Jdazzle's Van

[jdazzle]

Hi there, I have just bought a 50s handmade caravan, and would be interested in tracking its origins. I am the fourth owner, including the engineer maker. That is all that is known about him.

Caravan has Victorian rego stickers from the 80s, maybe indicating originally from VIC?

Caravan is delightfully original, apart from the 80s electric fridge.

Apologies to the recent sellers as I used their photos as were the only I had small enough. 

[jdazzle]

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Jdazzle,

Thanks for showing us the photos of your van. It has very nice lines and looks to be well constructed.

Overall the design and style of the van reflects that of caravans from the late 50’s, and looks like quite a few of the commercially built vans of that era. That being the case I have been wondering if the original owner/engineer may have even bought a rolling shell from one of the manufacturers and fitted it out and finished it? That’s just a possibility.

I think your comment about the Victorian registration from the 80’s possibly indicating the van was originally built in Victoria is very likely to be the case. We have found over the years that vans are even now very often built in the state in which they are later found. That’s partly because the caravan industry was very much state based up until the late 60’s, and second hand vans tended to be bought and sold in the states where they were built.

What state of Australia was the van in when you bought it? Do you know anything about the second and third owners?

Just a suggestion:  given that your van has such an interesting history I think it would be good to start a new thread for it, commencing with your first two posts.  Then subsequent comments from other people about your van won’t get confused with info about the other vans on this thread.  If you are happy with that, as a forum administrator I can arrange it and give the thread a name such as ‘Jdazzle’s van’ or whatever you like.  Just let me know.

Don Ricardo

[jdazzle]

Hi there Don, sounds a plan. I did create a new thread as realised overnight this thread I had posted to was unique to the likely “viscount”  caravan.  I then just deleted it by mistake! Sorry, new posting user. I hadn’t seen your post here as yet so glad I saved that.

Be great if you can create new thread for me  .

I bought caravan in NSW. Third owners had it for 15 years and just loved it, no changes, second owners had changed fridge. 

I’m searching for an original fridge (or close as, ie might be 60s). And using it lots with my almost 3 year old son.

ps read your story, which I had read before, lovely 😊😊.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Jdazzle,

Hope you've found the new thread about your van? (This thread)

I would guess with a fair bit of certainty that if you bought your van in NSW and that it had previously been registered in Victoria, then it was indeed built in Victoria.

Caravans didn't have to be separately registered in Victoria until 1967, so that was probably when your van was first registered. Can you tell me the date and make that are shown on the rego stickers?

I am so pleased to hear that you are planning to use the van with your son. That's fabulous. I am sure you will create lots of fantastic memories together.

Don Ricardo

[jdazzle]

Hi there Don, I keep missing your posts! Got notifications turned on now. When I am out at the farm next I will take photos of the rego stickers. Be so great to find the builder or his family. I am hoping someone might recognise it...😊. I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to maintaining original fittings, so loved the fact this one was just as it was. Though, it has had some extra 240 v lights put in, I’m guessing around the early 80s ( perhaps at time of fridge).

[jdazzle]

Hi there Don Ricardo, I took some pictures of the rego stickers today, though don't think they are particularly illuminating? See the earliest one below.

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