Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

martnz · Joined: 13 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

Hi
I am new to this forum (and new to caravanning actually!), and have just bought this 1959 Alperson Sprite. I am living in New Zealand, and there don’t seem to be many of these vans out here, although i believe there was a company importing them as kits up until 1958. I would be interested to know if there are any others out there?
I have some pictures of the van when i first got it, but i have since stripped out the interior to track down some leaks.

I found this picture, which is supposed to be a 1959 Sprite.

And under the Lino I found this.

Which would back up the date, and the fact that the bunks had been built on top of it would tend to point to the fact that it was assembled in NZ. I also found the labels on the squab covers were dated 1958, and for a Sprite 14.
Anyone have any further info?
Cheers
Martin

Fluffle-Valve · Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 9:14 am Post subject:

I don't have any info on the caravan for you, but I'd like to say that I quite like this one. It's the windows that do it for me. I like the way you can get an all round view at the front with the windows meeting at the corners.
Also looking inside, is that a toilet or a wardrobe?
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Series 3 1972 LWB Truck Cab Pick Up. My daily drive.

martnz · Joined: 13 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

Yes it should be a good spot to sit and watch the world go by. Still a little way away from that at the moment, but i am nearing the end of relining. I havent found out much about these vans, but i have read that they were a cheaper range when introduced, and from my experience the builders were no joiners!
No its not a toilet, just a wardrobe.
Also found more proof of the date. The original squab covers were dated on the tags.

Fluffle-Valve · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 10:31 am Post subject:

You got anymore photo's of the build then?
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Series 3 1972 LWB Truck Cab Pick Up. My daily drive.

KG56 · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 4

I love that!
It's the windows - and the sheer size of it, very nice Smile

Knowsley · Joined: 13 Sep 2010 Posts: 158 Location: uk

Here's some brothers and sisters of your Sprite I thought I would upload for others to see

Don't make em like they used to!

David (aka Knowsley)

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Remember - Practice makes perfect!

andyrr1971 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 40

Hi, I am new to this forum, though have been browsing regularly for a while. I wonder if anyone can help me. I am looking for one of the very early sprite musketeers - like the one in the picture that knowsley has posted above - the light blue one in a barn. Happy to consider one in any condition. If anyone has one they wish to part with, or knows where there is one please get in touch, cheers, Andy

62rebel · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 3:06 am Post subject:

i'm surprised at the amount of space that this 'van seems to have, despite it's apparently low roof ends... something that US 'van builders have lost appreciation for. no-one stands upright all the way to the ends; once you're on your way into the seating/bed, you're either crouching or bending over, just as you would be, doing the same thing at home. that allowed the builders to roll over the roof ends gradually and give a better streamline effect to the 'van than a big square BRICK, as commonly seen here in the US.... the "modern" US caravan requires something akin to a semi-tractor in HP to pull it along.... foolishness. too big, too heavy, too clumsy, and definitely incapable of being man-handled around a campsite.

your caravan looks like a real charmer. very light and airy!
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nothing is ever so far gone as to be unsalvageable. see this bolt?.....