What is it ?

[retro64]

Hi all,


We took a little drive today to look at a van in the back blocks (where they usually hide ).

It was 10 foot over all body length with an approx 2 foot draw bar. rounded with bondwood sides and possibly afte rmarket aluminium over the roof. It appears to be 50s.

The unusual feature on this van is the wrap around front windows(perspex) that protrude about 6 inches out from the front wall. These are supported by metal scroll work below and above with what appears to be a fancy name plate (unfortunately blank). The same scrollwork features on the rear towel rail. Also on the internal table leg.

It was inspected electrically in the Prospect County Council in 1965. we thought this may indicate a S.A.van but really dont know.

We remember seeing something very similar in the postings quite some time ago.

Sorry we dont have photos to help speed up the process but the front windows really are an unusual feature, cant imagine too many used this design.

Any helpfull tips/links on where to look appreciated.

Cheers retro 64

[humpyboy]

Try this link, this is the first one that poped into my little head,reply 7 by DR


vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=chat&thread=2055&page=1

Look anything like it?

[akeepsake]

Hi Retro 64
Was looking at a van a while ago that is on gumtree at present that had similar front window setup. From what I understand they were an accessory made by Flynn caravans that could be added to a existing van or used on a home made build ( see Humpyboys shortcut)
Check out DHL thread under Carefree and you'll se a different but similar arrangement
Cheers Andrew

[Franklin1]

retro 64, the Prospect County Council use to be in the western area of Sydney. See Reply #39 in this other thread for a mention of them: Pathfinder President by Jennison

cheers,
Al.

[retro64]

Hi humptyboy and akeepsake,

Thanks so much for your replys.

Yes humptyboy the perspex has a similar look to the ones on your link however the perspex on the corners is bent at more of a 90 degree angle rather than a slow curve like the Flynn windows.

It also doesnt have the the curved" eyebrow" above it. Its just basically a box, same three window set up, the aluminium roof curves down then sits straight out flat on the top of the windows.

Its quite odd, and after reading your posts I am wondering if the van and window set up are all homemade as there isn't a number or name anywhere that we could see.

Its also interesting to note that whilst it has a sink there are no internal or external water tanks and no tap.We have a litttle bondwood at home that has the same set up of no water storage facilities and no spout. Does anyone have a theory on why?

cheers retro 64

[retro64]

Hi franklin1,

Thanks for your reply. The certificate looks just like the one shown in the link you provided, thankyou.

It just goes to show that this forum has an enormous amount of information that we all get to share enjoy and discuss .

Cheers retro64

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Retro64,

Been thinking about the van you saw, and come up with the following:

• Litecraft - some of their vans had a bay window
  
• Arrow - also produced vans with a bay window
  
• Gypsy - produced vans with wrought iron scrolls, etc.
  

(I've given you the links to click on because some of the DHL index links are broken at the moment.)

The first two were Queensland built vans, and the last was NSW built. Given that you are from SEQ - and presumably saw the van in that vicinity? - I was thinking that the van you saw was probably built in Queensland, but now that Franklin1 tells us that Prospect County Council is in NSW, maybe we are looking for a NSW origin?

Don Ricardo

[retro64]

Thanks Don Ricardo,

I had a look through the links you provided and theres nothing like it. Seems to have an identity of its own. Perhaps a reflection of the homebuilders? personality.

Cant say I blame them as the more ornate the better for me. Love all the lovely woodwork detail, metal work scrollsand glasswork, etched or leaded that some builders used to beautify their vans.

Lucky for Lionel we live all the way up here and not in the southern states where we see these gorgeous vans come up for sale from time to time ;D.

Once again thanks for the links,

Cheers retro64