Cobbers 1930s Windmill caravan-- no more

[Deleted]

Cobber,
after all the trouble we went to get you a genuine Australian 1930's caravan, what do you do .......you go and flog the bloody thing ;D ;D

But .....to a great home ........I'm sure Robyn & Ian will take good care of it and do it justice with the necessary repairs to bring the lil van up to scratch.

Welcome marjie2 to the elite group of 1930's caravan owners

Mark

[marjie2]

Thanks everybody - and especially to the rescuers of such an amazing little treasure (Cobber, Mark, Hillbilly and Brian). We've got her cozied up in the new shed and now the research has begun. My father and brother have had a look and their input will be invaluable; also have written to Museum Victoria and was referred to the Melbourne Museum Discovery Centre who requested the photos and a background briefing. We are waiting on their reply to see what historical information they may be able to provide.

Most of all - thanks Cobber and Yvonne for letting us have her.
She's a very special van, not to be messed with too much - her age demands respect and there's lots of people who will want to see this caravan preserved for posterity - so we are going to do our best and will probably need lots of advice - lucky we have this Forum.

Cheers everyone - Marjie 2

[cobber]

G'day Marjie 2.....and Ian

The Melbourne Museum Discovery Centre ...... no less

It would be good if they can answer some of the questions about this old girls history, and whether the "windmill Car Trailer Co." were building caravans between 1922 and 1936, somehow I doubt it

I know the Windmill is in very good hands.....otherwise I would still have it and we look forward to seeing what you do...and don't do with it.

Cobber.

[noblesgarage]

;D ;D ;D Yes well I suppose something good had to come out of getting lost and going in the wrong direction Good too see that She's in a loved environment were she know resides.

;)Keep us all abreast of her progress Brian

[jimandmoz]

hello people i know this site is about old vans and stuff but when you where in that big cockies shed just on your right hand side looked like a cool old car or it mite have been just junk but maybe its just me jim

[cobber]

G'day Jim,

I've had a few PMs from observant ......and optimistic people regarding stuff in the graziers shed......his son is "gunna" restore the car

Cobber.

[jimandmoz]

not to worry at least you asked the dumb question im optimistic im gunna finnish that van get a truck to pull it and finnish that old ute and finnish 51 hudson

[bilderbry]

May 7, 2012 16:35:29 GMT 10 cobber said:

While we were at the Vintagecaravans.com 2012 Nationals at Cowra from the 27th April until the 4th May word got around about an elderly couple who had a 1930s caravan they were willing to sell.
Mark T contacted them and invited me to go with him to have a look at it.

The farmers had bought it in 1959 and had used it during the 1960s... it was then put in a shed in 1970 and had not moved since then.



It was covered in dust but in good condition apart from some damage to the ply at the front inside.
Fortunately Mark had his recovery truck at Cowra and after making an offer, and waiting a couple of days for the farmers to accept it, we were able to recover the van and take it back to the caravan park.

Mark said I could have it as he already had two 1930s caravans in his museum and did not need another .

While we were inspecting it in the shed we discovered a small oval plate attached to the bottom corner of the door.... covered in dust and paint.


It was possible to make out it said “Windmill Car Trailer Co. ... The Pioneer Builders.... 35 Geelong Road Footscray... Phone f'scray 1273 ”

So that's what I have …..... a 1930s Windmill Caravan, the only one existing that we know of ...at this point in time.

There is some uncertainty as to the actual year it was made..... the farmer said 1936..... I have found three “Certificates Of Registration” in the van made out in the name of the original owner of the van, the first one in force until the 16th Aug. 1940 says the van is a 1938 model. The second label in force until the 16th Aug. 1941 says it is a 1937 model. The third label in force until the 16th Aug. 1942 does not mention the year at all.

The day we first looked at it





It was surrounded by “stuff” but was an easy recovery because the Farmers neighbour helped them clean around the van and......................... inside it


Marks highly experienced and professional “Vintage Caravan rescue and recovery team extraordinaire” consisting of nobelsgarage....hillbilly.. Mark himself.... together with a mate of mine, Jay ( an ex-tow truck operator) an me myself had the van on the truck in no time flat.

And back to the Caravan Park where it was inspected by the experts .





And a few talented sign writers .


Many hands make light work getting it of the truck.


And then onto the trailer our daughter brought from home to drag the van back home with


Thanks fellas .


Got it home safe and sound and off the trailer with the help of...... my little helper


Inside photos later ron..... when I get a round tuit............. but the restoration process has started,
.

Cobber.

[Roehm3108]

Why all this copying and then say nothing?

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Roehm,

I think it mainly happens when people are trying to work out how to use the forum. If nothing further eventuates after a while I delete the redundant post.

Don Ricardo