Cordell and Carefree caravans (Hampton, Vic)

[Franklin1]

1956 Cordell caravans advertisement:



(source: posted by Kris B, Oct 24, 2007, who wrote: Hi , found this in a 1956 Australian Caravan & Touring Manual.

Text reads: "Latest development... The new Luxurious ALL STEEL Mono Construction 4- Berth Caravan by Cordell."

There is definitely a resemblance to Marvin, both are mono constructed, but Marvin is Aluminum, not steel. We will have to try and find out if this Cordell drawing ever made it into production.)

----------------------------------------------------

reply by HDTodd: They made at least one. I've got a picture of it at home but it's looking a bit sad, just as well Marvin is made from aluminium.
Here is the picture of the Cordell Van that was in Restored Cars, March-April 2004. It says that it's a one off and was featured in a Motor Manual magazine in 1955. This would be a good project for someone if it's still around.



----------------------------------------------------

reply by 1954homemade: Hi Kris,

Good bit of detective work - it might be a Cordell, but it also might be a Propert !!!

A friend of ours came down to Coledale on the weekend to look at all the vans. We missed them but when I spoke to him on Sunday night, he said that his father (now 90) used to work for Propert in Newtown (Sydney) and that he used to build the Vans. Anyway to cut a long story short. His father always used to talk to him about a one off aluminium van that Properts had made and from the description that Billy's father used to give - he thinks there is a chance that it might be Marvin.

--------------------------------------------------------

reply by firefighter: Hey kris did you notice the ad with the marvin look alike.......the door is on the right hand side or is there also a door on the left . we will never know

--------------------------------------------------------

reply by sportsman1: I have a picture from a mag showing a Cordell van. The story states they only built 1 but if thats right why advertise?
...I dont believe that one [in the reply by HDTodd above] is the same one as the picture I have, similar color? but different place. I think the one I have is from a fairly recent Caravan mag so it may still be about.



---------------------------------------------------

reply by kb3: It isn't the same one, Sportsmans one has a rear bumper bar ;D
It sure looks heavy...

--------------------------------------------------------

[Don Ricardo]

1956 Cordell Folding Caravan Trailer article:


(Source: Keith Winser, Australian Caravan & Touring Manual for 1956, p 137)

For a photo of the exterior of the Caravan Trailer see the advertisement at the beginning of this thread.

[cobber]

This text is taken from Don Loffler's book “The FJ Holden” where he is discussing S.H.Cordell's conversion of FJ Sedans into “Station Wagons” in 1956.



Note that it is mentioned “he created some unusual vehicles” so maybe he did come out of the same mould as John Jennison, as suggested by Don Richardo on another thread.

Cobber

[melburgorbust]

just taking a look through my motor manuals of 1955, only have 10 of them (they were published fortnightly),
there's small adds for Alexander, Country Club, Aerolite, Belvue, Jennison, Roadhaven,
A trip report for FNQ
van airconditioning
North NSW coast touring
'55 melbourne caravan show
A full page add for Carapark, Carapark Hunter,
A 1/2 page add for Freighters Roller Caravan
A short review on the Carapark Motel, a 9ft homebuilt by Edward Palmer, Flynn Trans-Continental, Aeroline 20', new chassis from Flynn and Monk

but unfortunately only an advert for S. H. Cordell, basically identical to the one already posted here.

[cobber]

This advertisement is from the Melbourne Argus of May 1937.
It shows a “Care–Free” Caravan made by S.H. Cordell.... with “The first all steel body in Australia”. Note the address.... 190 Hampton St. Hampton.




Another advertisement from The Argus ..November 1937 for “Carefree” Caravans (without the hyphen) ..no mention of S.H. Cordell but...... at the same address.




Interesting how the more recent advertisements on this thread.. 1955-56 for "Cordell" caravans make no mention of the name "Carefree" and the thread we have on "Carefree" caravans from 1954 to 1955 make no mention of S.H. Cordell ….. but then THAT “Carefree” is at a different address

So.... we don't believe there is any relationship between the two.

Cobber.

[akeepsake]

1937 ad

[Don Ricardo]

G'day Akeepsake,

Great clear photo of the Cordell 'Carefree' caravan in that advert you posted. Thanks for adding that to our DHL treasure trove.

It's interesting to note that Cordell built caravans/camper trailers over at least a 20 year time span, and was one of the pioneers of steel bodied vans like the one in the photo. We haven't seen any examples of his vans, but I suspect that if we did trip over an example of the 1937 model we would probably discount it as a "home built".

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

Hi all,

While we're talking about S H (Stanley) Cordell's involvement in the caravan industry over a 20+ period from the mid-30's, it is worth recording that he was the motor vehicle body builder who was responsible for building several (or all three) of the prototype FX/FJ Holden station wagons that GMH didn't put into production, but we all wish they had...

Nov 2, 2008 18:36:52 GMT 10 @marktaylor said:

and another Cordell ..................

seen today at the Whiteman Park WA museum .......

For further information about Cordell's FX/FJ wagons click here

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

Photos of a Cordell built Carefree folding caravan published in the Sydney Sun on Sunday, 19 June 1938 (page 27):


(Source: National Library of Australia nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231038651 )

As best I can read it, the sign on the side says 'Carefree Scout' or something along those lines.  Caravan builders in the 30's often didn't put a brand name very prominently on their vans, so we are fortunate that Herbert Cordell was happy to do so in this case.

Don Ricardo

[mulla52]

Hi Guys, Just letting you know that the Blue all steel Cordell is still around. It is definitely rusty but not bent. It is much the same as shown in the Restored Cars picture. I did speak to Stan Cordell's wife some years ago and she said they only made the one. Style changed and it didn't suit the late 50's cars. My plan is to hitch it to a 1936 Lincoln Zephyr. Similar style!!

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Mulla52,

How fantastic to hear that the blue Cordell caravan is still around and that there are plans to get it back on the road! That will definitely be a sight to behold.

I gather from your post that the van is in your hands? If that is the case, we would love to hear the story of the van and how you came across it.

It would be wonderful to see some current photos of the van too, even in its current state. There are instructions on how to post photos in the ‘Forum Guidelines & Helpful Hints’ section of the forum. If you have any problems feel free to let me know, and I’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, if it would be easier, you are welcome to email me some photos and I will post them for you. My email address is [e-mail]

So cool to hear the van is still in existence!!

Don Ricardo