CARAVANS YET TO BE IDENTIFIED - Help identify these orphans!

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #32

Photos of an unidentified caravan seen listed on Gumtree in September 2017

The van was listed as a '1965 Huntsman'. The multi-strand cladding on the caravan was introduced in 1964, so a 1965 build date is possible. However, the van does not look like any Huntsman we've seen on the forum, especially in relation to the large bulkhead above the front windows.









If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[hughdeany]

Hi Don,
That van looks like a Roma to me,they used that large front top roll and wrap around windows.
The front and rear overheads were single and the roof hatch used push ups in the same configuration.
I thinks it’s been re clad over the bondwood,as later silver Roma’s had the smaller front top roll.
Cheers
hughdeany

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Hughdeany,

Re UC #32, nicely done identifying the caravan as a Roma. On checking the Roma thread, I see we already have a quite similar van there, although with different shaped wheel arches.

We’ve been told by Teneroc that some vans were supplied to Roma by Coronet, and some Coronets had large front top rolls. Do you think this one might have been built by Coronet??

Don Ricardo

[hughdeany]

Hi Don,
It might be a Coronet,they had the same front and rear overheads,but the shape just doesn’t seem as “pretty” as a Coronet,they also don’t have the near vertical back wall.
Cheers
hughdeany

[Don Ricardo]

Hi again Hughdeany,

This is the Coronet I was thinking of in relation to UC #32 - here, but I see what you mean. Although it has many similar features to the Roma, the Coronet looks much more 'balanced', whereas the roll on the Roma somehow looks out of proportion.

All very interesting. Thanks.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #33

"Handmade" caravan listed on Ebay in September 2017

Although described as "handmade", I think the style of this caravan and some of the features make this unlikely. It does have some touches to it that are ringing some vague bells in the back of my head, but I can't come up with anything as yet. Maybe it's the triple window treatment front and rear that reminds me of Supalite and Swanson caravans, but neither of those makes had the rounded sections below the front and rear windows.  Ideas anyone?







If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #34

Unidentified 3-berth caravan listed on Gumtree in September 2017

This caravan may well be hand-built, and has quite an unusual front and rear profile with the top half "overlapping" the bottom half. The seller stated that the van was 4.6 metres long, including the drawbar. That equates to an overall length of 15ft and the van has quite a long drawbar, so that suggests that the cabin is somewhere around 10ft.

















If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[hughdeany]

Hi Don,
That little van looks very much like one of Keith Winsers shapes,very distinctive dont you think?
Cheers
hughdeany

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Hughdeany,

Yes, the shape of the UC #34 van is quite distinctive. The "overlap" of the top half over the bottom half, front and rear, is quite unusual. I'm not sure whether it's just a styling "flourish" or whether it serves a structural purpose?  It sort of resembles a Prattline from that angle!!

It's interesting also that the van has no side windows towards the back of the van, and the side windows at the front appear to be non-opening. So that means that only the front and rear windows open apparently.

I can't work out the cladding around the rear window either. Is that aluminium cladding or something else? I guess it's aluminium, but it almost looks like painted chipboard (which I'm sure it's not!).

Don Ricardo

[hughdeany]

Hi Don,
The aluminium that runs across the roof and down to the windows front and back looks like flat white aluminium,
The two fixed side windows are from an older era I think,and I reckon the sides are silver aluminium that’s been painted,and it over bondwood,so it’s actually a lot older than it looks.
I remember as a kid going to Classic Caravan Repairs in Murrumbeena and ogling over the bondwood vans that were being modernised with new aluminium and cupboard door fronts and upholstery,they certainly came out a lot different than they went in!
Who would have thought 50 years later they are still around to confuse me.🤪
Cheers
hughdeany

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Hughedeany,

RE UC #34, no doubt you are correct with all your observations. The van certainly looks like the style that would have been originally clad in bondwood from the late 50's. It looks a bit 'Courtney-ish' in that regard.  That period would explain the combination of windows - some earlier and some contemporary to the build.

I also have some memories of Classic Caravan Repairs. When we bought our van from my mother, Classic installed the fridge, upgraded the electrics and installed the electric brakes. All work that has stood us in good stead over the almost 40 years since it was done. They also wanted to chop off the Don captive ball coupling, but I'm glad that I didn't agree to that. The coupling is such a Don feature!   (Hard to believe that we have now been using our van longer than my parents did.  Time passes!)

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #35

Unidentified 11 ft, 3-berth caravan listed on Gumtree in July 2017

This caravan was described on Gumtree as being handmade and built in 1952. The double cambered roof and the general style suggest that the van was built in South Australia, and the metal window frames suggest that it was built no earlier than about 1957 (assuming the window frames are original). I am therefore wondering whether the van, rather than being home-built, was manufactured by one of the many South Australian caravan builders that we don't know very much about at this point. I am therefore posting these photos on this thread in the hope that some information about it may come to light.













