Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Keith D · Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject: Is a 1979 caravan a classic?

Does a caravan built in 1979 get considered a classic??

To my complete surprise, I bought a caravan today. It is 31 years old and yet could be placed in a showroom and sold as new! It is an absolute credit to it's previous owner. Even the 1970's lino on the floor is not damaged nor discoloured. The panelling on the walls are unmarked. It is like travelling through a time warp. My good lady, unusually enthusiastic about something old, urged me to buy it! So I did!

It will be delivered to me next week and if caravan members think that it can be considered classic, then I will take and post some photos.

Keith

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

What make is it ?

Keith D · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:58 am Post subject:

Hey Moggy,

It's an Australian built Franklin. I don't know much more about it yet, but am eagerly awaiting it's delivery!

Keith

Brian M · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 8:23 am Post subject: Re: Is a 1979 caravan a classic?

yorkshireretro · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 95

i think so Smile

I generally prefer the 1970's caravans to the older ones as I grew up with 70's models such as sprite, avondale, I have found several caravan preservation societies, etc to be a bit snooty about anything later than 1960's but I think that as long as it is not brand new or recent and it is no longer in production it should be classed as classic Smile

cobber · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 200 Location: NSW Australia

G'day Keith,

If you need information pertaining to you Franklin there
is an Aussie "Classic Caravan" site that you might like to
visit....at 1979 your 'van just qualifies Wink

http://ditzygypsy.proboards.com/index.cgi

Cobber.

Keith D · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 1:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your feedback guys!

Went and paid for it today and took a few photos while I was there.

First of all I learned that it is actually a 1978, not 1979!

It's just under 15' long (the body) and weighs 750kg tare and just over 1000kg loaded. It has hydraulic over-ride brakes which have just all been reconditioned. There is also a full length annex to go along the side. My 3.5 litre Mitsubishi Magna shouldn't have any trouble dragging it.
Unfortunately my only vehicle of the correct era is my Kombi, and that won't tow it!

This is all new to me - it's like opening Pandora's Box! Thanks Cobber, I shall certainly work my way through that Aussie forum you linked me to.

Keith

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Keith D · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 12:57 pm Post subject:

I've had the caravan home now for a couple of weeks. It is licenced as a 1978 14' Franklin Hunter.

I left it parked on my back paddock for a couple of weeks with the full annex up so that our first decent rain for about six months washed it down! There were no leaks!

Today I parked it in one end of my workshop. It fits with about 3" to spare when the door is closed! So it will now live permanently out of the weather. (Except when in use, of course!)

As soon as my Mother-in-law gets herself out of hospital and back home again, my wife and I will be off into the wide blue yonder !!!

Keith