Wills Teardrop

[willyn]

Here is a photo of TIA when I first found her in Mandurah 5 years ago
the rear lid was part way up and the water had eaten out the kitchen cupbards and floor
I towed her to my Factory at 9am on a friday and had the floors and cupboards rebuilt on the Saturday around 2am



built by Mercury caravans Star st Carlyle WA in or around 1948 to 1950
I still have the original fx wheels
has a wooden draw bar with metal angle bolted through to reinforce it at a later date
there were apparantly three made and was reputedly the first aluminium teardrops made in Australia commercially
as told to Will by the former whiteman Park curator ( perths vintage automotive museum ) where it was before he bought it for himself to restore which never happened

[Franklin1]

Hey Will, this is a bit spooky you posting this thread again about your teardrop. I'd already put the bottom picture over in the Down History Lane teardrops thread back in December. Are you still celebrating the New Year??
Just to clarify the date of your teardrop...Previously you said it was 1952 (which is what I put in the teardrop thread), and the signwriting on the rear of your teardrop says "Classic 52 teardrop", but your post above says "in or around 1948 to 1950". Should I change the date over in the History section?

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Al, its a 1952.

Here's a link to the add & photos when Will purchased it:

www.oldtimerclassic.com/CarsAccessories.htm

click on 1952 classic caravan.

the add says:

CARAVANETTE, 1952

Only known Aluminium "skin" version of popular round "Bubble" design by Mercury Caravans of Carlisle WA.
The main section (side door) contains the Sleeping Compartment with some cupboard space. The "kitchenette" at the Rear includes a lined IceBox and small cupboards - requires some work and clean up.
Some "annex poles" are included but no canvas or instructions :-)

[willyn]

Hi guys as you can see in the ad I purchased the van in 2003 from the agent for the seller 5 years ago
it was advertised as 52
and as you can see on the back of the teardrop I have 1952 transferred on it
when I was at whiteman park the old curator who owned it before me gave me more of its history it was registered as an aluminium caravan in 1952
it was previously a standard model Mercury teardrop and lined with the aluminium from a DC3 for the original owner the teardrop was built by Mercury then clad by Mercury at a later date and as said first registered in 52 which was good enough for me however the original teardrop build date is not known as there were three made with the wooden draw bar and FX wheels it could be from 48 on was his summize but officially registered as aluminium in 52

Will