There is a de-mountable table at both ends, allowing a bed to be made up at either or both ends.  This is the rear table set up:



The new owner has taken the van to a number of vintage caravan events in both Victoria and South Australia. The following photos were taken by me at Bridgewater in February 2019 and show a little more detail, including the rear made up as a bed:





If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #36

In September 2018 Annesfx sent me the following photos of an unbranded caravan that her friend was considering buying, and wondering whether I had any ideas about its origins. We had a conversation about it at the time but couldn't reach any conclusions.

The van has a couple of interesting features including the slightly keeled roof and the V-shaped front windows:











The cladding on the sides with the multi-strand profile was only introduced around 1964, but from the shape of the van I think it is earlier than that. My feeling is that the van has been re-clad at some point.

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #37

The following 14 ft caravan was advertised in several places from March 2019 on. The shape, leadlight windows and fittings suggest a 1940’s build date. The van may have been home built, but the quality of the internal fittings also suggest the possibility that it was commercially built.





















Sadly since the first photos were posted the van has obviously suffered from water damage, especially in the roof and the external cladding. However, the following photos from the Vintage Aussie Caravans Facebook page in June 2021 show some additional details:







Note that the window frames appear to be metal:































If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Surf Tragic]

What am I. Van UC # 37
My comments here are just that, observations & opinions. In no way do I wish to say anything about this van to offend the owners
There are many features here that are similar to a Don Caravan.

Here is a list.
The Leadlight is an attempt to copy the signature Leadlight on the Don.
The ice-chest inside is very similar with its shelves & the way they are fixed to the sides.
All Knobs, Hinges are exactly the same, very good quality.
Stove recess exact copy, even catches inside.
Round ended top cupboards are similar
Side step mechanism looks a copy (photo under van shows angled piece of metal exactly same as 1948 Don 140 as pointed out in my post on 3rd Sept 2021 for Don Ricardo to compare)
Small solid rubber wheels at back are the same.

Other observations
The cupboard doors have a mitred frame, some mitres are 'different' to others. Not an accepted type of construction for door frames, not as strong as halved joints & rebated.
Windows are steel as you already noted
The entry door is fitted to the outside of the wall, probably rebated, not a regular practice for a wooden door.
The flooring runs length-ways, Dons fit sideways, strength ??
Turnbutton on the hatch flyscreen seems a bit insecure.

Sink with Stainless Steel splashback is another quality fitting.

Summary

Even though quality fittings are used, it would seem that all other aspects don't reflect a Factory production process, so my thought is that this van is 'home made'.

That doesn't reflect in a bad way to the joy someone has derived from using it.

Surf Tragic

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Surf Tragic,

Re UC 37

Some very interesting observations you’ve made about the caravan in question.

I agree that many of the fittings you’ve mentioned are extremely similar in design, construction and finish to some Don fittings. The other item I noticed that I don’t think you mentioned are the two handles on the front of the step, although perhaps they are screwed on rather than welded on?

I did momentarily wonder if the van might have been built by Hawthorn, which copied much of Don’s design features, but I ended up discounting that idea (based only on my gut feeling, not real evidence).

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #38

Photos of a caravan seen in June 2020, and restored and sold by the former Jack & Kac’s Bric a Brac in Ovens, Victoria:















A gas lamp was installed on the outside of the van behind the door. This may have been an add on, but there was also a gas lamp inside the van:



The caravan has a number of design features consistent with a South Australian built van, but I haven’t been able to match it with any known SA caravans.

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #39

Photos of a 1930's caravan listed for sale on Ebuy on several occasions from August 2018 t0 May 2020:

I have previously posted some photos of this caravan on the DHL '1930's Caravans' thread here. However, I have recently found some additional photos of the van which provide us with a more complete picture of it, and I thought I'd post them on this 'Caravans Yet to be Identified' thread in the hope it may assist us in discovering its origins.

The caravan was discovered in a farm shed in Western Australia by the vendor and subsequently offered for sale.

Note the impressive chimney below! The photo with the chimney may also suggest how it looked before it was painted khaki green?

[/a]

The vendor replaced the chassis and coupling in the belief that it would make the van more valuable...fortunately, however, he kept the original chassis and coupling:



The vendor's description of the van was as follows:

It is pre-war. It has period etched windows.................... ...all in excellent condition .
It has a dropped axle that is factory made.
It has 16 inch wheels .
Inside, ( with more pictures to come) is an ice chest a meat safe extensive cabinet work all in very good condition ;grubby but in good condition .
The outside cladding appears to be a masonite type material and in sections has begun to warp .
In the front section is a sink and a cooker area with a very cute chimney stack .
To the rear of the Van are two beds and a table that appears to fit to the rear for eating on.
A wardrobe and various cubbies are all original fittings..........Metal centre- press openers all match .
The shape of the Van is very vertical to the front with more shape to the rear ....................It is straight out of the 'Wind in the Willows !! .................
Inside the roof is very well constructed .
It was caught in a storm on its way home on a low loader .
I was surprised to see it did not take in any water .
It has been stored for over forty years to my knowledge .

