the rolls royce of caravans,then second is the old carlights

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

hi there
This is the post about our Car Cruiser Clubman,with photo's. we are restoring her to bring her back to 100% condition. see what you think.

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7460
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

elot64 · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 35

Interesting discussion!

I think a lot of brands have used that name Rolls-Royce but only to improve there sales.

For my personal i think Carlight is certainly one off the Rolls-Royce of the caravans. But that is only my personal view offcourse.....
Anybody who loves his caravan may think his caravan is top of the bill...

But just look at my carlight and make your own decision:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elot64/sets/72157619187370666/show/with/3592251922/

By the way the video of the caravanman is something you have to see:
http://current.com/items/77319511_caravan-man.htm

greetings from holland

Brian M · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:52 am Post subject:

I had to respond to Emmerson's comment in the same vein as his, but to take this more seriously I agree that Carlight should carry the Rolls Royce of caravans epithet.

When my first classic caravan (a Knowsley Eros) was damaged, I started a search for a quality caravan built in the 60's or 70's. Book and internet research narrowed my list to just three makes - Carlight, Safari or Royale, the so called Clubman class of caravans. With respect to Dalek and his Car Cruiser, I felt that these three makes all had a more distinctive look that distinguished them from other makes.

I looked at 2 Carlights, 2 Royales and 3 Safaris - and saw good and terrible examples of each make. The quality of the Carlights shone through but unfortunately the sellers considered that the reputation of their caravan meant they could ask what to me were ridiculously high prices.

The Safari I bought offered the best value for condition even though it was 250 miles from my home.

The retail prices of these makes also tends to confirm Carlight as the best.

Taking a 14ft as a benchmark

In 1968 - Carlight £1350, Safari £828, Royale not yet born!
In 1970 - Carlight £1525, Safari £1040, Royale £1065
In 1973 - Carlight £1947, Safari £1364, Royale £1457

But they are all great classic caravans!
_________________
Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

Uncle Alec · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 734 Location: Manchester

I am sorry but this must be the Rolls Royce of caravans:
http://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fuk.images.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Drolls%2Broyce%2Bmotorhome%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dsfp&w=494&h=364&imgurl=www.oldwoodies.com%2Fimg%2Frv%2Frolls_motorhome.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldwoodies.com%2Fgallery-rv.htm&size=16k&name=rolls+motorhome+...&p=rolls+royce+motorhome&oid=6b56a9af8838a4f8&fr2=&no=2&tt=4&sigr=118bsfkg1&sigi=11dpa6391&sigb=1304bnu4b

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

elot, I tip my hat to your Carlight, it is beautiful - inside! But I much prefer the outside appearance of the Royale and Safari. But the Royale does it for me, as the shape is much more rounded than the Safari. The front elevation of elderly Carlights always gives me the immpresion that they are looking down their noses! Perhaps we need a Carlight interior in a Royale shell, and to keep Brian happy, a Safari chassis!
More seriously, to each his own, as it all a matter of personal choice.
I must say though, that from personal experience, Royale, Safari and OLDER Carlight owners are much more friendly than some of owners of later models.

old van man · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 384

this is an advert from THE CARAVAN magazine 1936 Smile

Giggles · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject:

elot64 · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 35

I still think this carlight is absolut top of the bill in the sixties!

Just put this evening my new curtains in the carlight and removed some plastic from some cushions and i was overwhelmed by the taste of luxury this old lady starting to have. Drinking my tea from china bone crockery and listen to some classic music. Live is not so bad at all.Time to get some sleep, i really think a need a teasmade to have a cup of tea without getting out of my bed.

Barry Lord · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:04 am Post subject:

This looks really nice, especially the radio over the front window. I can remember when there was real status attached to having a teasmade - yours looks great.

trailerman · Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Posts: 27 Location: Hampshire

The Westmorland Star was I think without question the 'Rolls Royce' of vans, however as it was specifically built for Gypsy people perhaps it doesnt 'count' as a 'tourer'? For build quality and cost when new they cannot be surpassed. http://gypsytrailercaravans.webeden.co.uk/#/heathcliffs-wstar/4534935599[/url]