Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[gresham flyer]

I would like someone to identify this caravan if they can please. I know the owner but he has no idea either.
The exterior is metal finished as are the window frames.
It did not have any exterior lights fitted when built.
There are no identity plates anywhere on the caravan.

Gresham flyer

[Uncle Alec]

I think I can deduce the story of this one but I had better wait to see if anyone actually knows the story to avoid making myself look stupid.

[alan 869]

[Uncle Alec]

OK, I'll kick it off.
Frantically backpedalling here, so all this is subject to me proving myself wrong later:
Somewhere in a very safe place I have copies of a 1930s edition of Practical Woodworker in which there are plans of how to build yourself a touring caravan. The body shape is very similar to the shape of this one.
Also I notice the chassis and interior fittings don't match the age of the style of body, nor the exterior fittings such as they are..
What I see so far is a body very similar in shape to Winchester (the door in particular looks right for a '30's Winchester) but with elements that make me think it is a home-built in the style of a 1930s.
The interior furniture looks very post-war Eccles to me. It could have been built by a competent DIYer, or it could be the product of a re-chassis and remake of an existing 30's van.
I wonder if Joseph Lea & Son could be involved?

[alan 869]

I would be very supprised if you are not right Alec. The outside is definately 30s style with the interior looking 50s. Perhaps it was a -one off- by a skilled carpenter or cabinett maker. Could even have been one of a small series by a larger carpentry shop, to see if there was any money it making them.

Perhaps not everyone knows what you meant by Joseph Lea and Son.
I happen to have their catalogue from 1961. There was a similar firm in the London area, Joy and King. Have also their catalogue from 1961. Picked these up here in Sweden so they probably sold to the trade here aswell.

I have a copy of Practical Mechanics from August 1937 where there are plans etc for -building your own Motor Caravan-. Much simpler than the van in question though. Can you fix a few pics of your Practical Woodworker mag Alec?

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[gresham flyer]

To help matters move along I have some further information.

The caravan spent all its life on Canvey Island nr London. It had no lights fitted which suggests to me it was used as a static item rather than for touring use.
Being so close to London it could well have been manufactured there.

It was found in someone`s back garden on Canvey Island.

Then it found its way up here to Cambridgeshire.

Gresham Flyer

[Dalek63]

Before 1954 it didn't need any lights except a numberplate light. But from then on the law stated you had to have some lights at the rear. Also its deffinetly not a Leason chassis, different legs and A frame.
_________________
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/

[alan 869]

Really it would be great with a lot more photos. Some of the wheels and frame. The rear. Some more of the interior. Panelling suggests 40s style more than 50s?? The same legs, with swivel feet, are on a friends Willerby Vogue. Trouble is that a lot of parts weren´t specific to any one make and parts could have been changed over the years.

ONLY good thing about the swedish way of doing things.... All vehicles have to be registered. Own registration number and MOT. Caravans and trailers the same as cars. Since a few years back, caravans and trailers are MOT´d everyother year instead of every year. This means that caravans can be traced the same way as cars. This van would have to have had a manufacturers plate (even a home build), a chassi number stamped into the frame and it would have been given it´s own reg number. Saves a lot of speculation. Here is the -Registreringsbevis- proof of registration, for my Carmen van from 1965
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The part -E- Identifieringsnumber (=chassinumber) I´ve been told means in this case 05 (May) 65 (1965) 058 (chassinumber - total number made)
They only made around 70 of the Carmen
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[Dalek63]

That Carmen looks like it was made to take you up to orbit, to join the star Ship Enterprise.
_________________
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/

[alan 869]

Tha´t why they only made 70

It´s had a refurb at GB Replicas in Catsworth G.T Yarmouth. They have done a fantastic job. I can thoroughly recommend them.

Pic of it with the PV before the refurb....

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[Dalek63]

Looks like the bloke has sold the old green one, was on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vintage-classic-forties-fifties-retro-caravan-NOW-SOLD-/221145141151?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item337d470f9f
_________________
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/

[alan 869]

Hope it went to a proper enthusiast.....

[gresham flyer]

Yes the caravan has been sold.

He offered it to me for £4800.00 i was not in the market for another one at this price,I like to carry out some work and pick one up a bit cheaper.Bah Humbug.!!!

Not sure what price he got for it.
Gresham Flyer