1. Pre-war caravanning scene.
Old caravans feature in various locations across the site, with the majority of the information grouped in the historic caravan section. The first photo to feature in this section was sent in by Des, he scanned a number of pre-war motor-related scenes and amongst them was this one, featuring a caravan of the early 1930s.
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Also visible to the left is a vintage motor-car, possibly an Armstrong Siddeley according to Des. It would have needed to be a hefty machine in order to successfully tow the caravan - unlike modern day 'vans that are generally made from the lightest possible materials, in the early days of the touring caravan, quality materials were still to be found, at least in the more upmarket models. Cupboards would be crafted from the finest oak, and the chassis formed from steel. No contiboard or aluminium in sight, other than perhaps the kettle and other kitchen equipment. No mains electricity for the pre-war caravanner either, gas lights tending to be the most common source of light back then. So although in some ways primitive, going on a caravanning holiday offered many more creature comforts than you'd enjoy - or endure - sleeping in a tent (even if you had a Jagrose Car Tent!).
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Maybe a caravan enthusiast recognises the make and model of caravan shown here? The roof covering looks especially interesting, reminding me of the fabric & dope covered fuselages of WW1 fighter aircraft. Some aircraft manufacturers did diversify into caravan manufacture, so perhaps this is an example of just such a van. Thanks to Des for sending the photo over, and allowing it to be shown here.
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2. Caravanning in 1935.
David Bell sent the next photo over, and hopes that someone will be able to identify the sleek caravan shown below. The photo was taken in 1935 at Glen Lochay. Two Scottish-registered pre-war cars are also in shot, a Morris (regn FS 1315) and an unidentified car (regn KS 5523). This vintage caravan had been designed with streamlining very much in mind, and appears to feature either a logo or lettering on it's curved rear panel. Can anyone identify this cracking pre-war 'van? Thanks to David for giving permission to show the photo here. Update A member of the forum has identified the caravan as a Thomson, and adds: "Made in Scotland by Daniel Thomson, a Scottish joiner who had been making caravans since about 1908. The shallow tail of the caravan was used as an outside locker."
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3. A family holiday.
The following two photos show a pre-war tourer on a family's holiday, with a Morris 8 also in evidence. Judging by the clutter underneath the van, it looks like it is semi-permanently located in this position. The first photo shows a lady leaning a pair of ladders against the side of this early caravan. The style of registration plate is interesting, does anyone recognise its origins?
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4. Vintage caravan alongside a lake.
This lakeside view must date to the early 1920s, I'm hoping that someone will recognise the make of caravan, and possibly even the location of this scene. Heavy artillery-type wheels are fitted to this 'van, as is a small plaque on the rear - possibly for "GB".
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5. A family stood with a '30s caravan.
I'm sure someone out there will recognise the make of 1930s caravan shown in this next photo. A family of four, plus hound, are stood with their 'van, perhaps on holiday. The gas bottle has already been connected up. Did the small 8hp/10hp car to the left really tow this hefty-looking caravan, or (more likely) was it towed there behind something a little more substantial?
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Return to Old Motoring Photos Page No. 9.
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