King Caravans (Queenstown, SA)

[Franklin1]

KING CARAVANS

Manufactured by Jim King and David Munn
1154B Old Port Road, Queenstown, SA

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On Sept 6, 2007, surfncam wrote: Hey guys, New here, great site. Wonder if I could get some help identifying this van eg: make and model. I havent had a chance to have a real good look at this stage. We are looking at buying and restoring it to tow behind the kombi (restoration in progress,almost complete), any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cam...



Just went back to measure the van and noticed the faded word "king" on top of a crown decal located on the front edge of the roof, does this ring any bells?.
...Also the draw bar did not have "welded raised" I.D number it was stamped on the left side of the A frame but hard to read due to surface rust.
...The number on the draw bar reads:23TN124475

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reply by exocet: Hi, surfncam, down here in Tassie there is a large caravan yard called Kings Towbars and Trailers and King Caravans. they are a very large retailer,repairer, motor home builder, anything to do with caravans and trailers in fact, they have been around for centuries and MAYBE built caravans way back in the last century, and i am reasonably sure they had a crown in their logo at one stage. they were also very good at putting there logo on absolutely everything they sold whether it was new or secondhand! Their address is Main Rd Moonah, which is a northern suburb of Hobart. Anyway this may all come to nothing, but you never know! Goodluck Exocet

[Franklin1]

On Feb 28, 2005, retro 1 wrote: I've got a Castle Caravan (as some of you already know). I have seen a caravan which is in need of a makeover. It is called a KING caravan . Now this may seem a little uncanny that I already have a Castle caravan and that I soon may have the King (if the price is right). This might be funny to some but in all the info I have, I cannot find this van anywhere. It is about 10 foot long and is wrapped in aluminium sheeting.

...The hardest thing about this van is finding infomation on it. The second hardest thing is getting the van from its current owners at the moment, as they are very attached to it. I think they may let it rot before I can convince them to sell.

[Roehm3108]

Check out this immaculate caravan. The pic was sent to me by a friend, and I wonder if you South Australian folk can shed some light on its origins.


My friend has this to say about it: "I remember going to see the van as it was being built. It was custom made for us by one of the first van builders in South Australia. His surname was King and hence the name "Kings Caravans". I have 1963 on that photo but it would have been earlier as Dad got his first Holden in 1963 - a milky green 'hydramatic' station wagon. It was 10' 6". Made of ply wood. It was made in South Australia. He was situated on the Old Port Road at Port Adelaide. Yes it had a water tank over the sink and it had an ice chest."

Can anyone shed some light if Mr King manufactured under another name, or did he build other vans under the King name? He wouldn't have been King of the Castle caravans??

The towcar by the way is a Singer.

Ray

[cobber]

G'day Ray,

What your mate has is a "Convair" , same as Retro1's

Convair link in DHL the link to retro1's Convair is Here

Cobber.

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Editorial comment: Since this post by Cobber and the one below, it has been discovered that King caravans and Convair caravans were built by different manufacturers, although at one stage the two firms were co-located in a premises at Thebarton.

Don Ricardo

[Roehm3108]

Good pick there cobber! Just knew old eagle eyes would identify it. Retro1 have you got any more info on these vans than what's in the DHL thread???

Cobber, the interesting thing here is that this van has the Kings sign on it - makes you wonder why. The other variation I see is that the water tank's inlet hole is for an over sink tank, which Retro1 doesn't seem to have either.

By the way, the friend isn't a "he" cobber, its that little girl beside her mum sitting on the drawbar. Her mum's about your age now, and if it wasn't for Yvonne, I'd introduce ya!! Remember that even girls wore pants!!! ;D ;D ;D

Ray

[cobber]

G'day Ray,

In the "Caravan Trade Directories" in the back of
Winsers Caravan and Touring Manuals "Kings Caravans"
get a mention in only one..... the 1962 one, in that the
address is given as Old Port Rd. Queenstown....
that's what gave me the clue it was a Convair.

These Trade Directories aren't infallible though, there
is no mention of "Convair" in any of them

They usually indicate if the entry was a manufacturer....
agent... hirer.... repairs & servicing...etc , for the Kings
entry it indicates nothing

Apart from Retro1's Convair there is also a thread on "Surferboys" here , the
only examples we've seen are from the early 1960's

So... from the information I have I can't say if Kings
made Convair or not.. but if your lady friend says they
did... could be

Cobber.

[Roehm3108]

Hi Cobber

'tis a mystery that one, especially with what you discovered. The address is right and the lady recalls actually visiting the factory while the van was being built. Her dad was fussy like you

I hope Retro1 picks up this thread, perhaps he can shed some light onto the connundrum. Always interesting trying to learn about these things.