The seller was of the view that the caravan was a UK-built 1938/9 Winchester Imp, only three or four of which were built, and provided the following photo of a Winchester Imp as evidence...even though the photo demonstrated that almost every aspect of the design of the caravan for sale was very different to an Imp.  Not to mention that the actual Imps were built with two doors and a toilet compartment, neither of which feature in the caravan for sale:

It is possible that the caravan for sale was imported from the UK - a small number were brought to Australia in the 1930's.  Nevertheless it seems more likely that it was Australian built, and given that the van was discovered in a farm shed in Western Australia after 40 years, it seems probable that it was built in WA.  Again it is possible that the van was home built, but the etched window panes suggest to me that it was commercially built.

All in all, if the caravan for sale was commercially built in Australia - and even more in Western Australia - then it is quite a significant vehicle from a caravan heritage and historic perspective.  I am hoping that whoever bought it - if indeed it was eventually sold - recognises what a treasure they may have.

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

On a side note, the 11 ft Winchester Imp shown above is a very interesting caravan in its own right.  There are a couple of fascinating webpages, the first recording the history of this particular van (the only one of the 3 or 4 built known to survive) here, and the other consisting of photos recording in detail its restoration here.  Both are worth the read.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #40

I captured these photos of an interesting caravan in May 2019 from an unknown source, possibly Gumtree:











The van has very unusual wheel arches, and the inset of the front and rear windows also has a distinctive profile. My gut tells me that the van might be Western Australian, but I haven’t been able to identify it as yet.

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

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ADDENDUM - 24 September 2021: I have found a post from Beth M on the Viscount Caravan Owners - Australia Facebook page in June 2020 indicating that she was the owner of the caravan and that it had the serial number 852 on the draw bar. A little bit of extra information. (Note that there is no suggestion that the caravan is a Viscount.)

[sportsman 1]

Hi DonR,

In regard to UC #40, yes it has unusual wheel arches, they reminded me of something I read recently.

I had a quick look and found a van in the Aristocrat vans thread. The last van featured in there was made by C & W and it has similar wheel arches, and was made in W.A. as you suspect UC #40 might have been.

Cheers, Leigh.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Sportsman1,

RE UC #40, before posting the photos I asked Aza whether it was a van he had rescued (it wasn’t), and he pointed out the same thing you did - that the shape of the wheel arches on this van is very similar/identical to that on the early C&W van you referred to.

I agree that the wheel arch similarity is unmistakeable. My problem is how I relate UC #40 to later C&W history. As best as I understand it, in the 60’s C&W built vans and sold them under the Aristocrat and Aristavan brand names. UC #40 may be an Aristocrat or Aristavan except that I can’t match it up with any of the Aristocrats/Aristavans we’ve got photos of. The Aristocrats and Aristavans don’t have the same wheel arches, and the profile of the front and particularly the rear windows is different.

Now C&W may have built other models, or maybe this is just an Artistocrat/Aristavan model we haven’t seen yet (both very possible), but in any case I can’t quite tie it together yet.  I’m still definitely open to the possibility and any others we can come up with.  It’s good to have a nice vintage caravan puzzle to work on, hey?  

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #41

Photos of a caravan posted by Arthur B on the Viscount Caravan Owners - Australia Facebook page and the seller on Facebook Marketplace in December 2019.

The caravan has Valiant Alumvan stickers on it, but it clearly isn’t a Valiant. The serial number on a plate on the hitch is ‘bh62549’, and it was suggested that that might indicate the van is a Blue Horizon. However that was discounted by Hughdeany, as also were the suggestions that it is a Hilandale or a Newlands:



















According to the seller:

…there are a few small differences I have noticed from other vans like this that may help, there is a trim strip up the centre of the blue line , the rounded cabinet with bottle holder at the entry, the “a” frame and gas bottle holder has been built slightly different also the trim and rail on the small shelf at the front… Also looks like the painted stripe was originally bright yellow and the front stone deflector was yellow and white stripes”











If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #42

Photo of an unidentified caravan listed for sale in August 2018:





Serial number?










(Source unrecorded)

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #43

Photos of an unidentified caravan listed for sale in May 2018:

The van is built in a typical South Australian style in terms of the shape, slightly double cambered roof, and Tudor ceiling with exposed ceiling struts. In some respects it looks reminiscent of a Furness but does not have the sliding door or windows.











While the caravan looks to have South Australian origins, I can’t match it to any van built by a South Australian manufacturer that I can find.

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo

[Don Ricardo]

REFERENCE NO: UC #44

Unidentified caravan listed for sale in October 2017:

This van displays the sharp edge at the rear of the roof line which we are beginning to sww was quite a common design trend in the first three or four years of the 60’s. One of the manufacturers that used this feature on many of its models in that period was Litecraft, and I wondered if this van was one of theirs. However, the internal head high cupboards and some other internal fittings are unlike those used by Litecraft.
















(Source unrecorded)

If you are able to tell us anything more about this caravan please post on this thread using the reference number so that we can connect your post to the caravan concerned.

Don Ricardo