Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Clarina · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 32 Location: Wiltshire

We have just rescued a small caravan from a garden, that has been there since approx 1977!! The elderly lady we purchased it from, had bought it from a local farmer, to use as a study for her sons. It had not been moved since it was moved there in the 70's. Think it is possibly 1960's??
It is 8ft long, 6ft wide, has a fridge, sink and small cooker on one side, bed/settee along the other, this pulls out to make a double bed. There is a small wardrobe to the right of the door, space for a 'bucket & chuck it' in bottom.
The tow bar says 'Leason' and the whole chassis seems almost too large/robust for the size of the caravan.
It is dry inside, although the rear door is rotten, the lady used to paint the caravan nearly every year!
Although very well built I just feel it has been home built, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions would love to hear from you.
I am attaching a few photos.
Gill
http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h218/Clarina_2006/Old%20Caravan%20Aug%202011

young van man · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 117

Hi there leason made chassis for caravans from the mid thirties they also could supply you with everything you wanted to build your own van complete plans were available as well as cookers electrical equipment corner steadies everythink. your van looks to be a home built van from the late fifties. Hope this helps yvm .

Clarina · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 32 Location: Wiltshire

Hi YVM
Thankyou for the info, do you know how long they did parts for, for home built caravans?
We also thought it was arround this age, if you have anymore info we would love to hear.
Jim has been very busy scraping paint off of it, has now made a new door! So coming along well
Gill

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

On this site is an article about leason and a scan of a parts list

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/vintage_trailers.htm

hope it might help.
_________________
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/

Clarina · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 32 Location: Wiltshire

Hi Dalec63
Thanks for this info, it looks really useful.
Do you have any idea how long they continued to supply parts for self build caravans? I have tried to find out more info but without any success!
Thanks again
Gill

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