Are you visiting Toukley on the weekend of the 16/17th? Would be nice to catch up with you, been a while since we crossed paths.

Cheers

Ray

[Don Ricardo]

Kings Caravan sighted by Olfarts in an unnamed location in rural South Australia, May 2009:





Note that the shape of the wheel arch on this van is the same as the wheel arch on the Kings caravan pictured in the first post on this thread, suggesting that Kings did more than just re-badge caravans with their own name.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

Kings 'Crestline' caravan purchased by Isambard in May 2012:

















The van was identified by Olfarts on the basis of the small chrome stars located and visible in the blue flash at the rear of the caravan. However, there are other similarities with the Kings caravan shown in Reply #5 above.

For further info on Isambard's van click here

[Don Ricardo]

Dec 22, 2007 21:51:46 GMT 10 Franklin1 said:

On Sept 6, 2007, surfncam wrote: Hey guys, New here, great site. Wonder if I could get some help identifying this van eg: make and model. I havent had a chance to have a real good look at this stage. We are looking at buying and restoring it to tow behind the kombi (restoration in progress,almost complete), any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cam...



Just went back to measure the van and noticed the faded word "king" on top of a crown decal located on the front edge of the roof, does this ring any bells?.
...Also the draw bar did not have "welded raised" I.D number it was stamped on the left side of the A frame but hard to read due to surface rust.
...The number on the draw bar reads:23TN124475

Hi all,

Franklin1's quote above is from a post which now commences this thread.

Earlier this week I received an email from a new forum member, Spatvan, telling me about his King caravan, which looks like an earlier and possibly smaller version of the caravan discovered by Surfncam, and which has the same 'King and crown' logo. Hopefully Spatman will post some photos of his van in the near future. It needs some work on the external cladding, etc, but the inside is pretty good. It's a ripper van!

In Spatvan's email, he pointed out the similarity in the shape of the wheel arches between his 'King' van and the 'Kings' vans that are shown on this thread. We had previously had 'King' van and 'Kings' vans on two separate threads in the DHL section because we believed them to be built by two separate manufacturers for a couple of reasons:

• Until Spatman's van, we had only seen one van with the 'King and crown' logo, and heard about one other.
• All of the other vans on this thread, apart from the one now in the first post, are branded 'Kings' not 'King'. And none of the Kings vans have the 'King and crown' logo, even though some of them pre-date the King van, and some of them post-date it.
• There is a company called 'King Caravans' in Tasmania, who may have built vans at some stage in the past (see comment from Exocet in the first post on this thread), which made us think that 'King' vans may have been built in Tasmania.

However, Spatman's comment about the shape of the wheel arches made me think... The shape of the wheel arches on the King/Kings vans is quite unusual, and manufacturers often retained the same shaped wheel arches from one model to another, even when almost everything else was changed. That knowledge sent me hunting through Trevor Gill's book, Still Swinging the Billy, which is a history of the South Australian caravan industry. On page 65, Gill writes about Jim King and David Munn, two carpenters who met when they worked together in Carapark's Adelaide factory in the 1950's:

"As their friendship grew, Jim and David decided to explore their own horizons in the caravan industry.

" 'We built a few vans together at Clarence Gardens and Thebarton, then I acquired a hangar shed on the Old Port Road at Queenstown to establish the name of King Caravans,' Jim said.

"Solidly built and stylish with thick plywood shells, the caravans were big sellers in South Australia and interstate, with many purchased by the Government to accommodate Highways Department employees working to bitumise the road across the Nullabor Plain."

We know from the manufacturers plates on 'Kings' branded caravans that they were built at 1154B Old Port Road, Queenstown, so the evidence is that 'King' and 'Kings' vans were both built by the King Caravans firm.

On the basis of the above conclusion, I have combined the 'King' and 'Kings' threads and amended some of the information in the posts above. However, it would be interesting to know why Jim King branded some of his vans 'King' and other 'Kings'.

One other thing to note from Still Swinging the Billy is that it contains a photo (page 64) of a 21 ft van built by Jim King which is similar to a lot of the KIngs vans shown on this thread, but is branded 'Crestline'. Another rabbit burrow to chase down!

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

Hi folks,

In my last post on this thread, I argued the case for both King and Kings caravans being built by King Caravans in Queenstown, South Australia. However, the evidence for this proposition was largely circumstantial. In other words we don't have direct evidence, but all the information we have seems to point in that direction.

