Mayfare (Mayfair) Caravan

[Don Ricardo]

1948 Mayfare Caravan advertised on Ebay on 12 June 2008:

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Description provided by advertiser:

It was one of three made for the 1948 caravan show in Adelaide. It is number one of the three made. I have refitted the van so that it can be used as a present day caravan with a three way fridge, cooktop/sink combo, 240V power, 4 speaker Kenwood stereo and 12V charger and battery. The fridge and cooktop/sink combo could easily be removed along with the stereo if you want an authentic van. The van has a full annex that more than doubles the size of the van and it comes with side curtains and a cover for the back door. All tyres are in good condition, suspension is new as is the top vinyl. The van comfortably sleeps three with ample room for a queen size bed and table and chairs in the annex. The caravan was completely refurbished 4 years ago, including new roof panels and interior lining. It tows perfectly and is very easily setup and packed away.

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Comment from Jailbarjuice on 13 June 2008:

I posted pix of this van a few years back, when I saw it at Bright & johns picnic in 2005.

Its probably more a "caravanette" than a teardrop. When the roof lifts up (its hinged at the front), a full size door frame fits in place at the rear, to hold up the roof. Then canvas (or similar) side panels fit into place. Its got heaps of headroom & space, & appeared a pretty good, unique van.


Further photos taken by Jailbarjuice and posted on 13 November 2005:

[Don Ricardo]

Mayfare (Mayfair) caravan advertised on Ebay, June 2010

This is one of three Mayfare vans reportedly built in 1948, and seemingly in a more original condition than the example at the beginning of this thread.

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Description provided by seller:

Here is a fantastic retro teardrop fold down caravan or camper.
Perfect for those who would like to capture the simplicity & style of the 1940s-50s era.
Very hard to find now, especially in this fold up/down layout. This one was purchased a while ago as a project but while work was completed on it, it could still do with more. very easy to work on and with some imagination, the decor could be upgraded to add your own touch.
It has a 50mm tow ball, is wired to 240 volt for one light and one power point. It has storage cupboards, a small table which is an addition. Two single beds with a board that can be laid down to turn it into one double bed. Windows are in working order, as are the tail lights.
It has the original canvas which does have some wear and small holes , so ultimately it could do with a replacement of the canvas.
The door slides inward and it folds down to a very compact size for towing, is also very light made primarily of plywood.
This van has been stored in a shed but the owner cleaned the van with a high pressure water sprayer unit prior to the photos to remove the dust, some of the water you see on the pillows came through the canvas hole because of the high pressure spray...
Perfect for touring, camping or to take to parties for that unexpected night over.
Display items included except brown tea-pot.

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This van is now owned by forum contributor Cruz.

The Mayfare caravan shown on this thread appears to be identical to the South Australian built Smal-a-Van caravan which was advertised in the 1953 Australian Monthly Motor Manual. Click here for more information.

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For a possible previous version of the Mayfare caravan, see the Whibley Lightweight Caravan