One curious fact up until now is that all the vans we've seen on the forum branded with the 'King' name used a 'King and crown' logo, whereas none of the vans we've seen branded with the 'Kings' name used that logo. So I was pretty excited when the following photos of a 'Kings' branded van turned up in an advertisement on Gumtree this week, because the maker's label included both the 'Kings' name and the crown logo - the missing link we've been looking for:



The van itself has a number of unusual features which I have commented on below:





Note that the above photo shows the three chrome stars located at the left hand (rear) end of the coloured side flash which is a signature touch on Kings caravans. However in this case the stars are in a line rather than the more familiar triangle. Note also what appears to be a porthole window below the main window near the front of the van. I think this is probably to provide ventilation for the lower bunk bed. Various makers used small vents, etc, for this purpose, but I can't think of another maker that used a porthole for this purpose (if that's what it is).













Note also that this van has the dinette located along the side of the van opposite the galley rather than at one or other end. This layout is fairly conventional in modern vans, but is unusual in a pre-1970 van. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other vintage era vans with this feature, but other people may be able to come up with some examples.

According to the advertiser, the van is a 1964 model and 16 ft in length. The table folds down into a double bed, making the van 6-berth.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

Hi all,

One of the interesting features of Jim King's caravans is that a number of them were branded as 'Crestline'. There is a wonderful photo in Trevor Gill's book Still Swinging the Billy that shows a Crestline branded van.

Following are some photos of Neilncheryl's 17 ft tandem Kings caravan showing the Crestline signage:









Further photos of this van and the story of its restoration can be found here.

Neilncheryl's van appears to be the same model and size as Isambard's Kings van which was also branded as a Crestline, and can be seen higher up this thread here, although unfortunately the Crestline branding cannot be seen in those photos.

At this stage we don't know whether all of Kings vans of a certain era were branded as Crestlines, or whether the Crestline name applied to a particular model or trim level.

However, here are some photos of a Kings 12 ft Crestline van which was listed on Ebuy in November 2014. Note that this van combines bondwood clad sides with aluminium front, rear and roof. This suggests a build date of late 50's or early 60's, and earlier than the tandem shown above. Note the Crestline name on front and rear:























Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

Hi all,

While a-Trove-ing this afternoon, I came across the following photo:


Vehicle Collection (0899) - Land Rover by Steve Given, on Flickr  (c) Steve Given

The description accompanying the photo states: "Camping with a Land Rover and caravan at Beaufort, Victoria, Australia, in 1977."

Based on the shape and style of the caravan, the flash and, most significantly, the distinctive shape of the wheel arch, I am guessing that the van is a King Caravan. If that's the case, that may help to fill in the gap we have in the early history of King Caravans.

Don Ricardo

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Please note that this photo is still under copyright. I have therefore not copied and posted the photo but just created a link to Steve Given's Flickr page.

If you're interested in cars - and most of us are - Steve and some others have assembled a most amazing collection of photos of cars from all around the world ranging from the 1900's up to the present day here and Australian cars here. Well worth a look!

[moth]

Hi all ,just had the pleasure of meeting Jim King of King caravans , he live on kangaroo island now ,but was keen to talk caravans and gave me his phone number ,a wealth of knowledge on Caravan builders of the time ,giving me more info on the builder of our sundowner caravan (Arnold press )informing us he built approx 5 vans and was good mates with the maker of the hardy caravans .He made a point to say that the Harris caravan was copied of of his ,a fact he was none to pleased about , great living history .cheers the moth

[Don Ricardo]

Photos of a King caravan posted by Mgandwartz here on 21 October 2011:









Mgandwartz's initial information was that this caravan was a Hyking, however after discussion and comparison with other caravans, it became evident that it was a King.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi all,

In June 2014, I received an email from Spatvan in Mount Gambier, together with a YouTube video of his King caravan. I referred to his email in this post, and Spatvan and I corresponded about the van by email, but I didn't post his video at the time because he said that he intended to do so. However in the end that doesn't seem to have happened, so here's what he wrote, together with his video clip:

I have just acquired a King caravan, circa 1960 I'm guessing, here’s my video of it [see below]. I have searched the web for information on it but it seems that they were either of a limited production, or they are incredibly rare nowadays as there is scant information available on them anywhere. There is ‘Kings’ and it seems it is the same manufacturer as the front windows are of similar design shown here and the wheel arches are the same cut. I'd say mine is a later version of the one shown...by a couple of years looking at the full wooden 1950's job and round port-hole window synonymous to the 50's era.

Do you have any other links/knowledge on the King, Don?...

Rest assured, this van will be fully restored, maintaining its originality, right down to the wheel spats (which are included but I had to remove them to replace the tyres and re-grease the hubs prior to towing) and original gas bottle (tested of course). Basically, it needs new marine ply walls, electrics updated, gas lines replaced/overhauled, brakes overhauled, new tow hitch, shutters re-riveted/powder-coated, new window rubbers and of course fully painted/polished exterior. The interior is pretty much all original and okay needing only minor fixes here and there. Furthermore, it has a fully original canvas annex in nearly unused condition, with the poles stored in the metal cylinder across the rear of the drawbar........a veritable 'time-capsule'!



Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

1966 Crestline caravan built by King Caravans and advertised on Gumtree in November 2017:

[brettfor]

Hi everyone, new here, I'm looking for some advice on the value of what seems to be a vintage kings double axle crestline caravan!
It has always been stored underneath a carport and so is in really great condition. The interior has plenty of great detailing and seems to be fully original and in great nick. I spotted those iconic star handles on all the drawers etc. which can be seen on other models too. Suprisingly all the lights are still functional. There's some surface rust on the chassis of the caravan but nothing that can't be sanded off and repainted. Sleeps 6 people.

The electrical installation inspection dates from 1964 so I'm guessing this must be around the date of its birth.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

















Any help on a valuation would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Brett

[Roehm3108]

HI Brettfor. That is one lovely caravan you have there. Thanks for adding the pics.

Unfortunately for you, we don't discuss values on this site, as it is often very divisive and there are no hard and fast rule as to values. Your best bet would be to check out some Facebook sites on vintage caravans where they are more than happy to argue the point. You could also keep an eye on sites like ebay and gumtree.

Good luck

[Mustang]

Hi Brett,
What a wonderful time capsule you have ? or you are considering. Prices on this forum are not discussed, as a protection for the seller.
As advised have a sqizz at ebay /Gumtree etc that will give you an asking price for an older van, but consider when you buy "what's the condition worth to you"
Vans like this are certainly rare.

[Don Ricardo]

Wow Brettfor!

That’s a very nice looking Crestline indeed, and looks to be in fantastic condition. Roehm and Mustang have explained the forum policy on pricing, but you don’t see a lot of early to mid-60’s vans in that condition. (Of course you need to check for hidden problems such as leaks and rot.)

I’d love to know what the difference is between the Crestline models and the ‘standard’ Kings caravans. The designs looks to be almost identical, but perhaps the Crestlines were clad in bondwood while the standard Kings were clad in aluminium? Just a guess.

I presume the Crestline you’ve shown us is clad in bondwood?

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

King caravan advertised on the Vintage Caravan Renovations & Sales, Australia Facebook page in September 2021:

The vendor stated that the caravan is a 1962 model, however the 60’s King vans had rounded bulkheads above the front windows and wrap around windows, so this van may be a little earlier.









The caravan was being sold semi-restored and the following photos show the van in that state, but I am including them because they show the shape and window layout.  Note that the front window on each side is a fixed window, as are the right and left front windows:









Don Ricardo

[peter54]

Hi all, Amazing reading all the above. Just to add some info on KINGS CARAVANS. Yes they were manufacturers of caravans and built CRESTLINE VANS here in Old Port Rd Queenstown SA. The factory still exists although very worn out, an old hangar type structure now home to ADELAIDE HYDROLICS. If you google search it"ll come up. They had there sales yard on the South/Western cnr of South and Cross Roads where the cross rd overpass is now. Back in the day the sales yard was full of new vans and the factory was running at full pace keeping up with demand. They were a popular caravan both here in SA & interstate. They also had major contracts with government dept's building vans. Jimmy later went on to creating Southern Caravans and the sole agent for Hillindale Caravans on South Rd Edwardstown.
My history with Kings Caravans stretches back to the early 60's as the owner JIMMY KING was a very close family friend. Jim introduced my father Frank McDonnell to the caravan industry and employed my father as Manager of the business. KING Caravans employed many tradesmen who went onto forge very successful caravan manufacturing businesses of their own. My father is an example. starting up Freeway, Midland and his flagship brand MIAMI CARAVANS in Mullers Rd Hampstead Gardens SA.
I have vivid memories of my brother and I 6-7 year olds spending weekends and school holidays at the factory and sales yard.... Was an amazing experience to witness the vans being built and running down the production line.
Someone also mention CONVAIR Caravans. CONVAIR was started and built by George Valaris in Adelaide SA, another great caravan. I think later Jim King bought out CONVAIR CARAVANS but not 100% sure.

Sadly Jimmy King passed away a month ago at 94 years of age. He was a great character and wonderful person and made a huge contribution to the caravan industry.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Peter54,

Welcome to the forum. It's so interesting to hear a bit more about Jim King and King caravans, as well as about your father's link with King caravans and his involvement with Freeway, Midland and Miami.

It's always good to hear from the family members of the caravan industry pioneers. They are often able to tell us so much and it's good to record some of that information for posterity and so the pioneer's contribution is remembered.

It is sad to learn that Jim King left us so recently. It would have been good to hear more about his activities.

We know a little bit about Miami and some of its models, but know virtually nothing about either Midland and Freeway (apart from their names). I'd love to chat to you a bit about your father's activities. I'll send you an email with my contact details so that we can get in contact if you're interested.

Don Ricardo